Written Answers Nos. 301-320
302. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date in advancing a proposal to introduce a subsidised hackney service for remote rural areas, taking into account the specific needs of older persons who do not have their own transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3264/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the local area hackney, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
The purpose of the local area hackney (LAH) licence is to offer a SPSV service in a rural community where existing transport services do not serve the needs of the community. The LAH can meet the demand for these services, but it cannot displace any existing SPSV services. Applications are open to any person who wishes to provide this service, subject to the regulations. As of 31 December 2025, there are 26 licensed LAH drivers and 24 licensed LAH vehicles in operation.
The NTA held a public consultation, which closed on 28 November 2025, on proposed changes to the current LAH regulations to increase LAH licence uptake. The proposed key changes to the regulations are to: (1) permit more than one local area hackney driver to operate the local area hackney; (2) enhance the voice of local communities regarding the transport needs assessment for their area, and (3) reduce the regulatory burden on applicants by giving greater clarity to local communities and applicants on the areas nationwide that are open for applications for LAH licences.
In addition to those key changes, the NTA also proposes to: extend the maximum licence period for vehicles and drivers from 3 years to 5 years; mandate licence holders to demonstrate that they are providing satisfactory service to their community when renewing their licence; reduce the time period in which a licence holder must complete their licence renewals from 12/24 months following expiration to within 3 months of their licence expiry, to ensure that a community is not without the required services, and introduce a new fixed penalty notice offence for picking up passengers outside of their permitted local area. The NTA is currently evaluating the feedback from this consultation and expects to implement any related enhancements in early 2026.
Given the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred your question to the NTA for further information. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
303. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport the status of a PSV licence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3268/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including SPSV licensing, is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
There are two statutory bodies involved in the SPSV driver licensing process; the NTA and An Garda Síochána (AGS). As set out in section 6(2) of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, AGS is the driver licensing authority for SPSVs in Ireland and is responsible for:
• Vetting applicants to assess their suitability
• Administering applications received
• Where appropriate, granting and renewing SPSV driver licences.
The NTA is responsible for:
• Administering the SPSV Driver Entry Test
• Processing SPSV driver licence fees
• Issuing the SPSV driver identity and display cards, on receipt of the SPSV Driver Licence from An Garda Síochána
• Maintaining the SPSV driver and vehicle licence register, together with the Driver Check App.
From an analysis carried out on driver licence issuance in the first half of 2025, the average time between a candidate passing their SPSV Driver Entry Test to having their driver licence issued, was 15 weeks for Dublin and 13 weeks for the rest of the country.
Given the NTA's responsibility regarding vehicle licensing, I have referred your question to the NTA for further information. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
304. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to urgently address the case of a person (details supplied); if the family will be reimbursed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3270/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, which includes the operation of the theory test. This includes the provision of various options to accommodate candidates who may require special assistance to take their test. Neither I or my Department are involved in the day to day operation of the service.
Having regard to the case the Deputy has outlined, I have referred the questions to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
305. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the details of the changes to a service under BusConnects (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3272/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the BusConnects routes in Dublin.
As the Deputy may be aware, BusConnects is a transformative programme of investment in the bus system, with the aim to provide better bus services across five cities. It is the largest investment in the bus system in the history of the State and is managed by the NTA.
The roll-out of the remaining phases of the BusConnects Dublin Network Redesign will occur over the coming years, subject to funding and operational readiness.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
306. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport when a promised meeting regarding an important issue (details supplied) will take place; if it will be prioritised in quarter 1 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3273/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is already aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) is the independent transport regulator of the SPSV sector, and I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of that sector.
I wrote to the NTA in November last to request clarification on the regulatory position on the Uber fixed price fare for the information of taxi operators and public representatives alike. In its response to my letter, I was advised by the NTA that the charging of a fixed fare is in accordance with the applicable regulations. I have also been advised that the NTA continues to keep the regulatory model under review. Senior officials from my department met with the NTA to discuss the response on 09 December 2025.
I also formally requested the urgent consideration of the matter at a special meeting of the Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles on 11 December last which officials from the department and NTA attended. The Advisory Committee is an independent body established under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 and its primary function is to provide advice to the NTA as regulator and to the Minister for Transport in relation to taxis, hackneys and their drivers. Membership of the Committee includes drivers, operators, and representatives of consumer interests and disability interests.
The structure of the SPSV market has undoubtedly changed over the last number of years, particularly in relation to the role of dispatch operators. With this in mind, I have requested that the NTA conducts a regulatory assessment of dispatch operator licensing in Ireland, in the context of ensuring that the regulatory framework for this element of the overall sector is sufficiently up to date and robust to respond to developments in the SPSV market, since the enactment of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. In addition, I have requested that all stakeholders are given the opportunity to feed into this work as soon as possible.
307. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the number of no-shows for scheduled driving test appointments in 2025, per month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3298/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra308. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the number of no-shows for scheduled driving tests in December 2025, per test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3300/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 307 and 308 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service. This includes all application and scheduling matters. As such, the information requested relating to no shows for the driving test is held by the Authority.
Pending this response, the Deputy may wish to note that the RSA publish detailed monthly information on the driver testing service on the CSO website, including the breakdown of no shows. This information is available at the following link: data.cso.ie/table/ROA31
309. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Transport if he has formal announcements to make regarding the promised meeting with small public service vehicle, SPSV, drivers to review the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 to address issues; if he has detailed plans to continue to support the SPSV sector by pressing for a comprehensive review of dispatch-operator licensing; if he will advocate for clear regulations or amendments that address fixed fares, algorithmic pricing practices, priority fees and technology charges, ensure fare transparency and parity, and protect driver incomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3303/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is already aware, the National Transport Authority (NTA) is the independent transport regulator of the SPSV sector, and I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of that sector.
I wrote to the NTA in November last to request clarification on the regulatory position on the Uber fixed price fare for the information of taxi operators and public representatives alike. In its response to my letter, I was advised by the NTA that the charging of a fixed fare is in accordance with the applicable regulations. I have also been advised that the NTA continues to keep the regulatory model under review. Senior officials from my department met with the NTA to discuss the response on 09 December 2025.
I also formally requested the urgent consideration of the matter at a special meeting of the Advisory Committee on Small Public Service Vehicles on 11 December last which officials from the department and NTA attended. The Advisory Committee is an independent body established under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 and its primary function is to provide advice to the NTA as regulator and to the Minister for Transport in relation to taxis, hackneys and their drivers. Membership of the Committee includes drivers, operators, and representatives of consumer interests and disability interests.
The structure of the SPSV market has undoubtedly changed over the last number of years, particularly in relation to the role of dispatch operators. With this in mind, I have requested that the NTA conducts a regulatory assessment of dispatch operator licensing in Ireland, in the context of ensuring that the regulatory framework for this element of the overall sector is sufficiently up to date and robust to respond to developments in the SPSV market, since the enactment of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. In addition, I have requested that all stakeholders are given the opportunity to feed into this work as soon as possible.
310. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the reason people with disabilities or their carers have their property tax deferred and have a 4% added interest cost added annually; and the way this will be addressed. [2998/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended) provides for the possibility of deferring the charge to Local Property Tax (LPT) in certain circumstances to assist individuals who may have difficulty paying the tax. A qualifying person may opt to defer, or partially defer, payment of the tax. Where a person qualifies for a full deferral then 100% of the liability can be deferred. Where a person qualifies for partial deferral, then 50% of the liability can be deferred. The balance of 50% of the tax must be paid. The deferred tax remains as a charge on the property and must be paid before a sale or transfer can be completed.
In respect of 2026 and future years, income thresholds are €25,000 for a single person and €40,000 for a couple to qualify for a full LPT deferral. The income thresholds to qualify for a partial deferral are €40,000 for a single person and €55,000 for a couple.
Between 2013 and 2021, interest was charged at 4% per annum on the deferred amount. This interest rate was reduced in the Finance (Local Property Tax) (Amendment) Act 2021 so that from 1 January 2022, the interest rate on deferred payments is 3%.
The 2012 Act does provide for an exemption from LPT for properties that have been purchased, adapted or built for use by an incapacitated person, subject to the qualifying conditions for the relief. The exemption will only apply where the cost of the adaptations exceeds 25% of the market value of the property before it was adapted. Further detail on this exemption is available on Revenue’s website: www.revenue.ie/en/property/local-property-tax/lpt-exemptions/incapacitated-persons.aspx
The LPT legislation also provides for a reduction in the chargeable value for homes that have been adapted for use by a person with a disability. The policy objective of this provision is to ensure that homeowners with a disability, whose properties have realised an increase in value due to necessary adaptations having been made, are not liable for a higher LPT charge as a result of those necessary adaptations.
It is also possible to apply for a deferral on the grounds of hardship if a person suffers an unexpected and unavoidable significant loss or expense as a result of which a person cannot pay their LPT liability without suffering financial hardship. Further information regarding the deferral of LPT is available on the Revenue website at: www.revenue.ie/en/property/local-property-tax/deferral-of-payment/index.aspx
Any property owners experiencing financial difficulties can avail of a wide range of flexible payment options both in respect of their LPT liabilities and for any previous years where liabilities remain outstanding. The full range of payment options, which includes phased arrangements, are available to property owners on the Revenue website at: www.revenue.ie/en/property/local-property-tax/paying-your-lpt/index.aspx
Finally, property owners experiencing difficulties in meeting their LPT obligations can contact Revenue through MyAccount at www.revenue.ie or by calling the LPT helpline (01) 7383626.
311. Deputy William Aird asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will consider extending the €14,000 tax-free rental income relief to include rental arrangements involving family members, in recognition of current housing pressures and the need to support intergenerational living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3134/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRent-a-Room relief, which is provided for in section 216A Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA), was introduced in 2001 with the aim of increasing the availability of rented residential accommodation. The relief acts as an incentive to encourage individuals to let rooms in their principal private residence as residential accommodation in order to bring about an increase in the availability of rental accommodation.
Section 216A TCA provides that, where an individual rents a room or rooms in their home as residential accommodation, and the gross rent received (including sums for food, laundry or similar goods and services) does not exceed €14,000 in the tax year, they treated for income tax purposes as having neither profits nor losses from the payment for that accommodation.
The relief is not available where the sums received are from a child to a parent, or from a child to their parent’s spouse or civil partner. However, there is no restriction where rent is paid by other family members, for example, a niece or nephew.
Further details in respect of the relief including comprehensive guidance on the full range of conditions which must be met and how to avail of the relief, can be found in Tax and Duty Manual Part 07-01-32 - Rent-A-Room Relief at: www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-07/07-01-32.pdf.
312. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the significant increases currently taking place in motor insurance premia; if he has statistics as to the scale of these increases; if he has addressed this with the insurance industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2933/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, neither I as Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, nor the Central Bank of Ireland can intervene directly in the pricing or provision of insurance products under the Solvency II EU Directive.
However, I fully acknowledge concerns regarding motor insurance premiums. Globally, the last few years has seen the emergence of inflationary pressures in motor insurance. This rise is driven by a combination of external factors, including increased vehicle technology, supply chain disruptions, and a tightening labour market, which have raised the cost of repairs.
When compared to other regions, Ireland’s reform programme has helped shield consumers from sharper premium increases experienced elsewhere. Between 2016 and 2024, motor insurance premiums increased by approximately 65 per cent in the UK and by around 20 per cent across the Eurozone. In contrast, Ireland experienced a proportional reduction of approximately 34 per cent over the same period. This reflects the impact of measures such as the Personal Injuries Guidelines, reforms to the duty of care, and legislative enhancements to the Injuries Resolution Board, all of which have reduced claims costs and improved consistency and predictability.
Further reform is ongoing through the work of the Office to Promote Competition in the Insurance Market and initiatives such as the Action Plan for Insurance Reform 2025–2029, launched in July last year. The Plan includes a comprehensive series of targeted actions aimed at improving affordability, availability, and transparency across the insurance sector. For example, my Department, working with the insurance industry, is developing a transparency code for motor insurance in late 2025. The code will come into operation later this year, and require insurers to provide simple, understandable explanations of how premiums are formed, what mitigating actions may be available to consumers, and what broader factors influence pricing. It will also ensure that consumers can directly receive additional information, upon request, to better understand their own premium.
I want to assure the Deputy that there is ongoing and regular engagement with the insurance industry on a range of matters, including the cost of insurance. The Government is firmly committed to addressing the cost of insurance through implementing the reforms set out in the Programme for Government and the Action Plan for Insurance Reform 2025-2029 to ensure a fairer, more sustainable and competitive insurance market which delivers tangible improvements in cost, choice, and access for all consumers.
313. Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the estimated scale and value of the illicit roll-your-own tobacco market in Ireland; the most recent figures available on seizures and Revenue assessments; the estimated loss to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2976/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2009, Revenue and the HSE’s National Tobacco Control Office have jointly commissioned annual surveys among smokers to estimate the volume of non-Irish duty-paid cigarettes consumed in Ireland. Since 2013, this includes a separate survey on roll-your-own (RYO) tobacco. The results of these surveys along with the survey methodology are published on Revenue’s website. The most recent survey conducted by Ipsos MRBI found that 49% of RYO packs in the survey had not been subject to Irish duty, representing a significant increase from 32% in 2023. The latest survey further indicated that the proportion of illegal RYO packs rose to 36% (up from 20% in 2023), and that the proportion of legal, non-Irish duty paid packs was 13%.
Over recent years, the survey results indicate an increase in illegal tobacco products including RYO tobacco. While cigarettes are the predominant tobacco product consumed in Ireland, the proportion of smokers consuming RYO tobacco has increased in recent years. Revenue is committed to targeting the illicit tobacco trade and implements a range of measures to tackle the sale of illicit tobacco. At the core of these measures is identifying and targeting the smuggling of illicit tobacco products into the State, with a view to disrupting the supply chain, seizing the product and, where possible, prosecuting those involved. Revenue monitors trends in the illicit tobacco trade on an ongoing basis and adjusts its actions and redeploys its resources to counter any new developments or methodologies employed by the criminal gangs involved in that trade. Revenue has also taken steps to tighten controls on the movement of duty-paid tobacco products from other EU countries, with a recent introduction of regulations to more effectively guard against the abuse of the excise duty relief available on tobacco for personal use.
Revenue’s strategy to tackle tobacco non-compliance involves developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international basis, the use of analytics and detection technologies, which includes analysis of online activities, and ensuring the optimum deployment of resources on a risk-focused basis. Enforcement work by Revenue continues to lead to significant seizures, disruption of illicit trade channels and successful prosecutions. Figures relating to the seizure of tobacco products in recent years are set out below:
Cigarettes
|
Year |
No. of seizures |
Quantity (m) |
Value €m |
|
2025 |
5,493 |
46.9 |
42.5 |
|
2024 |
4,920 |
112.3 |
95.6 |
|
2023 |
5,164 |
69.5 |
55.7 |
|
2022 |
5,431 |
51.6 |
39.5 |
|
2021 |
4,889 |
60.7 |
43.5 |
|
2020 |
3,132 |
48.2 |
32.8 |
RYO Tobacco
|
Year |
No. of seizures |
Quantity (kgs) |
Value €m |
|
2025 |
1,549 |
23,673 |
21.0 |
|
2024 |
1,500 |
39,407 |
32.6 |
|
2023 |
1,673 |
10,191 |
7.7 |
|
2022 |
1,563 |
11,803 |
8.5 |
|
2021 |
1,692 |
38,246 |
24.1 |
|
2020 |
1,304 |
7,189 |
4.2 |
During 2025, Revenue secured 55 convictions for offences related to tobacco smuggling or evasion of excise duty on tobacco products and 44 convictions for offences related to illegal selling of tobacco products. Fines totalling €143,780 were imposed by the courts in 2025 for tobacco offences. Further successes highlighting Revenue’s approach to the illicit tobacco trade include the detection and dismantling of an illicit commercial cigarette factory in Dublin in February 2024 and in Co. Louth in March 2025. These detections were as a result of intelligence-led operations.
Revenue welcomes and follows up on information from businesses or members of the public in relation to shadow economy activities and the supply of illegal tobacco products. Anyone with suspicions of illegal activity can contact Revenue in confidence on the free phone number 1800 295 295. I am satisfied that Revenue is very alert to the threat that the illicit tobacco trade poses to the effectiveness of tobacco tax which is a key aspect of the Government’s strategy to disincentivise smoking.
314. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the mechanisms in place or that are being considered to ensure that any mortgage agreement between a customer and a financial institution cannot be sold on without all parties’ consent. [2990/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCreditors have the general right to assign, or sell the benefits and rights, under a credit agreement to another creditor.
When a creditor's benefits under a credit agreement are sold to another entity, the debtor's obligations and rights do not change. The terms of the agreement at the time of the assignment remain in place.
The entity which acquires the legal rights of a creditor under a credit contract with a consumer, or which services such an agreement, is within the regulatory remit of the Central Bank of Ireland. Accordingly, the Central Bank's consumer protection codes, including the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears, continue to apply.
If a consumer is not satisfied with the way a regulated firm is dealing with them, or if the firm is not complying with regulatory requirements, I would urge the consumer to make a formal complaint directly to the regulated firm.
If the consumer remains unsatisfied, they can then refer the complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman.
315. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount his Department, or agencies under its remit, spent on advertising on a social media platform (details supplied) in each of the years 2024 and 2025, respectively; to outline any expenditure on verification or premium accounts on the platform in those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3102/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that neither my Department, nor any of the Bodies under the Aegis of my Department, have run any paid advertising on the social media platform “X” during 2024 or 2025.
316. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of help-to-buy claims approved since July 2020, by county; the number of applicants associated with these claims; and the number of claims by homebuyers excluding self-builds, by county, which is the number that relate to purchases. [3262/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Help to Buy (HTB) incentive is a scheme to assist first-time purchasers with the deposit they need to buy or build a new house or apartment. The incentive gives a refund of Income Tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) paid in Ireland over the previous four years, subject to limits outlined in the legislation.
The level of support available to first time buyers under the HTB scheme, is whichever is the lesser of:
• €30,000; or
• 10 per cent of the purchase price of the new property; or,
• the amount of Income Tax and DIRT paid in the four years before application for the relief.
I am informed by Revenue that, in the period 01/07/2020 – 10/01/2025, there were 43,334 approved claims covering 78,700 applicants. Within this time-frame 33,243 of these approved claims related to purchases while the remaining 10,091 of these approved claims related to self-builds.
The table below provides a breakdown of these approved claims and applicants by purchased and self-builds by county in the period 01/07/2020 – 10/01/2025.
|
County |
Claims Approved (All) |
Applicants |
Claims Approved (Purchased) |
Claims Approved (Self-Build) |
|
Carlow |
463 |
808 |
306 |
157 |
|
Cavan |
441 |
810 |
188 |
253 |
|
Clare |
801 |
1,454 |
365 |
436 |
|
Cork |
6,613 |
11,964 |
5,257 |
1,356 |
|
Donegal |
856 |
1,542 |
343 |
513 |
|
Dublin |
6,410 |
11,472 |
6,327 |
83 |
|
Galway |
2,112 |
3,831 |
1,070 |
1,042 |
|
Kerry |
543 |
984 |
117 |
426 |
|
Kildare |
5,202 |
9,585 |
4,985 |
217 |
|
Kilkenny |
929 |
1,691 |
528 |
401 |
|
Laois |
1,419 |
2,604 |
1,154 |
265 |
|
Leitrim |
119 |
219 |
30 |
89 |
|
Limerick |
1,428 |
2,563 |
953 |
475 |
|
Longford |
121 |
225 |
13 |
108 |
|
Louth |
2,183 |
3,979 |
1,943 |
240 |
|
Mayo |
816 |
1,480 |
284 |
532 |
|
Meath |
4,244 |
7,816 |
3,631 |
613 |
|
Monaghan |
445 |
817 |
104 |
341 |
|
Offaly |
750 |
1,357 |
437 |
313 |
|
Roscommon |
363 |
667 |
143 |
220 |
|
Sligo |
424 |
747 |
279 |
145 |
|
Tipperary |
784 |
1,431 |
288 |
496 |
|
Waterford |
1,241 |
2,230 |
962 |
279 |
|
Westmeath |
831 |
1,504 |
556 |
275 |
|
Wexford |
1,728 |
3,126 |
1,151 |
577 |
|
Wicklow |
2,068 |
3,794 |
1,829 |
239 |
|
Totals |
43,334 |
78,700 |
33,243 |
10,091 |
317. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the funding allocated, spent and outstanding for flood relief and coastal protection projects in County Waterford in each year 2020 to 2025; and the status of each project, in tabular form. [3018/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra318. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the funding allocated, spent and outstanding for flood relief and coastal protection projects in each county in each year 2020 to 2025; and the status of each project, in tabular form. [3019/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 317 and 318 together.
The OPW will collate the requested information and respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
319. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation his position on whether public bodies should facilitate remote interviews for candidates based abroad who are seeking to return to Ireland to take up employment in public bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3025/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004, responsibility for recruitment within each sector of the Public Service rests with the relevant Minister. As Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, I hold direct responsibility for certain recruitment matters within the Civil Service, including the setting of eligibility criteria.
The 2004 Act also established the Public Appointments Service (publicjobs) as the centralised recruitment body for the Civil and Public Service. Among its statutory functions is the authority to determine the selection processes to be applied in recruitment campaigns.
I am advised that publicjobs already implements a hybrid approach to interviewing. Competitions may involve automated video interviews, live video interviews, or in-person interviews, and candidates are informed in advance of the format.
The choice of method depends on factors such as the level and nature of the role, candidate numbers, and specific requirements from client organisations. Each competition is assessed individually to determine the most appropriate approach.
I am informed by publicjobs that recruitment processes must remain flexible to ensure fairness, accessibility, and equality of opportunity. Roles vary in complexity, candidates may have differing access to technology or require accommodations, and for certain senior or sensitive positions, in-person interviews may be essential. A prescriptive approach could disadvantage some applicants and limit the recruiter's ability to tailor processes to the circumstances of each competition.
320. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if the Office of Public Works can provide an update on the location of the new proposed Garda station for Northern Cross; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3026/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration published their Sectoral Investment Plan on the 4th December 2025.
The second half of their Sectoral Investment Plan will focus on bringing the projects for Dublin Metropolitan Region North (DMR North) to construction in 2028.
On the basis of these priorities now published, the Office of Public Works will be engaging with An Garda Síochána and the Department to support them in identifying and appraising the most suitable site to support the Department's objectives.
