Written Answers Nos. 361-386
361. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth if there are plans to include modules in relation to toxic relationships in coercive control within the Junior Cycle SPHE curriculum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3296/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been ongoing engagement between my Department of Education and the Department of Justice in respect of Zero Tolerance, the Third National Strategy for Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV).
My Department is represented on the Third National DSGBV Strategy Advisory Group as well as the National Awareness Campaigns Advisory Group.
The Department of Education and Youth has responsibility for a number of actions within the prevention pillar of Zero Tolerance, under an overall heading of enhancing the understanding of children and young people about gender inequalities and equality, consent and healthy relationships.
My Department is committed to inclusive education for all. It is fully committed to creating safe and supportive environments in schools that are welcoming and inclusive for every student. The area of well-being and the promotion of positive mental health is a priority for the Department. This includes promoting emotional well-being and resilience and positive coping skills, which support children and young people to manage the complexities of modern life.
Across both primary and post-primary schools, the SPHE curriculum supports pupils’ learning in the areas of inclusion and diversity. In the context of social, economic, cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity, it seeks to foster in the learner attitudes and behaviours that are characterised by understanding, empathy, and mutual respect. It addresses, too, the issues of equity and human rights, and fosters in the child the realisation that rights have associated responsibilities. Concepts of empathy, respect and inclusiveness are nurtured through the learning experiences offered and through the attitudes and practices inherent in the organisational structures of the classroom and the school.
Following an extensive period of consultation, an updated SPHE curriculum for Junior Cycle was introduced into schools in September 2023.
The learning outcomes of the ‘Relationships and sexuality’ strand include that students should be able to ‘reflect on the values, behaviours and skills that help to make, sustain and end relationships respectfully with friends, family and romantic/intimate relationships’, to ‘identify signs of healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationships’, to ‘appreciate the importance of setting healthy boundaries in relationships and consider how to show respect for the boundaries of others’, and to ‘appreciate the importance of seeking, giving and receiving consent in sexual relationships, from the perspective of building caring relationships and from a legal perspective’.
The learning outcomes of the ‘Emotional well-being’ strand include that students should be able to ‘recognise different kinds of abusive and bullying behaviour that can occur in interactions online and in person’, to ‘explain why noticing and responding to different kinds of abusive or bullying behaviour that can occur in person and online is important and discuss appropriate responses including, why, how, where and when to report’, and to ‘identify actions young people can take, without putting themselves at risk, in situations where they are aware of incidents of abusive behaviour or bullying happening and explore the barriers to standing up’.
Finally, the learning outcomes of the ‘Understanding Myself and Others’ strand include that students should be able to ‘reflect on gender equity and how gender stereotypes impact on expectations, behaviour and relationships’ and to ‘communicate in a respectful and effective manner and listen openly and sensitively to the views/feelings of others’.
An updated Senior Cycle SPHE specification was approved last September. Schools have until 2027 to introduce this new specification in order to allow for necessary preparatory work.
The ‘Relationships and sexuality’ strand includes a section on ‘abusive and violent relationships, stating among its learning outcomes that students should be able to ‘identify and consider common signs of abusive relationships, including coercive control’, to ‘explain the root causes and consequences of gender-based violence (GBV), with a particular focus on violence against women and girls, and outline the supports available’, to ‘ investigate the influence of pornography on attitudes, behaviours and relationship expectations’, and to ‘ discuss image-based abuse, sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape and what to do if they or someone they know has experienced any of these’.
362. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth to give an update on the rolling out of DEIS+ as of January 2026 considering the funding announcement in Budget 2026; the way in which schools will be chosen for the rolling out of DEIS+; what will it include; the benefits students, parents, teachers and school leaders will see from its implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3299/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTackling educational disadvantage and helping students reach their full potential is a key priority for me as Minister for Education and Youth, and for the Government.
Currently, the DEIS programme supports almost 1,200 primary and post-primary schools, reaching approximately 260,000 students, with an annual investment of over €180 million. Budget 2026 allocates an additional €16.5 million in 2026, rising to €48 million in 2027, to support the implementation of the new DEIS Strategy and introduce the DEIS Plus scheme, which will commence in 2026.
A new DEIS Strategy, which will include the DEIS Plus scheme, will be published in Q1 2026. The DEIS Plus scheme will provide additional support to schools with the highest levels of need, in line with the Government’s commitment. It will target a cohort of schools with high concentrations of children and young people experiencing intergenerational disadvantage where there is a significant gap in outcomes and there are barriers to those children and young people achieving their potential.
Schools will not be required to apply for inclusion in the DEIS Plus scheme. The process to identify schools for inclusion will be evidence-informed, using available data.
The details of the DEIS Plus scheme are currently being finalised within an overall programme of work to tackle educational disadvantage and will be outlined in the new DEIS Strategy.
Future allocation of overall resources will be considered within the context of the new DEIS Strategy and the availability of resources.
363. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth when additional schools will be included in the DEIS Programme at primary and secondary level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3302/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTackling education disadvantage and helping students reach their full potential is a key priority for the Minister for Education and Youth, and for the Government. It is a goal of this Government to reduce educational disadvantage and promote equity across all schools.
Currently, the DEIS programme supports almost 1,200 primary and post-primary schools, reaching approximately 260,000 students, with an annual investment of over €180 million. Budget 2026 allocates an additional €16.5 million in 2026, rising to €48 million in 2027, to support the implementation of the new DEIS strategy and introduce the DEIS Plus scheme, which will commence in 2026.
The new DEIS Strategy will focus on improving the opportunities and achievement levels of children at risk of educational disadvantage, developing more innovative approaches to tackling educational disadvantage, and working towards a more flexible system of supports to ensure that a school can receive the right support at the right time.
Any future expansion of the DEIS programme and overall allocations of resources will be considered within the context of the new DEIS Strategy which will be published in quarter 1, 2026.
364. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if data is available on the number of postal items delivered over the Christmas period by An Post; to provide said data; and if data is kept regarding the number of postal items that were delivered late over the same period, and to provide said data. [2501/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Post is a commercial State body under the aegis of my Department, with a mandate to act commercially. An Post has statutory responsibility for the State's postal service and the post office network. Operational matters relating to the network, including matters relating to postal volume data are for the Board and management of the company directly and not one in which I, as Minister, have any function.
As the details requested would be held directly by the company, the Deputy may contact An Post at OireachtasEnquiries@anpost.ie.
365. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his position on the continued participation of Israel in FIBA given issues that have been raised (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2947/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra366. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will support the Ireland senior women’s basketball team play against Israel in a EuroBasket qualifier match given issues that have been raised (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2948/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Sport I am fully supportive of our athletes competing at the highest level of International competition.
However, it is important to make clear that neither the Government nor Sport Ireland has a role in determining who can participate in international competitions organised by international sporting federations.
National governing bodies of sport (NGBs) and their overarching international sporting federations are independent, autonomous bodies responsible for the governance of their own sports, including the organisation of sporting fixtures.
Ireland supports efforts to preserve the ceasefire in Gaza, which has now been in place for over three months. All parties must adhere to their commitments in full, desist from any actions inconsistent with what has been agreed, and continue to negotiate in good faith to ensure full implementation.
367. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide an update on work his Department is doing to ensure that the agreed pension increases for An Post pensioners will go ahead as planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3045/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the Minister for Culture, Communication and Sport with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, approves any superannuation schemes submitted by An Post. The operation of the schemes is a matter between the management of An Post, staff representatives and the trustees of the schemes.
In accordance with the Act and the relevant Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, An Post must seek Ministerial approval from both Ministers to increase pensions and deferred pensions for members of the An Post superannuation scheme. Section 2.13 of the Code of Practice for Governance of State Bodies Superannuation and Remuneration annex sets out that NewERA advice should be sought in respect of pension amendment proposals, as is appropriate in their role as commercial and financial advisors to the Ministers.
On 23 October 2025, An Post wrote to my Department requesting consent for an increase to pensions in payment and deferred pensions, arising from its agreements with employee representative groups. It is not possible, at this point, to set out the specific timeframe within which the decision-making process will be concluded by both shareholding Ministers in respect of increases submitted for consent. It should be recognised that the time taken for the pension approval process is necessary to ensure that robust governance procedures are in place.
368. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport further to the recommendation included in the European Commission's 2025 Rule of law report for Ireland (details supplied), the steps he has taken to address this recommendation; the expected timeline for the completion of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3052/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2025 Rule of Law Report recognised the progress made towards reforming the framework in place to provide funding for public service media that is appropriate for the realisation of its public service remit while guaranteeing its independence and it recommended that these reforms are completed.
The primary instrument for reform is the revised General Scheme of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill, approved by Government and subsequently published in April 2025. The General Scheme gives effect to recommendations of the Future of Media Commission, the Expert Advisory Committee on Governance and Culture in RTÉ and Article 5 of the EU European Media Freedom Act. The General Scheme will:
• improve the legislative underpinning for the corporate governance of RTÉ and TG4, including by assigning the Comptroller and Auditor General as auditor of RTE;
• reform the system of assessing the performance of, and recommending funding for, RTÉ and TG4 by giving Coimisiún na Meán the authority to assess and identify performance commitments and make multi-annual funding recommendations to Government every 3 years and strengthening its role in assessing, on an annual basis, the degree to which public funding enabled the providers to fulfil their public service remit and safeguarded their editorial independence; and
• provide for the conversion of the existing Broadcasting Fund to a platform-neutral statutory Media Fund to be overseen by Coimisiún na Meán to provide funding for the production, archiving and distribution of public service content by the wider sector.
The 2025 Rule of Law Report noted that most stakeholders considered the General Scheme a positive development.
The revised General Scheme was submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport for pre-legislative scrutiny and the Committee published their report with 85 recommendations on 17 September 2025. The recommendations are currently being considered and the next step will be to finalise the drafting of legislation and bring the Bill to Government for approval and subsequent publication. The Bill is on the list for priority publication in the current Oireachtas session. Following publication, it will be brought through the Houses of the Oireachtas to enactment.
369. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the funding schemes administered by his Department which a club (details supplied) could apply to for support for the redevelopment of a clubhouse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3079/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the CSFF and to prioritising investment in disadvantaged areas.
Over a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to 3,048 community sports clubs and facilities in 2024 from the CSFF, representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
The club referred to by the Deputy was successful in a number of applications under CSFF and was allocated a total of €306,460 in funding since 2002. In 2024 the club was allocated funding of €66,757 towards LED floodlighting and sustainability upgrade works.
In line with previous rounds of the Fund, a review of the current funding round is being undertaken and will be completed shortly. I have asked my Department to prepare for a further round of the CSFF in 2026. It is anticipated that the next round will particularly target areas and sports that have been under-invested in over the years.
As a registered club, the club referred to by the Deputy will be automatically notified when a new round of the CSFF is open for applications.
In addition, the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) provides Exchequer investment to projects where the funding sought is greater than the maximum amount available under the CSFF. To date, €297 million has been allocated under the first two LSSIF rounds (2018 and 2024) and my current focus is on ensuring project delivery under those rounds. This process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of a future LSSIF round. Funding under LSSIF typically targets larger projects with a wider, regional impact. Accordingly, the CSFF is likely to be the more suitable funding stream for the project referred to.
370. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport 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. [3098/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department became Culture, Communications and Sports (CCS) in June 2025, prior to this my Department was known as Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media (TCAGSM).
My Department spent no monies on advertising on the platform mentioned in 2024 or 2025. Furthermore, my Department does not pay for verification or premium access to the platform.
A range of communication forms – including advertising, social media postings and media engagement – are increasingly important in informing the public of the Department’s work.
At all times value for money is a critical consideration when engaging in paid advertising.
Regarding bodies and agencies under my Department’s remit, these matters are operational matters for the agencies themselves.
371. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his Department provides funding supports for independent artists who are invited to present their work at international conferences (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3115/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCulture Ireland operates within my Department to support professional Irish artists in presenting and promoting their work to audiences around the world. The Department provides funding to professional Irish artists to present work at key international venues and events within their field, with grants primarily assisting with travel and travel-related costs. Funding to attend workshops or conferences are not eligible under current eligibility criteria.
Creative Ireland also sits within my Department. Creative Ireland’s Health and Wellbeing funding is delivered through initiatives and projects co-ordinated via the network of 31 Local Authorities across the country. No application has been made to Creative Ireland to fund the activity highlighted by the Deputy. Creative Ireland focuses on facilitating participation in creative and cultural activity rather than support for individual artists.
372. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when a campus will reintroduce cash payments (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3133/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards. It also has responsibility for the operation, maintenance and development of the Sport Ireland Campus.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply in relation to the matter raised by the Deputy and I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
373. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on the in-depth analysis of swimming pool provision in Ireland being carried out under the National Swimming Strategy due to be published this year; if he will respond to matters raised in correspondence in relation to the strategy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3191/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the actions under the first-ever National Swimming Strategy, which was published in 2024, is the completion of an in-depth analysis of swimming pool provision within Ireland with particular reference to identifying gaps in provision and the environmental sustainability of facilities.
Swim Ireland, the National Governing Body for the sport, was tasked with this specific action with funding support from Sport Ireland. It published its Swimming Pool Gap Analysis Report last month and the report is available on Swim Ireland’s website at the following link: https://swimireland.ie/2025/12/09/swim-ireland-report-a-pool-within-reach-remains-a-distant-reality-amidst-critical-swimming-infrastructure-gaps/.
This in-depth analysis examined the condition and age of swimming facilities, community accessibility, the availability of swimming lessons, energy and sustainability practices, and the provincial and county-level distribution of pools across the island. The report is being examined by my Department and will be a key input to the future development of swimming pool facilities by enabling enhanced decision-making with regard to targeting investment more effectively.
In this context, there are two capital funding programmes for sport, namely the Community Sports Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). In total over €1.5 million was allocated to swimming under the 2023 CSFF round and over €3.7 million in the last 10 years. Swimming may also have benefitted from allocations to multisport projects under the CSFF. Applications for the refurbishment of pools, pop-up pools, improvements of the energy efficiencies of pools as well as improvements to accessibility of pools can be made under the CSFF.
In line with previous rounds of the Fund, a review of the current funding round is being undertaken. Preparations are underway for a further round of the CSFF in 2026. It is anticipated that the next round will particularly target areas and sports that have been under-invested in over the years.
The aim of the LSSIF is to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, including the development of new swimming pools as well as the refurbishment of swimming pools. These would be projects where the Exchequer investment would be greater than the maximum amount available under the CSFF.
Applications for both schemes are subject to published guidelines and conditions of the scheme. Applications under LSSIF must be made by either a Local Authority or a National Governing Body of Sport (NGB). It is a matter for those organisations to prioritise their capital development requirements. To date, €297 million has been allocated under LSSIF including €41.4 million for 12 swimming pool projects.
With regard to a future round of the LSSIF, I am committed to ensuring sustained investment in sports facilities to meet our ambitious goals for sports participation nationwide. The Programme for Government commits to maintaining sports funding to get more people participating in all levels of sport, particularly targeting cohorts in society where there is lower than average participation levels.
My current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF and this process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of a future round. No decisions have yet been made regarding the next round of LSSIF.
374. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 260 of 17 December 2025, if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); the reason minimum high-speed broadband levels are not being delivered at this premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3297/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland.
As advised in response to PQ No.260 of 17 December 2025 the eircode provided in the question is in the BLUE area on the broadband map which is available on my Department's website www.gov.ie/en/publication/5634d-national-broadband-plan-map/.
The BLUE area represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high-speed broadband services. The Department defines high-speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload.
The activities of commercial operators delivering high-speed broadband (HSBB) within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and the Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.
The estate and the premises at the eircode provided in the question are currently capable of receiving speeds in excess of 30 mbps from open eir’s local High Speed Broadband cabinet per information available at bbchecker.comreg.ie/.
The premises along with the rest of the estate is also included in open eir’s Full Fibre to the Home (FTTH) deployment programme per information available at www.openeir.ie/fibre/broadband-checker. The Department does not have sight of information that provides an estimated timeline of when commercial operators will provide a full fibre connection to the area, other than what’s on the open eir messaging.
If a person lives in the BLUE area and after contacting their Retail Service Provider are told they cannot get access to greater than 30Mbps, they should raise a query via the webform which can be accessed by clicking on “contact us” in the Contact section on www.gov.ie/en/publication/5634d-national-broadband-plan-map/ and the Department will escalate with the commercial operator to investigate this matter further.
375. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the priority being given to native Irish speakers in application for planning permission and the purchase of houses in Gaeltacht areas. [2980/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in Delivering Homes, Building Communities, my Department will publish a National Planning Statement in H1 of 2027 in respect of housing in Gaeltacht areas.
Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provided that the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage could issue guidelines to planning authorities regarding any of their functions under the Act and planning authorities were required to have regard to those guidelines in the performance of their functions.
That section was repealed on 2 October 2025 as the planning system transitions to operate under the new legislative provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2024.
Section 25 of the Act of 2024 provides for a new form of planning policy and guidance known as a National Planning Statement. This provision was commenced on 2 October 2025 and therefore future planning policy and guidance from the Minister will issue to planning authorities in the form of a National Planning Statement. It is intended that existing section 28 Guidelines, which will continue to operate until replaced or revoked, will be replaced over time by National Planning Statements, along with any new guidance that the Minister intends, with the approval of Government, to issue.
An Interdepartmental Group (comprising my Department, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG) and Údarás na Gaeltachta) is still continuing its work in developing specific planning guidance for Gaeltacht areas. There is also a separate Working Group made up of both Departments and Údarás na Gaeltachta and the relevant local authorities with Gaeltacht areas.
Having regard to the need to consider the complex matters involved and further to engagement with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, a finalised draft National Planning Statement will be assessed for the purposes of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA).
The Planning and Development Act 2024, sets out the obligation for local authorities to prepare strategies and include objectives, which must be addressed in the drafting of their Development Plan, governing local development policies in respect of any Gaeltacht area. Where there is a Gaeltacht area within the planning authority’s administrative area, the development plan strategy must include objectives for “the protection of the linguistic and cultural heritage, including the promotion of Irish as the community language”. Where a development plan sets out settlement-specific objectives in respect of any Gaeltacht area, a ‘Priority Area Plan’ will subsequently be introduced for that Gaeltacht area to guide its development, renewal or regeneration and to specify how the relevant settlement-specific objectives in the development plan are to be implemented.
The Development Plans Guidelines for Local Authorities published in July 2022 give further guidance to local authorities, including reflecting the Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas (Limistéar Pleanála Teanga – LPTs as required under the Gaeltacht Act 2012) as well as the inclusion of further policies such as the preparation of housing strategies that have particular regard to the needs of Gaeltacht residents, and ensuring that development propos9als in Gaeltacht areas have a positive impact on the linguistic and cultural heritage that can be robustly assessed at planning application stage.
376. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide details on the new over the shop grant; who is eligible and the criteria for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3181/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant provides a grant of up to €50,000 to named individuals for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent. A top-up grant of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed to be derelict, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000. In order to qualify for the grant, the property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of application.
The grant is currently available for the conversion of former commercial or public use buildings as well as "Above the Shop" type conversions.
The new housing plan reinforces and expands the range of existing measures being implemented by Government to tackle the issue of vacancy and dereliction. The plan includes additional support being made available under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant for the refurbishment and conversion of above the shop vacant floors for use as homes.
Recognising the additional works involved, the Government has approved a package of up to €140,000 to be made available in cases where vacant above the shop space is being converted / refurbished for residential use. This will include availability of an expert advice grant.
My Department is currently progressing work to introduce the Vacant Above the Shop Grant. I expect the Grant will be made available by end of Q1 2026.
Delivering Homes, Supporting Communities also commits to exploring the possibility of expanding the Vacant Above the Shop Grant to make it available to micro companies, on which work is underway within my Department.
377. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether an extension has been granted to the replacement of boilers under the housing aid for older people grant in exceptional circumstances. [2917/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra378. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the supports available to a person who requires an urgent boiler replacement, who would previously have received this under the housing aid for older people grant and is not a suitable candidate for retrofitting given the urgency of the project. [2918/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 377 and 378 together.
I refer to my reply to Question No. 1408 of 13 January 2026 which sets out the position in this matter.
379. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if in the instance of a social housing assistance income assessment being undertaken and that the decision is disputed by applicant after appeal with the local authority, the applicant has any recourse by way of appeal to his Department or other sources. [2936/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDecisions on eligibility for social housing support are a matter solely for local authorities with reference to eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
Currently, there is no statutory provision for the appeal of decisions taken concerning social housing assessments. Local authorities have long established internal complaints and decision review systems, which may be used to appeal cases. Such arrangements are a matter for the local authority concerned. If a household considers they have been unfairly treated or are not satisfied with the decision at that stage of the appeal, they could contact the Office of the Ombudsman. By law the Ombudsman can investigate complaints about any of the Local Authorities administrative actions or procedures.
I recently secured Government approval to prepare legislation to introduce a statutory appeals process for decisions relating to assessments for social housing. These provisions will be included in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill that is currently at the final stages of drafting. I intend to bring it to Government for approval to publish in the coming weeks.
380. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the barriers that inhibit the use of compulsory purchase orders; whether legislative reform is planned during this Dáil term in relation to these orders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2952/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities and other authorities have powers under various Acts, including planning, housing and transport legislation, to acquire land compulsorily.
The Law Reform Commission published a report in 2023, which sets out a series of recommendations in respect of CPO processes, including draft legislative proposals. My Department will engage with the Department of Justice in connection with the aspects of these proposals that may assist with the delivery of housing and infrastructure, and in tackling vacancy and dereliction.
381. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the suite of options for the control of cherry laurel that he has proposed to the National Parks and Wildlife Service for consideration; for an update on the work being undertaken by the NPWS in considering those options; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2968/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile it can have a detrimental impact on native habitats and species, Cherry Laurel is not a listed invasive species in Ireland nor is it included on the European list of invasive species of Union concern.
The process of adding any species to the list of invasive alien species of national concern requires a risk assessment of that species to be undertaken to ensure that the scientific evidence demands its inclusion. Once completed, a Statutory Instrument to amend the First Schedule to the European Union (Invasive Alien Species) Regulations 2024 and the Third Schedule to the European Union (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 would also be required.
In the meantime, Regulation 12 of the European Union (Invasive Alien Species) Regulations 2024 provides for emergency measures for species that are not included on the Union list.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department will consider options for the control Cherry Laurel, including legislative solutions, informed by the risk assessment. The work on the risk assessment is ongoing.
382. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the mechanisms in place or are being considered to restrict the purchase of residential property by foreign corporations/companies and non-EU nationals. [2985/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities builds on the foundations laid under Housing for All to enable delivery of a minimum of 300,000 new homes, including record levels of new social homes, an ambitious nationwide Starter Homes Programme and the provision of additional delivery in the areas of Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), as well as bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use.
This will have a meaningful impact on the housing market, increased supply will help dampen house price growth and ease affordability challenges, and ensure that everyone has a range of housing options available to them, whether they want to buy a house, rent one, or are in need of social housing.
Measures such as the Local Authority Home Loan, the Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Scheme, the Help to Buy Incentive, First Home Scheme and the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant are also available to help make home ownership more affordable.
At the same time, Government recognises the need to prevent the inappropriate purchase of family homes by investors. Accordingly, planning measures were introduced in May 2021 to prevent the bulk-purchase of new 'own-door' houses and duplexes in lower density housing developments. These measures have succeeded in restricting almost 64,000 or so residential units from bulk purchase or multiple sales to a single purchaser. In addition, Government introduced, in Budget 2025, a higher stamp duty of 15% on the cumulative purchase of 10 or more residential properties (excluding apartments).
Recognising the need to ensure an appropriate balance of homes across all tenures, any further measures to either restrict or support activity by different buyer types will be kept under review, as with all matters of housing policy.
383. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the Apartments and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill 2024; if the general scheme has been published for pre legislative scrutiny as indicated for the Dáil autumn term; the current stage of that process; the indicative timeline for publication and passage of the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2986/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra384. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the preparatory or administrative work being undertaken in parallel with the legislative process to enable the statutory apartments and duplex defects remediation scheme to open for applications as soon as practicable following enactment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2987/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra385. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the operation of the interim remediation scheme for fire safety defects in apartments and duplexes; if applications continue to be accepted pending enactment of the statutory scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2988/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra386. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current status of the retrospective costs pathfinder project; the stage it has reached; when its findings are expected to inform decisions on retrospective payments under the statutory apartments and duplex defects remediation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2989/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 383, 384, 385 and 386 together.
Government approval was received on 18 September 2024 for the priority drafting of the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill. The purpose of this legislation is to place the defects remediation scheme (Scheme) on a statutory footing, further to commitments contained in the Programme for Government and Housing for All.
The Scheme will provide supports for the remediation of relevant fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose-built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013. It is envisaged that 100% of eligible remediation costs will be funded under the Scheme.
The General Scheme of the Bill completed pre-legislative scrutiny in December 2025 and I expect the legislation to be placed before the Oireachtas this year.
The Scheme will be administered by the Housing Agency on a nationwide basis and processes are well established to accept applications as soon as practicable following enactment of the Scheme.
An Interim Remediation Scheme has been in place since December 2023, to provide an acceptable level of fire safety in buildings pending introduction of the Statutory Scheme and completion of the full remedial works.
The Interim Remediation Scheme is for the funding of emergency fire safety defect works in apartments and duplexes constructed between 1991 and 2013.
As of the end of December 2025, 230 applications to the Interim Remediation Scheme have been validated, having met the required eligibility criteria. These applications represent 20,940 residential units, with circa 77% in the Dublin region.
The Housing Agency continues to accept applications from Owners' Management Companies (OMC) of eligible multi-unit developments with eligible emergency fire safety defects under the Interim Remediation Scheme. Applications can be made via the Housing Agency’s website at www.housingagency.ie All queries regarding applications to the Interim Remediation Scheme should be directed to Interim.remediation@housingagency.ie
The Government is committed to consideration of remediation costs already incurred as part of the drafting of the Bill. Remediation costs already incurred or levied prior to the introduction of the statutory scheme will be covered, once such costs fall within the scope and defined parameters of the Scheme.
On 22 October 2024 the Government agreed the establishment of a Retrospective Costs Pathfinder Exercise from a representative sample of eight multi-unit developments, in order to identify and develop a potential appropriate process to address retrospective issues, based on fire safety remedial works completed.
The Housing Agency received a large volume of documentation from the respective Owner Management Companies (OMCs) which is being used to help identify an appropriate process to address retrospective issues more broadly. In particular, the Pathfinder Exercise will support development of a robust process around:
• Alignment with the existing Interim Remediation Scheme processes;
• Supporting Documentation and Timeframes;
• Certification and Standardisation of Evidence;
• Verification and Payment processes.
I will return to Government before any retrospective payments are made, to update on the outcome from the pathfinder, based on lessons learned. A proposal on how retrospective payments could operate in practice will form part of this update. The aim is to identify a process that provides a streamlined approach, ease of engagement by applicants and ensures good governance regarding Exchequer funding.
