Written Answers Nos. 452-470
452. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of jobs the IDA supported in Kilkenny in 2025; how this compares to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3546/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA Ireland's current strategy, ‘Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation 2025-29', was launched in February last year, and reflects the Government's commitment to balanced regional development as set out in the Programme for Government - supporting job creation in all regions being central to the work of my Department and our enterprise development agencies.
The South-East Region, comprising counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford, is home to 83 IDA client companies, employing 16,395 people. The South-East has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Technology, Life Sciences, International Financial Services and Engineering & Industrial Technologies which are complemented by research centres that help win new business and assist existing client companies with transformation. Counties in the South-East also benefit from direct and indirect ‘remote’ and ‘hybrid’ employment generated by IDA client companies located in Dublin.
The FDI performance has been consistent over the six years requested by the Deputy, 2020-2025, with IDA supported employment increasing in the South-East by 2,107 people, or almost 15% over this period.
Referring specifically to Kilkenny, there were 1,087 people employed by 11 IDA client companies in 2020, and this increased to 2,172 people employed by 15 IDA Client companies in 2025, an increase of almost 100%, or 1,085 people.
Over the period of its last strategy, 2021-2024, IDA Ireland supported the delivery of 973 investments and creation of 76,790 jobs. 54% of these investments were won to regional locations. In the South-East 51 investments were won against the target of 40. Moreover, under its current strategy, IDA is targeting 550 of a total 1,000 investments to regional locations, including 60 in the South-East. The first year of this strategy, 2025, saw IDA Ireland achieving the highest ever number of investments, 323, a 38% increase on 2024, which are expected to create over 15,300 additional jobs in the coming years. We know that investments by IDA Ireland client companies consistently generate highly skilled jobs nationwide, so it is significant that 183 investments, 57% of all investments in 2025, were in regional locations.
Of course, I should also note that my Department and our Enterprise Development Agencies (Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs), as well as the Tourism Development Agencies, also support employment across the country, including in Kilkenny.
453. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of jobs the IDA supported in Carlow in 2025; how this compares to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3547/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI launched IDA Ireland's current strategy, ‘Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation 2025-29', in February last year. Central to IDA’s strategy is an emphasis on partnering with existing clients to identify opportunities to safeguard and strengthen long-term investment in Ireland, alongside attracting new investment to Ireland in FDI growth drivers including digitalisation and AI, semiconductors, health, and sustainability.
Supporting job creation in all regions is central to the work of my Department and our enterprise development agencies. We know that investments by IDA Ireland client companies consistently generate highly skilled jobs nationwide. IDA client employment increased to 312,400 in 2025 and there are currently 169,967 people employed in IDA client companies, outside Dublin with FDI employment in every region and every county of Ireland. This represents 54% of all FDI employment nationally. Employment grew in five regions plus Dublin, with the fastest pace of growth in the South-East - an increase of 3.9%.
To this end, the South-East Region, comprises counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford, and is home to 83 IDA client companies, employing 16,395 people. The South-East has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Technology, Life Sciences, International Financial Services and Engineering & Industrial Technologies which are complemented by research centres that help win new business and assist existing client companies with transformation. Counties in the South-East also benefit from direct and indirect ‘remote’ and ‘hybrid’ employment generated by IDA client companies located in Dublin.
The FDI performance has been consistent over the six years requested by the Deputy, 2020-2025, with IDA supported employment increasing in the South-East by 2,107 people, or almost 15% over this period.
Referring specifically to Carlow, there were 1,309 people employed in IDA-client companies in 2020, and this rose to 1,428 in 2025, an increase of 9%, or 119 jobs.
Under its current strategy, IDA is targeting 550 of a total 1,000 investments to regional locations, including 60 in the South-East. The first year of this strategy, 2025, saw IDA Ireland achieving the highest ever number of investments, 323, a 38% increase on 2024, which are expected to create over 15,300 additional jobs in the coming years. 183 investments, 57% of all investments in 2025, were in regional locations.
Of course, my Department and our Agencies would also support other employment opportunities in Carlow and the South-East through Enterprise Ireland, the LEOs and the Tourism Development Agencies.
454. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if a new south-east regional enterprise plan is forthcoming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3549/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraBalanced regional development is a Government priority and a central component of the White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030 is to support balanced regional enterprise development. My Department and its agencies contribute to this agenda in several ways, including through the nine Regional Enterprise Plans (REPs). These are bottom-up plans developed and led by regional stakeholders, which focus on collaborative initiatives to strengthen the enterprise ecosystem in each region.
The South-East REP covers the counties of Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford
and its Steering Committee includes representatives from the enterprise agencies, local authorities, Regional Assembly, higher education institutes and industry who work collaboratively to drive implementation of the REP.
The South-East has thirty-two actions under five strategic objectives which covers areas of supporting entrepreneurship, green energy, and innovation.
The REPs were extended for one year to end 2025 with agreement from the Regional Enterprise Plans National Oversight Group at its meeting of 25 April 2024. This extension provided an additional year for continued implementation of the existing plans and time to review the REP initiative and consider the best approach to the future of the REPs.
In this context, my Department commissioned an independent review of the Regional Enterprise Plan initiative in 2025. A Steering Group made up of REP stakeholders and Department officials oversaw the review. The review included significant engagement with regional enterprise stakeholders, in-depth analysis of the plans and their implementation progress reports, and consideration of international approaches to regional enterprise development. The review also included recommendations and options for the future of the REPs.
I will be considering the complete review along with the Final Progress Reports for the Regional Enterprise Plans 2022-2025 due this quarter, in planning for the future approach to the REPs.
455. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of jobs Enterprise Ireland supported in each county in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3550/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFigures for the number of jobs in Enterprise Ireland (EI) supported companies are available for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024. The figures for 2025 will be published later in January 2026.
The table below sets out the number of jobs in Enterprise Ireland supported companies for the years 2022 to 2024.
456. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps he is taking to increase the tourism potential of County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3551/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of developing national tourism policy, while tourism agencies have operational responsibility for the implementation of this policy.
Ireland’s Ancient East Regional Tourism Development Strategy 2023–2027 provides a roadmap for tourism growth, delivered through Destination and Experience Development Plans (DEDPs). Fáilte Ireland has developed a DEDP for Kilkenny, representing a five-year sustainable tourism plan aligned under a shared vision.
Under their Large Capital Grants Scheme, Fáilte Ireland allocated €4.5m for the Medieval Kilkenny Experience, opening the historic Tholsel to visitors for the first time. This interpretive experience will include the Tholsel, Medieval Mile Museum, and St. Mary’s churchyard. Expected to open in Q1 2027, it aims to draw visitors from Kilkenny Castle into the city centre, boosting spend, jobs, and visitor experience.
The Ireland, Home of Halloween Strategy, developed by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, and Tourism Northern Ireland, positions Ireland as the authentic global home of Halloween. Through the Home of Halloween Destination Development Scheme, €2.1m will be invested in seven locations from 2025–2028, with Kilkenny among the recipients. This scheme seeks to deliver immersive experiences, extend the season into October–November, and to stimulate regional economic growth.
Kilkenny, designated as a World Crafts Council Craft City and Region, has a strong craft heritage, and offers diverse craft-led tourism experiences. Fáilte Ireland and Kilkenny County Council have finalised and published a new craft strategy to support sustainable craft businesses, preserve skills, and promote craft tourism. Fáilte Ireland has commenced implementation of this strategy with a focus on pillar 3 - Tourism and destination development.
Platforms for Growth 2 is a Fáilte Ireland National Capital Investment Scheme which aims to deliver best in class permanent water sports facilities in up to 19 sites across Ireland, opening between 2025-2028. Kilkenny County Council has grant approval of €1.2m for the development of one of these new water sports facilities on the River Nore in Kilkenny City. The facility will have hot and cold showers, a changing area, secure storage, induction space and accessibility enhancements. Kilkenny County Council is currently finalising a planning application for this facility to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
The "Digital that Delivers" initiative operated by Fáilte Ireland drives digital transformation in tourism businesses. Total funding awarded to Kilkenny under this initiative is €1,029,718.56. This figure includes investment grant funding & direct supports (inc. diagnostics, training & mentoring) since 2021. Festivals and events also remain vital to the visitor experience. Through the Regional Festivals Programme and Strategic Festivals Fund, 15 Kilkenny festivals benefited last year, receiving €128,000, which is managed by Kilkenny County Council.
These investments and strategies collectively aim to enhance Kilkenny’s tourism offering, to extend the season, create jobs, and deliver memorable visitor experiences while supporting sustainable regional development.
457. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps he is taking to increase the tourism potential of County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3552/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of developing national tourism policy, while the tourism agencies have operational responsibility for the implementation of this policy.
Following consultation with stakeholders, the Ireland’s Ancient East Regional Tourism Development Strategy 2023–2027 was published as a roadmap for tourism development in the region. This overarching strategy is being delivered through a suite of Destination and Experience Development Plans (DEDPs) for each destination.
These plans unite public and private sector organisations to prioritise projects and maximise success. Work on the Carlow DEDP, a five-year sustainable tourism development plan, commenced in September 2025. It is anticipated by Fáilte Ireland that the plan will be complete by late 2026, subject to the required environmental assessments being finalised within this timeframe.
The Barrow Tourism Masterplan will be delivered under the Fáilte Ireland–Waterways Ireland strategic partnership, following the model of the Shannon Navigation Masterplan. A Steering Group chaired by Waterways Ireland will oversee the project, with Carlow County Council as lead authority alongside Kildare, Laois, and Kilkenny County Councils. Waterways Ireland has appointed an Eastern Regional Manager to lead the initiative. The plan will set out a long-term vision for tourism along the River Barrow and is expected to be progressed significantly in 2026.
Fáilte Ireland will continue working with a number of Carlow businesses in identifying growth opportunities. The "Digital that Delivers" programme operated by Fáilte Ireland supports digital transformation for tourism businesses. Total funding awarded to Carlow businesses under this initiative is €311,854.51. This figure includes investment grant funding & direct supports (inc. diagnostics, training & mentoring)
Festivals and events remain central to the visitor experience with regional festival funding for Carlow in 2023 and 2024 totalling €19,500. Under the Destination Towns scheme, funded through Project Ireland 2040, Carlow County Council received €500,000 to enhance Carlow’s tourism appeal. The project was launched in April 2024.
These investments and strategies aim to strengthen Carlow’s tourism offering, foster collaboration, and deliver sustainable growth while enhancing visitor experiences.
458. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to review the case of a person (details supplied);; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3573/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland operates a managed employment permits system, which seeks to maximise the benefits of economic migration while minimising disruption to Ireland’s labour market. The system is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills and/or labour shortages required to develop and support enterprise for the benefit of our economy. However, this objective must be balanced by the need to ensure that no suitably qualified Irish or EEA nationals are available to undertake the work and that the shortage is genuine.
The Employment Permits system is administered in accordance with the Employment Permits Acts and associated Regulations. Employment permits can only be granted where all of the relevant statutory criteria and legislative requirements are met.
I am informed that the appeal referenced by the Deputy has been received and is currently under review. The Employment Permits Section has contacted the applicant seeking further information (on 13/01/26) in support of the appeal. The permit holder may continue working while the appeal is under consideration.
459. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he is aware of the challenges faced by workers in the North in relation to positions which offer remote or hybrid working options to employees resident in the South; if he will provide an update on the work that is being done by his Department, with other Government Departments and State agencies to find solutions for those who live in the North and wish to work remotely for southern-based companies, as their southern based counterparts do; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3607/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe dramatic growth of remote and hybrid working since the COVID-19 pandemic has significant potential to help create a more inclusive labour market, to widen access to talent for employers and to improve regional balance in the economy, including the Border region.
I am aware, however, that this expansion of remote and hybrid working has introduced a new context for cross border workers and for employers based in the State employing - or seeking to employ - workers residing outside the State, particularly in relation to taxation.
While the current position does not preclude an Irish employer from allowing an employee to work remotely, such an arrangement may result in implications for the employer and the employee from a tax perspective.
It is important to emphasise that the State cannot move unilaterally on this issue and that consideration must be given to International Tax Law, Double Taxation agreements and any changes are subject to international negotiation. Clearly, these are matters that rest primarily with the Minister for Finance.
I am actively engaged with colleagues across Government and other public bodies on a range of issues relating to cross-border working on the island of Ireland and I will continue to work to address any further issues emerging. In this context, I would highlight the following:
- My officials have maintained engagement with the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Finance to address tax matters and other related concerns raised to date. The issues that were identified in the All-Island Labour Market Study 2024 commissioned by the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) Shared Island Working Group remain a live concern and my officials will continue to engage with both Departments on this matter.
- Agencies under the aegis of my Department are engaged with their client companies, and with the relevant state bodies on matters relating to cross-border remote working.
- The Government is actively seeking to obtain better data on the nature and extent of cross-border working, including by commissioning ESRI research on the issue. Revenue continues at ways to minimise the administrative burden of cross-border working insofar as possible.
- On 4 April last, a Plenary meeting of Labour Employer Economic Forum discussed the potential to strengthen the all-island labour market for the benefit of employers and workers on the entire island. It was agreed that LEEF would put a sustained focus on this important agenda. The LEEF Shared Island working group is consulting with a number of Government Departments, including this Department and the Department of Finance on cross border worker mobility matters.
- The Department is also co-funding to the Working in Ireland Survey, undertaken by University College Dublin. This is the second iteration of the Survey, first undertaken in 2021, and aims to interview persons across the island of Ireland about their experiences of working life - including remote working. I understand that the fieldwork has been completed and that we can expect research output in the coming months which will yield important insights to help inform future policy.
The policy implications of the expansion of remote working for cross-border workers, for both employers and employees, particularly in relation to taxation, are also being considered at an EU and international level. The Government is participating in this process and will monitor and assess any developments very closely.
460. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to list the roles within public or semi-State organisations under his Department that are excluded from the single public service pension scheme; the number of people employed in those roles, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3616/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2013, newly appointed staff to bodies under the aegis of my Department are generally enrolled in the Single Public Services Pension Scheme (“Single Scheme”), a defined benefit scheme for public servants starting on or after 1 January 2013.
However, if an appointee has held a pensionable public service post (not under Single Scheme terms) within the preceding 26 weeks, alternative pension arrangements may apply. Similarly, staff hired on, or before, 31 December 2012 participate in schemes other than the Single Scheme. Several staff in my agencies have been recruited before 2013, as a result, they have been placed in the appropriate pension scheme for the time.
Currently, there are no roles in my Department, and my offices, that are excluded from being placed in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. This is also the case for the NSAI, Tourism Ireland, IAASA, Failte Ireland, the Health and Safety Authority, the Corporate Enforcement Authority, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the Injuries Resolution Board. My agencies that have roles excluded from the Single Scheme have provided a breakdown of these roles in Appendix 1.
Appendix 1
Enterprise Ireland
|
Roles Excluded from SPS |
Number of Employees |
|
Work Experience Placement Programme (Interns)* |
21 |
|
Clerical Assistants |
1 |
|
Board Members** |
9 |
*please note, this only includes Interns who are under the age of 23, at which point they are auto-enrolled into the Single Pension Scheme
**please note, Board Members are not included in our sanctioned headcount
IDA
Most IDA roles fall under either the Public Service Model Scheme or the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.
The roles that do not are outlined below. Of these roles, 22 are locally hired positions and therefore comply with local pension legislation.
The remaining 9 roles are filled through recruitment agencies or by consultants engaged for specific project-based assignments of fixed duration.
Non-IDA Contracts
|
Roles |
No of roles |
|
Country Manager |
2 |
|
Sales & Marketing Executive |
10 |
|
Office Administrator |
8 |
|
Market Analyst |
2 |
|
IT Helpdesk Executive |
1 |
|
Project Executive Assistant |
2 |
|
IT Consultant |
1 |
|
Legal Executive |
1 |
|
Finance Executive Assistant |
2 |
|
IT Project Manager |
1 |
|
IT Business Analyst |
1 |
461. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3656/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland operates a managed employment permits system, which seeks to maximise the benefits of economic migration while minimising disruption to Ireland’s labour market. The system is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills and/or labour shortages required to develop and support enterprise for the benefit of our economy. However, this objective must be balanced by the need to ensure that no suitably qualified Irish or EEA nationals are available to undertake the work and that the shortage is genuine.
The Employment Permits system is administered in accordance with the Employment Permits Acts and associated Regulations. Employment permits can only be granted where all of the relevant statutory criteria and legislative requirements are met. In this case, several of the key criteria were not met on initial application, and the application was refused.
The Employment Permits Section has advised that the appeal referenced by the Deputy has been received and is currently under review by my Department. Applications are processed strictly in order of the date of receipt.
In order for consideration to be given for expediting an application, a detailed business case submission is required requesting prioritisation. The submission of a business case does not guarantee that the application will be expedited.
462. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps his Department has taken to assess and address the impact of the recent decision in the High Court (details supplied) which will impact the governing of construction contract payments under the Construction Contracts Act 2013; if he will ensure that companies are not at risk of payment requests being wrongfully ignored without justification or consequence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3751/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Construction Contracts Act, 2013 regulates payments, particularly the timing of payments, under a construction contract covered by the legislation. It provides a right for a party to a construction contract to refer a payment dispute for adjudication as a means of swiftly resolving the dispute.
The Act also provides that if a contractor or subcontractor is denied full or part payment as set out in a payment claim notice, the contractor or subcontractor may suspend work under the construction contract by giving notice in writing to the other party. In addition, the contractor or subcontractor may decide to refer the payment dispute for adjudication under the Act, and the suspension of work must then be lifted.
Section 4 of the Construction Contracts Act, 2013 sets out the procedural requirements in relation to the issuance of a payment claim notice by an executing party under a construction contract and of the response to the payment claim notice by the other party.
The judgment referred to by the Deputy concerned an application for leave to enforce a decision of an Adjudicator by a contractor, which was resisted by the contractor’s employer. The judgment found that the Adjudicator had erred in law in determining that the employer’s failure to deliver a response to the payment claim notice triggered an entitlement, on the part of the contractor, to payment in full for the amount specified in the payment claim notice. The judgment has provided an important clarification in relation to the operation of section 4 of the Construction Contracts Act, 2013.
I am satisfied that the adjudication process under the Construction Contracts Act, 2013 continues to provide effective solutions to parties who have been denied full payment or part payment under a construction contract. The operation of the legislation will be kept under review.
463. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he intends to insist on restricted use of recommender systems by social media companies, especially their products being used by children; his approach in relation to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3341/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Digital Services Act (DSA) is an EU regulation that introduces new obligations on providers of online intermediary services, including online social media platforms, to protect users and consumers of online services. The DSA is designed to provide better protection of fundamental rights; more control and choice over online experiences; stronger protection of children online; and expedited removal of illegal content. The regulation has applied in full since 17 February 2024.
The Digital Services Act 2024 designated Coimisiún na Meán as its Digital Services Coordinator for the DSA. Coimisiún na Meán is independent in the performance of its functions.
The DSA contains provisions that specifically address recommender systems. Platforms must explain in their terms and conditions, in plain and understandable language, the main parameters their systems use to suggest content. They must also provide options for users to change or influence these parameters. Additionally, Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs) that use recommender systems must allow users, including minors, the option to use recommender systems that do not rely on profiling.
Providers of online platforms accessible to minors are obliged to put in place appropriate and proportionate measures to ensure a high level of privacy, safety, and security of minors, on their service. This also includes a ban on adverts based on profiling when the user is a minor.
The DSA introduces additional rules specifically for VLOPs and VLOSE, reaching more than 10% of the 450 million consumers in Europe, in view of the elevated risks they pose for the dissemination of illegal and harmful content. The European Commission has responsibility for supervising and enforcing the obligations that apply to VLOPs and VLOSEs.
In addition, the DSA requires all VLOPs/VLOSEs to conduct a yearly assessment to identify potential systemic risks associated with the design of their recommender systems and any other relevant algorithmic system. This includes risks associated with the dissemination of illegal content, infringements on fundamental rights, negative effects on public discourse and electoral processes, gender-based violence, public health, and the protection of minors. They must then put in place effective mitigation measures to address these systemic risks.
To assist with enforcement of these obligations, the European Commission established the European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency (ECAT). The Centre provides technical expertise, scientific research, and foresight on emerging risks to support the Commission's exclusive supervisory and enforcement role of the systemic obligations on VLOPs/VLOSEs. This collaboration aims to enhance the transparency and accountability of algorithmic systems, thereby contributing to a safer and more trustworthy online environment for all users.
464. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an up-to-date contact list for queries from Oireachtas members to agencies under his Department, in tabular form. [3870/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and its agencies are committed to providing an efficient, timely, professional, and courteous customer service. The tables below set out the email addresses for Oireachtas members to contact the agencies under the aegis of my Department.
|
Agency |
|
|
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) |
oireachtas@ccpc.ie |
|
Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) |
oireachtas@cea.gov.ie |
|
Enterprise Ireland (EI) |
governmentrelations@enterprise-ireland.com |
|
Fáilte Ireland |
oireachtas@failteireland.ie |
|
Health and Safety Authority (HSA) |
oireachtas@hsa.ie |
|
IDA Ireland |
idaireland@ida.com |
|
Irish Auditing & Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA) |
oireachtas_members@iaasa.ie |
|
National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) |
oireachtasmembers@nsai.ie or info@nsai.ie |
|
Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIRB) |
oireachtas.enquiries@injuries.ie |
|
Tourism Ireland |
oireachtasqueries@tourismireland.com |
466. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of vacancies at each grade of higher executive officer and above within his Department as of 12 January 2026, in tabular form. [4183/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table sets out the number of vacancies at each grade of Higher Executive Officer and above within my Department as of 12 January 2026:
|
Grade |
Number of Vacancies |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
17 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
19 |
|
Principal Officer |
2 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
1 |
These figures include:
3 Higher Executive Officer• and 6 Assistant Principal Officer posts approved as additional positions for 2026; and
9 Higher Executive Officer• and 6 Assistant Principal Officer temporary posts approved to support EU Presidency roles within the Department.
Assistant Secretary • post - is a Deputy Chair post in the Labour Court which is currently being filled from a publicjobs competition.
467. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide detailed evidence of his statement that “data centres already employ around 21,000 people who manage and operate the facilities”; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4291/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs stated in the Government’s Large Energy User Action Plan (LEAP) published on 13 January, companies that operate data centres in Ireland, whether as part of their own infrastructure requirements or as a provider of services to other users, account for approximately 21,000 direct employees. This is according to IDA data in respect of information provided by its client companies within the most recent Annual Employment Survey published in February 2025. It does not include likely additional employment in respect of data centres operated by non-IDA client companies or in respect of the construction of data centres in Ireland.
As noted in LEAP, the expertise that has been developed by indigenous enterprise around data centres has given Irish data centre construction, engineering, design and electrical specialist subsectors a significant global advantage, supporting indigenous employment and exports. Likewise, critical digital infrastructure, such as data centres, have anchored other valuable activities in the Irish economy and strengthened Ireland’s position as a strategic knowledge-intensive regional hub, including within the ICT sector, which accounted for around 180,000 employees during Q3 2025.
468. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the nearest school rule and the reduction in eligible distance has been checked; if not, when this will be checked; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4220/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
It was outlined at the time of the review’s publication that the proposed changes to the eligibility criteria will likely increase demand for the scheme. On this basis, it would be prudent to implement the proposed changes on a phased basis to ensure its rollout is as smooth as possible.
A phased implementation of the School Transport Review’s recommendations began at the start of the 2024/2025 school year where the Department began testing the feasibility of a number of approaches through a series of pilot programmes; these pilot programmes are held in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, the Department of Transport and Bus Éireann.
A total of fourteen pilot projects took place in the 2024/2025 school year and will continue for the current school year.
Following the closing date for payment for the 2025/2026 school year the Department, in collaboration with Bus Éireann, assessed where dedicated school transport/pilots may be successfully delivered, and a further eleven pilots were approved. The Department has asked Bus Éireann to review where additional capacity may be available for concessionary pupils who paid on time and would become eligible if the revised school transport scheme criteria was rolled out in full. Some of these pilots are operational and the remainder are going through procurement.
Due to ongoing challenges in the wider transport sector, including availability of drivers and vehicles, any expansion of services must be carefully planned and phased. While pilot projects are being considered in select areas to test revised eligibility criteria, these pilots are limited in scope and capacity.
All pilots – including those which commenced in the 2024/2025 school year – are being monitored and a further evaluation will take place at the end of the 2025/2026 school year. Findings from these evaluations will guide the planning and implementation needed for a national rollout of a revised School Transport Scheme.
469. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Youth her Department’s guidance in respect of the use and need for nurture rooms. [4361/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra574. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of schools that have nurture rooms; the number of nurture rooms opened in each of the past five years; the number of nurture rooms that have closed during the same period; and the reason for same. [4360/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 469 and 574 together.
Nurture Groups are short-term focused interventions for children and young people with social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties. They emphasise emotional literacy, language development, and positive relationships and are based on attachment theory and draw on trauma-informed practices. Nurture Groups involve small groups of children temporarily withdrawn from mainstream classes to develop specific skills. Many variations of Nurture interventions are used, and some schools also use Nurture principles and implement whole-school approaches to Nurture. Nurture Groups are often referred to as Nurture Rooms.
In order to make accommodation provision to meet the needs of students, my department has close engagement with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) which has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide. When the NCSE sanction a special class in a school, the school can apply to my department for capital funding to re-configure existing spaces within the school building to accommodate the class or to construct additional accommodation. Similarly, where special schools wish to expand provision, the school can apply to my department for capital funding to accommodate additional placements.
Such classrooms for pupils with special educational needs are included as standard in the accommodation brief for new school buildings and major extension projects. The overall accommodation suite for students with special education needs also generally includes ancillary accommodation such as a Central Activities Space, a Multi Activity Room and Quiet Spaces as well as an outdoor Secure Play Area and Sensory Garden.
Because of the many variations of Nurture groups and ancillary accommodation that schools can avail of we do not have an accommodation type defined as a nurture room. Cost for ancillary accommodation from the overall accommodation suite can vary dependent on type, size, requirement, need and other additional needs specific to an individual school.
As Nurture is a programme of support whose interventions need to be embedded in the school’s Continuum of Support process, there is advice for schools in Circulars 0042/2018 and 0043/2018 in the use of programmes and/or external facilitators in promoting wellbeing consistent with the Department of Education and Youth’s Wellbeing Policy Statement and Framework for Practice.
470. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether she will consider renaming leave of absence, following assault for school staff to take account of the fact that in some cases, the injuries will have been inflicted by children with additional needs who have no intention of assaulting staff [3323/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Leave of Absence following Assault Scheme, which is contained in the Department’s Circular Letter 0061/2017 for teachers and Circular Letter 0062/2017 for SNAs, provides for special leave with pay (subject to specified limits) to a teacher/SNA who is unable to perform their duties due to a physical injury following an assault that happened in the course of their duties and during approved school activities.
As set out in the circulars, assault is defined as physical contact from a third party causing physical injury to a teacher or SNA in the course of their duties and during approved school activities. The third party can, for example be a student, a parent or a member of staff who causes a physical injury to the teacher or SNA as a result of physical contact.
The circular does not require that there be an intent to cause a physical injury, or that it be established that there was an intent to cause a physical injury, merely that there was physical contact from a third party which caused an injury to the teacher or SNA.
In March 2025, the Department commenced a review on the current terms and conditions of the Leave of Absence following Assault Scheme for teachers and SNAs. This review involves negotiations with the Education Partners, whereby Management Bodies and the relevant Trade Unions are given the opportunity to provide comments and observations on the current scheme. Following this consultation with the Education Partners, comments and observations will be considered as the process advances.
As with current practice, any amendments to the terms and conditions of employment for teachers and SNAs are normally outlined by way of a Circular Letter, following these detailed consultations and negotiations with the Education Partners.
The Department has established a working group to develop guidelines for schools on the prevention and management of challenging behaviour, where such behaviour poses imminent danger of serious physical harm to self or others within the school environment. The guidelines, titled "Understanding Behaviours of Concern and Responding to Crisis Situations Guidelines for Schools in Supporting Students" are contained in Circular 81/2024.
