Alan Kelly
Ceist:218. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Taoiseach the amount his Department has spent on legal fees for each of the years 2020-2025, in tabular form. [5545/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (218)
Freagraí scríofa
The below table details expenditure by the Department of the Taoiseach on legal fees in each of the years 2020 - 2025.
|
Year |
Total |
|
2020 |
Nil |
|
2021 |
Nil |
|
2022 |
Nil |
|
2023 |
Nil |
|
2024 |
€2,927.70 |
|
2025 |
Nil |
Legal fees relating to a number of independent Commissions, Tribunals and Inquiries established by Government were also paid from the Department of the Taoiseach's Vote during the period in question, including the Commission of Investigation into the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation, the NAMA Commission of Investigation, and the Moriarty Tribunal of Inquiry. Sanction was provided by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to engage legal counsel, as required, to assist both Commissions and the Tribunal in their work. All legal fees are paid at rates approved by Government.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (219)
Gary Gannon
Ceist:219. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Taoiseach to provide a breakdown of expenditure by his Department and bodies, agencies or organisations under his remit on paid verification services on a platform (details supplied) or any other verified account products, for each of the years 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the number of verified accounts held under each category; the annual cost per account; the total annual cost incurred; the procurement basis under which these services were purchased, in tabular form [5638/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of the Taoiseach did not have any expenditure on paid verification on the platform referenced by the Deputy in 2023, 2024, 2025 or to date in 2026.
The National Economic and Social Development Office, the only body under the aegis of the Department of the Taoiseach, also had no expenditure on paid verification on the platform referenced during that time period.
Employment Data
Ceisteanna (220)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:220. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Taoiseach the number of those under the age of 16 years-of-age in employment; the number of those aged 16 and 17 years-of-age, in each of the past ten years, in tabular form, in the workforce. [5922/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
PQ referred to CSO for answer
The exact information requested by the Deputy is not available.
The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the official source of estimates of employment in the State. The most recent figures available are for Q3 2025. The tables for this response use Q3 as the reference period for the year.
The LFS under EU regulation follows international guidelines for the methodology and sample size of the survey. Employment related questions are asked only to respondents aged 15 years or older therefore, it is not possible to produce reliable estimates for those aged under 16 years-of-age from the LFS. The number of people aged 15 – 17 years in employment was 44,800 in Q3 2025 this is up from 20,100 in Q3 2016.
While the information from those under 16 years-of-age is not provided by the LFS there is supplementary information available from Revenue’s administrative PAYE data which provides insight on employments by age on an annual basis.
Earnings Analysis using Administrative Data Sources (EAADS) outputs contain employment figures for those aged under 16 years-of-age. It should be noted that EAADS estimates are for employees only, and do not include persons who are self-employed. Please also note that the estimate provided by EAADS relate to the number of employments, rather than number of employees. The annual employment estimates from the EAADS dataset are restricted to employments which were active during the month of October, in line with Eurostat requirements relating to Structure of Earnings Statistics. The EAADS time series begins in 2011 and the most recent figures available are for 2024.
In 2024, there were 1,072 employments under the age of 16 years, up from 772 employments in 2016. There were a further 30,121 employments aged 16 and 17 years-of-age.
Table 1 shows the total number of persons aged 15-17 years in employment (ILO). LFS, Q3 2016 – Q3 2025.
Table 1: Number of persons in employment (ILO) aged 15-17, Q3 2016 - Q3 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
'000 |
|
Employment |
Q3 2016 |
Q3 2017 |
Q3 2018 |
Q3 2019 |
Q3 2020 |
Q3 2021 |
Q3 2022 |
Q3 2023 |
Q3 2024 |
Q3 2025 |
|
Aged 15 to 17 years |
20.1 |
17.1 |
21.4 |
22.1 |
16.2 |
42.9 |
36.4 |
40.7 |
43.9 |
44.8 |
|
Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS), Central Statistics Office, Ireland. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reference period: Q3 Jul-Sep |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Table 2 shows the number of employments under the age of 16 and those 16 & 17 years from EAADS, 2016 – 2024.
|
Table 2: Number of PAYE employments among those aged under 16 years and those aged 16 & 17 years from administrative data, 2016 - 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employments |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Aged under 16 years |
772 |
763 |
1,041 |
868 |
728 |
1,188 |
1,185 |
1,087 |
1,072 |
|
Aged 16 & 17 years |
13,840 |
15,021 |
18,601 |
19,429 |
13,487 |
26,839 |
31,567 |
30,669 |
30,121 |
|
Source: CSO, Earnings Analysis using Administrative Data Sources (EAADS) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employment Data
Ceisteanna (221)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:221. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Taoiseach the number of those under the age of 18 years-of-age earning the national minimum wage; the number of those aged 18 years-of-age earning the national minimum wage; the number of those agreed 19 earning the national minimum wage, for each of the past ten years, in tabular form. [5923/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
PQ referred to CSO for answer
The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the official source of estimates of employment in the State.
The LFS produces estimates for the number of employees who report earning the national minimum wage as well as those who indicate they have gross hourly earnings which do not exceed the national minimum wage.
In Q3 2025 there were 63,700 employees aged 15 to 19 years who reported that they earned the national minimum wage of €13.50 per hour or less than the national minimum wage. Of those, 32,600 employees indicated that they earned the national minimum wage, with a further 31,100 reporting that they earned less than the national minimum wage.
Table 1 shows the number of people under 18 years-of-age; those aged 18 years; and those aged 19 years who indicated they earn the national minimum wage of €13.50 per hour or those who have gross hourly earnings which do not exceed the minimum wage. In Q3 2025 there were 30,300 employees aged 15 to 17 years who earned the national minimum wage or less while 16,400 persons aged 18 years-of-age and 17,100 persons aged 19 years-of-age reported earning the national minimum wage or less.
Table 1: Number of employees aged 15-19 earning the national minimum age or less, Q3 2016 - Q3 2025
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
'000 |
|
Employees |
Q3 2016 |
Q3 2017 |
Q3 2018 |
Q3 2019 |
Q3 2020 |
Q3 2021 |
Q3 2022 |
Q3 2023 |
Q3 2024 |
Q3 2025 |
|
Aged 15 to 17 years |
13.7 |
11.9 |
13.3 |
13.8 |
11.4 |
28.4 |
22.7 |
27.1 |
28.2 |
30.3 |
|
Aged 18 years |
12.9 |
9.9 |
11.1 |
8.2 |
9.3 |
19.7 |
16.1 |
17.3 |
15.0 |
16.4 |
|
Aged 19 years |
14.5 |
11.4 |
10.5 |
11.1 |
12.3 |
17.2 |
12.7 |
18.2 |
17.0 |
17.1 |
|
All aged 19 years & under |
41.0 |
33.2 |
34.8 |
33.1 |
33.1 |
65.3 |
51.5 |
62.6 |
60.3 |
63.7 |
Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS), Central Statistics Office, Ireland.
Data may be subject to sampling or other survey errors, which are greater in respect of smaller values or estimates of change.
Reference period: Q3 Jul-Sep
Census of Population
Ceisteanna (222)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:222. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach what his Department currently considers the total population of the State to be; and the estimated number who are Irish citizens, nationals of the UK or EEA, or nationals of countries outside the UK or EEA. [6150/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Referred to CSO for answer
The CSO publishes annual estimates of population by citizenship in its Population and Migration Estimates publication. It must be noted that the estimates do not disaggregate by EEA countries, but rather the EU27 countries, therefore, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are included in the “Citizenship outside Ireland, UK and EU27” category.
The latest published estimates are for April 2025 and disaggregate the population by citizenship:
|
Irish State Population Estimate |
5,458,600 |
|
|
|
|
Estimated Population of Irish Citizens |
4,570,200 |
|
Estimated Population of UK Citizens |
91,300 |
|
Estimated Population of EU27 Citizens (Excl. IRL) |
370,800 |
|
Estimated Population of people with citizenship outside Ireland, UK and EU27 |
426,400 |
Energy Policy
Ceisteanna (223)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:223. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Taoiseach to provide an update on the work of the offshore energy clearinghouse. [6159/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I established the Offshore Wind Energy Clearing House in September 2025. It is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and is composed of representatives of the Offshore Wind Energy Sector and the Secretaries General of those Government Departments that have a role in the successful deployment of offshore wind energy. It has met on two occasions and will meet again in February.
Its objective is to seek to resolve identified impediments to the timely delivery of offshore renewable energy through providing attention at the centre of Government. It invites the heads of relevant public sector bodies to meetings to discuss relevant issues. The Clearing House supports and reinforces the work of the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce, especially where issues cannot be resolved at Taskforce level.
Child Poverty
Ceisteanna (224)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:224. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Taoiseach for an update on the ongoing work of the child poverty unit. [6415/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Child Poverty and Well-being Programme Office was established in the Department of the Taoiseach in 2023 to prioritise action across government in areas that will have the greatest impact for children and families experiencing poverty. The Programme Office was retained in the Programme for Government to continue the work to break down silos between departments and drive delivery.
Published in 2023, the Programme Office’s initial Programme Plan, From Poverty to Potential: A Programme Plan for Child Poverty and Well-being 2023-2025, builds on six focus areas which have the potential to bring about significant change for families and children.
These focus areas are:
• Income assistance and joblessness;
• Early learning and childcare;
• Reducing the cost of education;
• Family homelessness;
• Consolidating and integrating family and parental assistance, health and well-being;
• Enhancing participation in culture, arts and sport for children and young people affected by poverty.
The Programme Office’s first Progress Report, Child Poverty and Well-being in Transition: Learning and Adapting to Accelerate Change in Children’s Lives published in early 2025, provided updates for the focus areas, acknowledged challenges and highlighted emerging lessons and priorities. The report also highlighted that the Programme Office has strengthened the cross-government focus on addressing child poverty. A copy of the report can be found on gov.ie: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-the-taoiseach/publications/progress-report/.
The next multi-annual Child Poverty and Well-being Programme Plan and the second Progress Report are currently under development and will be published in the coming months.
Annual Summit and Cross Government Network
Last September, I hosted the Programme Office’s second annual summit on child poverty and well-being in the Aviva Stadium. The Summit brought together leaders, policymakers, practitioners, and change-makers from across sectors to explore how we can drive systemic change that delivers results for children. It highlighted collaborative approaches, examined what is working, and surfaced bold ideas that are needed to address the structural barriers that keep children and families in poverty. Children’s participation was an integral part of the day and included an art exhibition, a specially written musical performance from Jimmy Maguire of Music Generation, and engagement with our Youth Advisory Group on Child Poverty and Well-being.
The discussions and outcomes from the Summit will feed directly into the development of the Office’s second Programme Plan. A report on the Second Annual Child Poverty and Well-being Summit was published in December and is available on gov.ie: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-the-taoiseach/publications/summit-2025/#summit-report.
To deepen cross government coordination, the Office established a Cross-Government Network on Child Poverty and Well-being. To date, there have been six meetings of the Cross Government Network. At the sixth meeting of the Cross-Government Network (CGN), space was created for practical exploration of how a more creative, ambitious, and responsive public sector can better support children and families through Action Learning Sets. The results of this session will be explored at the next Cross-Government Network which will take place in Q1 2026.
Child Poverty Target
In September 2025, in line with commitments in the Programme for Government, the Government agreed a new Child Poverty Target - to reduce the child consistent poverty rate to 3% or less by the end of 2030. This Target is ambitious, representing a reduction of 5.5 percentage points, or nearly 60%, from the current rate of 8.5%.
While consistent poverty is a very important metric, it is not the only way we have of measuring how children are doing. Given the multi-faceted nature of child poverty, both targeted income measures, and non-income measures, such as housing, education, childcare and health services, are key in reducing child poverty, as well as high quality and sustainable employment.
To support a multi-dimensional view of child poverty, the Programme Office is compiling a Dashboard of Indicators that will be used alongside the new Child Poverty Target.
Budget 2026
An important strategic initiative of the Programme Office is the cross-government focus on child poverty and well-being in the annual Budget.
On 30 December, I published Breaking the Cycle: New Measures in Budget 2026 to Address Child Poverty and Promote Well-being. This is the third cross-government report on child poverty spending in the annual Budget – and the first Budget of this Government’s term.
Budget 2026 moves away from cost-of-living payments towards permanent targeted payments to support those most vulnerable. A €320 million social welfare package for children includes the largest increase ever in the Child Support Payment, increased income thresholds for the Working Family Payment, and the extension of Fuel Allowance to those on the Working Family Payment. Other new or enhanced allocations in Budget 2026 to address child poverty through provision of services include:
• An additional €5.14 million for Equal Start - a 30% increase from the 2025 allocation
• An additional €16.5m (€48 million full year cost) to the Department of Education and Youth to implement a new DEIS Strategy and the new DEIS Plus scheme
• A 22% increase of €7.3m for Youth Justice supports
• €3.2m of additional funding to expand and strengthen the national network of Family Resource Centres, with the addition of ten new centres, bringing the national total to 136, and
• Expansion of the income thresholds for the National Childcare Scheme, which will reduce the costs of childcare for lower-income families.
Analysis from the Economic and Social Research Institute shows that the permanent measures taken in Budget 2026 are progressive and prioritise protecting the incomes of the poorest families. This targeted approach is a strategic decision by Government to close the gap for children and families most at risk in our society. The 2026 Budget report is available on gov.ie: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-the-taoiseach/publications/annual-budget/#budget-2026-report.
Child and Family Homelessness Action Plan
The Government’s new housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities recognises that homelessness is the single most pressing social issue that we face and introduces a number of key measures to address homelessness. One such measure relates to the development of a dedicated cross-Departmental and agency led Child and Family Homelessness Action Plan. Given the importance of this issue for child poverty and child well-being, the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are working together on this Plan, supported by relevant Government departments and State bodies.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (225)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:225. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount her Department has spent on legal fees for each of the years 2020-2025, in tabular form. [5537/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department generally seeks advice on domestic legal matters from the Office of the Attorney General and/or the Chief State Solicitor’s Office. Depending on the subject matter, litigation is dealt with on my Department’s behalf by the Attorney General’s Office, the Chief State Solicitor’s Office or the State Claims Agency who engage lawyers to act for the Department where necessary. The Department also incurs legal fees overseas as it operates in many different jurisdictions.
The Department of Foreign Affairs made the following legal fee payments, 2020-2025:
|
Year |
In € |
|
2020 |
194,079 |
|
2021 |
343,474 |
|
2022 |
305,316 |
|
2023 |
575,307 |
|
2024 |
1,007,319 |
|
2025 |
314,293 |
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (226)
Paul Donnelly
Ceist:226. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her Department will run a recruitment campaign during Q1 seeking fluent English to Spanish translators and English to Italian translators for temporary positions within her Department for the duration of the Irish Presidency of the EU. [5559/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
During Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Presidency website and social media channels will serve as the main public sources of information and news on all matters relating to the Presidency. Material will be available in Irish, English and French.
To support work on this project, temporary positions for translators will be filled to work as part of the Department's Presidency Communications Unit.
As material will not be published in either Spanish or Italian, the need for temporary translator positions in respect of these languages does not arise.
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (227)
Paul Donnelly
Ceist:227. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the date each Irish ambassador and or consul general have been deployed to the current position; and when will each of those positions be next up for redeployment, in tabular form. [5560/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ambassadors of Ireland are appointed by the President on the advice of the Government on foot of their nomination by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. The start dates for all current Irish Ambassadors are provided in tabular form below. As a Government decision on their successor determines when the posting of an Ambassador comes to a conclusion, it is not possible to provide the Deputy with a list of dates on which each of these postings will conclude.
The start dates for all current Consuls General are provided in the table below. Consuls General are typically assigned to their role for four years, however this can change based on the business needs of the Department.
|
Mission |
Date Posted |
|
Abu Dhabi |
Aug-22 |
|
Abuja |
Nov-22 |
|
Addis Ababa |
Aug-24 |
|
Amman |
Aug-22 |
|
Ankara |
Aug-24 |
|
Athens |
Jan-25 |
|
Atlanta CG |
Aug-24 |
|
Austin |
Jul-22 |
|
Bangkok |
Jul-22 |
|
Beijing |
Aug-24 |
|
Belgrade |
Sep-25 |
|
Berlin |
Aug-24 |
|
Berne |
Aug-23 |
|
Bogotá |
Aug-25 |
|
Boston CG |
Aug-23 |
|
Brasilia |
Sep-25 |
|
Bratislava |
Aug-25 |
|
Brussels Embassy |
Dec-21 |
|
Brussels Perm Rep to EU Permanent Representative |
Aug-23 |
|
Brussels Perm Rep to EU Deputy Permanent Representative |
Aug-23 |
|
Brussels Perm Rep to EU Political and Security Committee |
Aug-24 |
|
Bucharest |
Sep-23 |
|
Budapest |
Aug-23 |
|
Buenos Aires |
Aug-22 |
|
Cairo |
Sep-25 |
|
Canberra |
Aug-25 |
|
Cardiff CG |
Aug-22 |
|
Chicago CG |
Sep-24 |
|
Chisinau |
Aug-25 |
|
Copenhagen |
Aug-25 |
|
Dakar |
Jan-23 |
|
Dar-es-Salaam |
Aug-24 |
|
Edinburgh CG |
Feb-23 |
|
Frankfurt CG |
Aug-21 |
|
Freetown |
Aug-25 |
|
Geneva |
Dec-22 |
|
Hanoi |
Jul-23 |
|
Helsinki |
Jul-24 |
|
Holy See |
Aug-22 |
|
Hong Kong CG |
Sep-23 |
|
Islamabad |
Aug-24 |
|
Jakarta |
Jul-25 |
|
Kampala |
Aug-25 |
|
Kuala Lumpur |
Aug-23 |
|
Kyiv |
Aug-24 |
|
Lilongwe |
Sep-23 |
|
Lisbon |
Aug-23 |
|
Ljubljana |
Aug-25 |
|
London |
Aug-22 |
|
Los Angeles CG |
Aug-25 |
|
Lusaka |
Aug-25 |
|
Luxembourg |
Sep-23 |
|
Lyon CG |
Aug-25 |
|
Madrid |
Sep-25 |
|
Manchester CG |
Aug-25 |
|
Manila |
Aug-24 |
|
Maputo |
Sep-22 |
|
Melbourne CG |
Jan-26 |
|
Mexico |
Aug-24 |
|
Miami CG |
Oct-22 |
|
Milan CG |
Aug-24 |
|
Monrovia |
Aug-22 |
|
Moscow |
Jul-24 |
|
Mumbai CG |
Aug-25 |
|
Munich CG |
Aug-24 |
|
Nairobi |
Aug-23 |
|
New Delhi |
Sep-23 |
|
New York CG |
Aug-25 |
|
New York Perm Mission to the UN |
Aug-22 |
|
Nicosia |
Aug-25 |
|
Oslo |
Aug-23 |
|
Ottawa |
Sep-24 |
|
Paris Embassy |
Dec-21 |
|
Paris OECD |
Aug-24 |
|
Prague |
Aug-23 |
|
Pretoria |
Aug-23 |
|
Rabat |
Sep-25 |
|
Riga |
Aug-25 |
|
Riyadh |
Sep-22 |
|
Rome |
Sep-25 |
|
San Francisco CG |
Aug-22 |
|
Santiago |
Sep-23 |
|
Sao Paulo CG |
Aug-24 |
|
Sarajevo |
Aug-25 |
|
Seoul |
Aug-22 |
|
Shanghai |
Aug-24 |
|
Singapore |
Aug-22 |
|
Sofia |
Aug-24 |
|
Stockholm |
Aug-23 |
|
Strasbourg |
Aug-23 |
|
Sydney CG |
Aug-25 |
|
Tallinn |
Aug-22 |
|
Tehran |
Sep-24 |
|
Tel Aviv |
Aug-23 |
|
The Hague |
Aug-24 |
|
Tokyo |
Aug-22 |
|
Toronto CG |
Sep-25 |
|
Valletta |
Jul-22 |
|
Vancouver CG |
Aug-22 |
|
Vienna Embassy |
Aug-24 |
|
Vienna OSCE |
Aug-25 |
|
Vilnius |
Sep-22 |
|
Warsaw |
Aug-22 |
|
Washington |
Aug-22 |
|
Wellington |
Aug-22 |
|
Zagreb |
Aug-24
|
EU Directives
Ceisteanna (228)
Sinéad Gibney
Ceist:228. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her Department’s stance on the digital omnibus proposal, in its current form, as published by the European Commission; to outline any changes they will seek to the proposal or concerns they have on its contents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5597/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I would like to thank the Deputy for the question. The Government strongly supports the EU’s competitiveness agenda. Simplification is a key enabler of this. Both the Letta and Draghi reports underlined the need to reduce the regulatory and administrative burden on EU companies, particularly SMEs.
The European Commission put forward ten simplification Omnibus packages in 2025. Each package usually contains several legislative proposals relevant to multiple Government Departments. My Department has been coordinating Ireland’s approach across Government to these packages.
The digital simplification Omnibus package was published by the European Commission on 19 November last year. It contains two legislative proposals – the digital Omnibus on AI and the digital Omnibus.
In the lead up its publication, Ireland strongly encouraged an ambitious digital simplification package that can support the EU’s strategic positioning as the location of choice for trustworthy digital innovation, while maintaining a central focus on protecting data privacy and fundamental rights of citizens.
The Government recognises the importance of regulation to ensure markets operate efficiently and fairly, and to protect consumers. In this context, it is important that regulations are targeted and proportionate to the policy objective, whether it is to protect consumers and citizens, or to promote competition and innovation. We have therefore advocated for a dynamic, ambitious and risk-based approach, focused on removing regulatory overlaps, reducing administrative burdens, and supporting compliance
The Commission’s proposals are a first step, and an important element of the overall approach to improving competitiveness at an EU level.
In terms of substance, the first legislative proposal – the digital Omnibus on AI - aims to simplify and streamline the EU’s AI Act. This includes linking the implementation timeline of high-risk rules to the availability of standards; extending SME regulatory simplifications to small mid-caps; requiring the Commission and the Member States to foster AI literacy while retaining training obligations for high-risk deployers; increasing flexibility in post-market monitoring by removing the mandatory harmonised plan; reducing the registration requirements for AI systems in high-risk areas when used only for narrow or procedural tasks; centralising the oversight of many General Purpose AI-based and platform-embedded systems within the EU AI Office; expanding the regulatory sandboxes and real-world testing, including an EU-level sandbox, and clarifying the interactions between the AI Act and other EU laws.
The proposed changes respond to practical implementation challenges highlighted by stakeholders and are aimed at increasing certainty for regulators, businesses and citizens, reducing compliance costs and administrative burdens, and supporting innovation whilst maintaining protections. By reducing barriers to investment and innovation, balanced with clear and predictable protections for citizens, we can unlock growth opportunities from the rapid acceleration of technological developments.
A key challenge faced by Member States and businesses included the delay in the availability of technical standards and other support tools, such as guidance and codes of practice, that are necessary for the provision, use and regulation of compliant AI systems.
Discussions on this proposal remain at an early stage and further scrutiny of and consultation on the proposal is ongoing.
The second proposal – the digital Omnibus - aims to simplify and streamline the EU’s data rulebook and cybersecurity incident reporting.
As regards the proposed changes to the EU data rulebook, the proposal merges four existing data-related acts into a single, consolidated instrument for Europe’s data economy. It incorporates elements of the Free Flow of Data Regulation, the Data Governance Act, and the Open Data Directive, into the Data Act, while simultaneously repealing those three instruments. This initiative aligns with the broader Data Union Strategy, which seeks to simplify and streamline the EU’s legislative framework. Among its aims, the proposal extends rules that facilitate compliance with EU data legislation for small and medium sized enterprises to also cover small mid-cap companies. It seeks to balance reduced administrative burdens with enhanced legal certainty and strengthened competitiveness, while also reinforcing safeguards against the risk of severe data leaks to third countries. In addition, it clarifies the scope of the business to government framework and reaffirms that the key provisions of the Data Act remain central to fostering a more open and competitive cloud environment.
The proposal also includes targeted amendments to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to harmonise, clarify and simplify certain rules to boost innovation and support compliance by organisations, while keeping intact the core of the GDPR, maintaining the highest level of personal data protection. It aims to clarify certain key definitions, for instance the notions of personal data; facilitate compliance, for instance by supporting controllers with respect to the criteria and means to determine whether data resulting from pseudonymisation does not constitute personal data; clarify certain aspects as to the processing of data for AI training and development; and address the lack of clarity about the conditions for scientific research by providing a definition of scientific research and clarifying that scientific research constitutes a “legitimate interest”.
The proposal further includes changes to the rules on “cookies” (e-privacy Directive). It seeks to simplify the interplay of the applicable rules whereby processing of personal data on and from terminal equipment should be governed only by GDPR. The proposal also paves the way for automated and machine-readable indications of individual choices and respect of those indications by website and mobile application providers and providers of mobile phone applications once standards are available. Where controllers ensure that their websites or mobile phone applications comply with such standards, they should benefit from a presumption of compliance.
The Government welcomes the proposed amalgamation of the Open Data Directive, the Free Flow of Non-Personal Data Regulation, the Data Governance and the Data Act into a single consolidated Data Act as it will streamline the data framework and provide greater clarity and alignment of the data rulebook. The Government further believes that strong safeguards regarding the use of personal data should remain in place in alignment with core objectives of the GDPR. Essential principles of public trust, transparency, data protection and improved public outcomes and public good are central to any simplification package.
As regards the proposed changes to cybersecurity incident reporting, the proposal seeks to introduce a single-entry point through which entities can simultaneously fulfil their incident reporting obligations under multiple legal acts and to require ENISA, the EU agency for cybersecurity, to develop the single entry-point. It seeks to mandate the use of the single-entry point for a series of closely interconnected incident reporting obligations set in the NIS2 Directive, GDPR, the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), eIDAS Regulation, and the CER Directive. Other sectoral reporting obligations, such as those set out in the framework of the network code on cybersecurity aspects of cross-border electricity flows (NCCS) and the relevant instruments for the aviation sector, would also be brought under the single-entry point through amendments to the respective delegated and implementing acts that establish the reporting obligations under those frameworks. The proposal also aims at streamlining the contents of reported information by introducing empowerments for several legal acts, where such do not exist - and the Commission is supposed to take due account of the experience gained and the common templates developed under DORA.
The Government welcomes the efforts to simplify the reporting of incidents as the complexity of incident reporting has been repeatedly highlighted by stakeholders as a major issue, particularly for SMEs. However, we have concerns on the proposal to develop a single-entry point (SEP) for incident reporting across a number of legislative files including non cyber security ones such as GDPR. One key concern is the interoperability of a SEP with existing incident reporting mechanisms in Member States and concerns it may encroach upon national security, causing delays and fragmentation in relation to critical information flows.
Discussions in the Council on this proposal also remain at an early stage, and we will continue to engage constructively in these discussions.
It is important to note also that the proposals under the digital simplification Omnibus package must now proceed through the EU’s ordinary legislative procedure, requiring review and approval by both the European Parliament and the Council.
Going forward, it will also be important to future-proof our EU digital regulatory framework, with the overall aim of increasing the coherence and effectiveness of the EU Digital rulebook. This means ensuring that forthcoming digital regulations are developed with the same objectives around simplification, harmonisation and coherence strongly to the fore. In this context, the Government is also very supportive of the broader review of the digital rulebook through the Fitness Check of the Digital Acquis, announced by the Commission as part of this package.
Trade Sanctions
Ceisteanna (229)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:229. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the nature of EU sanctions that apply to those engaged in or contributing to Russian state sponsored media, including a network (details supplied); if such sanctions apply to any Irish citizen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5617/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The targeted sanctions adopted in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine are the most expansive and hard-hitting sanctions in EU history. Ireland has supported these measures.
Over 2,400 individuals and entities are now subject to EU restrictive measures. An unprecedented range of sectoral measures against Russia have been adopted, including measures targeting the financial, energy, technology, defence, media and transport sectors with a view to limiting Russia’s ability to wage its illegal war in Ukraine and access battlefield goods and technology.
These measures include a broadcasting prohibition relating to a number of Russian media outlets, including the one listed which have been instrumental in preparing and supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Within the EU, it is prohibited to broadcast, enable or otherwise facilitate the broadcast of a range of sanctioned outlets.
In view of Russia’s hybrid operations in Europe, on 8 October 2024, the European Council established a new framework of targeted sanctions against persons and entities engaged in destabilising activities including information manipulation and disinformation. These restrictive measures consist of a travel ban to the EU for designated individuals and an asset freeze applying to both designated individuals and entities.
EU sanctions Regulations have direct effect in Irish law, meaning that they must be complied with in the same way as domestic Irish legislation.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (230)
Gary Gannon
Ceist:230. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide a breakdown of expenditure by her Department and bodies, agencies or organisations under her remit on paid verification services on a platform (details supplied) or any other verified account products, for each of the years 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the number of verified accounts held under each category; the annual cost per account; the total annual cost incurred; the procurement basis under which these services were purchased, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5620/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at headquarters has incurred no expenditure on verification services on the platform X, or any other social media platform which offer paid verification services, for each of the years specified.
Consular Services
Ceisteanna (231)
Roderic O'Gorman
Ceist:231. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she plans to have an Irish Consulate General Office based in Cancun, Mexico. [5745/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland and Mexico have enjoyed excellent diplomatic relations since their establishment in 1975 and there is an Irish Embassy in Mexico City.
Mexico is an important bilateral partner for Ireland and my Department has regular and positive engagement with Mexico through its Embassy in Dublin. Ireland’s bilateral relationship with Mexico has been further strengthened through the implementation of the Global Ireland Strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean, which seeks to enhance relations with the countries of the region across several key areas of engagement.
There are no current plans to open a Consulate General in Cancun. Ireland has a long-serving Honorary Consul, appointed to Cancun since 2008. New Irish Honorary Consuls in the major cities of Monterrey and Guadalajara were also appointed in 2024.
Any decision on the opening of a new embassy or consulate is considered by reference to Ireland’s national, political and economic priorities. Against these and other factors, the Government keeps the matter of opening further embassies or consulates under ongoing review.
Trade Agreements
Ceisteanna (232)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:232. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current status of the proposed EU-Australia trade agreement; whether it is envisaged that a final agreement will include visa free travel via a labour mobility scheme; the provisions that will be included in such a labour mobility scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5900/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In the face of unprecedented global economic uncertainty, it is important for Ireland to diversify our markets with new, reliable global partners.
As members of the European Union, Ireland has access to the largest trade network in the world, with individual agreements covering trade relations with over 70 countries. That network of agreements is being continuously strengthened, with several currently under negotiation.
In an increasingly volatile international trade landscape it is of vital importance to Ireland's growth and prosperity that we continue to champion the positive impacts of increased market access for Irish and European goods and services. The EU’s ambitious suite of FTAs is integral as we look to diversify our critical supply chains and open up export markets for Irish companies.
The European Commission, which holds exclusive competence for negotiating trade agreements, has been working towards delivering a comprehensive and balanced FTA between the EU and Australia. However, negotiations have been paused since October 2023.
We are awaiting the formal resumption of negotiations between the EU and Australia. A labour mobility scheme may be considered as part of this process.
Official Engagements
Ceisteanna (233)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:233. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to detail all engagement she has had with Iraqi authorities on the continued detention of an Irish resident (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5938/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am very conscious of the continuing ordeal being unjustly inflicted on the person concerned and his family. I received an update on the case from the Irish Ambassador in Amman during my visit to Jordan on 14 January. I am aware also of the Deputy's long standing interest in the case. My officials are in frequent contact with the family of the concerned person and also from time to time with him.
The release of this person from prison in June raised strong hopes that he would soon be allowed to leave the country. It is deeply frustrating that he continues to be detained in Iraq under a travel ban, with the constant threat of re-imprisonment. I reiterate that in our view he was imprisoned, and continues to be detained, for a supposed crime which never occurred. Both he and his family suffer continual pain and hardship as a result.
The Government continues to raise his case with the Iraqi authorities, in support of the work being done by the Government of Australia, of which he is a citizen. We convey our concerns about his case to the Iraqi authorities both through the Embassy here in Dublin and through our Embassy in Jordan. This month we also raised it directly with the Iraqi Mission at the United Nations in New York. In all these contacts we make very clear that both justice and humanitarian concerns demand his immediate release from detention, and return to his family in Ireland.
I and my Department will remain fully engaged on this file and continue to work towards the return of this individual to his family.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (234)
Conor D. McGuinness
Ceist:234. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether a country (details supplied) can deny a visa to an Irish passport holder due to the fact the passport is a five-year passport that has been issued to a child under the age of eighteen years (details supplied). [6025/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will appreciate, the immigration regulation and operations are a matter solely for that country's relevant authorities.
My Department follows the recommended passport guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) with regard to children's passports. The ICAO is an UN agency whose guidelines state that, in consideration of the changing appearance of children, a validity period of not more than five years is recommended in the case of children’s passports. Issuance of passports with five years validity for children is the standard in many countries, including Australia, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.
The Passport Services issues all children, aged seventeen years and under, with passports that are valid for five years.
With regards to the citizen in question, the Passport Service has made contact with the citizen's parents.
Climate Change Policy
Ceisteanna (235)
Pa Daly
Ceist:235. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures her Department is taking to address the impact of climate crisis globally, and to support poorer nations in adapting. [6277/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Supporting vulnerable countries in adapting to climate change is a core priority for the Government's climate policy and international climate diplomacy.
At COP26 in Glasgow in 2021, the Taoiseach announced that the Government would more than double Ireland’s international climate finance to developing countries by 2025, to at least €225 million annually. In 2023, the last year for which complete, verified data is available, Ireland provided €159.2 million in international climate finance. We are fully on track to reach the €225 million target for 2025.
Ireland’s climate finance is grant-based and targets adaptation action in some of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, particularly Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States. We recognise that these countries are among the least responsible for climate change and are often the most affected by it. Some 86% of Ireland’s climate finance is focused on climate change adaptation, either as a whole or as one component.
Our international climate finance is channelled through our missions abroad, through multilateral organisations, and through NGO partners. Ireland provides funding to several multilateral funds that assist countries in developing and implementing their National Adaptation Plans, including the National Adaptation Plan Global Network and the Least Developed Countries Fund.
In our international climate diplomacy and advocacy, Ireland prioritises seeking a balance between financing for adaptation and mitigation and seeks to ensure that Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States are prioritised for climate finance at a global level.
International Relations
Ceisteanna (236, 238, 239)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:236. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline the Government's current policy position on the legitimacy of the Iranian regime, in light of sustained mass protests, the suppression of political opposition, and documented human rights abuses in Iran; and whether Ireland, either bilaterally or at European Union level, has considered or advocated for any formal measures declaring the regime illegitimate. [6408/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:238. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions Ireland has taken, or proposes to take, within the European Union to strengthen sanctions and restrictive measures against the Iranian regime, including those relating to oil exports, regime-linked assets and the activities of Iranian state or proxy networks operating within Europe. [6410/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:239. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Ireland's current policy regarding diplomatic engagement with the Iranian regime; whether the downgrading or closure of Iranian diplomatic missions within the European Union has been considered as part of Ireland's response to ongoing repression and transnational intimidation by the regime. [6411/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 236, 238 and 239 together.
In my statement to the Dáil on 21 January, I set out the Government's condemnation of the brutal repression of protesters by the Iranian authorities. They appear for now to have driven the protests from the streets, but only by killing some thousands of people, and arresting manifold more. They have not in any way listened to or tried to meet the demands and wishes expressed by their own people. Violent oppression continues against those in custody, and even the families of the dead.
Both the Government and the European Union have made clear our condemnation of these actions. Ireland joined in calling for a Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council on 23 January. The resolution adopted at that session, and the EU and Irish national statements to the session, clearly state our views. The Council renewed for two years the mandate of the Independent Fact Finding Mission on Iran, set up by the HRC with Ireland's support in 2022, and charged it to investigate the recent and continuing events. We echo the calls in the resolution, and by the UN Commissioner for Human Rights, to uncover and seek accountability for the actions Iran has tried to hide under a media and communications blackout. Iranian people are courageous and resourceful, and the truth will emerge.
I will be discussing these events with my EU colleagues at the Foreign Affairs Council on 29 January. The EU is working on further sanctions on those responsible, and I fully support that.
International Relations
Ceisteanna (237)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:237. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Ireland's position at EU level on the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation, including whether Ireland has supported or intends to support such a designation within relevant EU Council discussions. [6409/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The EU has imposed significant sanctions on Iran and continues to consider further measures. Existing EU sanctions on Iran come under three headings: human rights, support to Russia’s war on Ukraine, and the Iranian nuclear programme. All three are kept under constant review, with names of key individuals and entities added as appropriate. Additional listings are currently being considered, an approach which Ireland supports.
The question of designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps of Iran as a terrorist organisation has been considered at EU level in the context of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. Such a designation by the EU is a legal process which requires unanimity and must be based on a legal designation as a terrorist entity by a Member State. The IRGC is already subject to extensive EU sanctions under other regimes and the matter will continue to be discussed.
Question No. 238 answered with Question No. 236.
Question No. 239 answered with Question No. 236.
Humanitarian Access
Ceisteanna (240)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:240. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether Ireland has raised, or intends to raise, within the EU or the United Nations the urgent need for international civilian protection mechanisms and humanitarian access for Kurdish communities currently displaced in northeast Syria, particularly around Kobani, in light of the Syrian Government's recent military offensive and the effective dismantling of the Autonomous Administration that partnered with the international coalition against ISIS; the measures Ireland can support to ensure that reprisals, forced demographic changes or restrictions on cultural and political rights; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6412/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The situation in north and northeast Syria has evolved with great speed and complexity in recent weeks. There have been longstanding tensions between the new Syrian authorities and the autonomous Kurdish forces, but also political efforts to address these, notably in the agreement of March 2025. The clashes which broke out in Aleppo seem to have started between local forces, but then spiralled to a higher level. There was an important agreement in Damascus on 18 January between the Syrian Government and the Kurdish SDF, but this has been imperfectly implemented at best, and a number of local ceasefires have also broken down. While it seems all out conflict has been avoided, large areas have passed from SDF to Government control, with significant displacement of persons as well. A clearer picture has yet to emerge.
I would note that President al-Sharaa has issued a decree recognising Syrian Kurds as an essential part of the Syrian people and the country's diverse national identity. and also recognized Kurdish as a national language and Nowruz as a national holiday. These are important steps in Syria's transition and the broad acceptance of the diversity of ethnicity, religion and culture in Syria.
I plan to attend the Foreign Affairs Council on 29 January and will discuss the situation in Syria with my EU counterparts. Civilian protection and humanitarian access will be key issues for discussion. I note that the 18 January agreement included provision for humanitarian access, so this is an issue of which both sides are aware.