Written Answers Nos. 313-335
313. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Defence for an update on the deployment of towed array sonar; whether it is compatible with existing vessels; or if new vessels will be needed to facilitate this new technology; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9263/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTowed Sonar capability has been provided for as part of the National Development Plan for the Defence Forces. The towed sonar capability is the first of its kind in Ireland, will be used for monitoring and surveillance in the subsea domain, thus significantly enhancing maritime security. Final approval was granted in May 2025 and a contract was agreed and signed on the 29 May 2025.
This new acquisition will enhance awareness below the surface, contributing to the overall maritime picture available to Naval Service and the wider Defence Forces. This is a complex project and a new capability, so work in training personnel and establishing the procedures and structures required within the Defence Forces has commenced, and will continue in the period up to the delivery and operationalisation of the system, with initial deliveries planned for 2027.
This new capability will be operated from the existing fleet, with no requirement for new vessels.
314. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff directly responsible for cybersecurity, as distinct from IT, within her Department; if a threat analyst, vulnerability manager and a cyber infrastructure engineer are employed; if not in-house, if this work is outsourced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9427/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor operational and security reasons, my Department does not disclose specific information relating to cybersecurity tools, expenditure, resources, or the detailed strategies employed to counter cyber threats. The Department recognises the importance of maintaining a strong cybersecurity posture, which includes having a dedicated cybersecurity function in place. My Department ensures staff stay up to date on evolving cyber security threats including malware, ransomware, phishing attacks and social engineering.
In addition, the Department is a tenant of the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) Build to Share Desktop service.
An Information Security Management System (ISMS) has been established within the OGCIO that has been certified as meeting the requirements of ISO27001:2022. The ISMS provides an overall governance framework for information security of which cyber security is a key element.
315. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which her Department examines third party supply chain vulnerability when it comes to cybersecurity. [9445/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department manages its third-party supply chain using a risk-based approach. Information and cybersecurity requirements are embedded within procurement contracts and proportionate to the Department’s security posture and the sensitivity of the information involved.
With the introduction of NIS2, the EU-wide legislation on cyber security, my Department is reviewing its third party risk management arrangements to ensure compliance with the forthcoming legislation.
316. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence if she is aware that members of the Defence Forces with over 21 years’ service are currently being discharged; if she is aware of any directives from her Department to discharge up to 1,000 personnel from the Defence Forces; and if any member of the Defence Forces who wishes to remain in service will be afforded the option to do so, particularly given the ongoing retention challenges within the Defence Forces. [9781/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhilst personnel are discharged from the Defence Forces for various reasons such as retirements, there are no members being discharged solely on the basis of having completed 21 years’ service. My Department has not issued any directive instructing the Defence Forces to discharge 1,000 personnel on this basis.
The Deputy will appreciate that retention levels are not influenced by a single factor and just one of the measures that has already been introduced has been the increase of the mandatory retiring age for all members of the Permanent Defence Forces to 62, enabling members of the Defence Forces the opportunity to extend their careers in the Defence Forces.
This is just one of a number of retention measures have been delivered in recent years and I would like to assure the Deputy that I remain committed to continuing measures to progress recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces.
317. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Defence to provide details of all active interdepartmental, interagency, and department-agency working groups organised under her remit. [10151/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently compiling the information requested by the Deputy and will respond in full as soon as the required information has been collated.
318. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Defence the capital works projects currently ongoing at Haulbowline Naval Base; and when each of those capital works projects will be completed, in tabular form. [10310/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table sets out the current capital works projects that are ongoing at Haulbowline Naval Base.
|
Project |
Project Status |
Estimated Completion |
|
Block 9 refurbishment – HQ Comcen/Store |
Construction |
2026 |
|
New Storage Facility for 76mm Gun System |
Construction |
2026 |
|
Dredging & Removal of Dock Gate (Phase 1) |
Construction |
2026 |
In addition to the above, a Masterplan for the Naval Base will be completed in the coming weeks. This will provide a future pipeline of infrastructure projects for the development of the base.
319. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Defence the capital works projects currently ongoing at Casement Aerodrome; and when each of those capital works projects will be completed, in tabular form. [10311/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current capital works projects that are ongoing at Casement Aerodrome are listed below:
• St Bricins Re Location – Military Medical Facility; under construction with a 2026 completion
In addition, to date a Masterplan for the airside at Casement Aerodrome has been completed which will provide a programme of projects going forward to feed into the existing Infrastructure Development Plan. A tender competition for a Masterplan for the Landside at Casement will also be completed in the coming weeks which will further add to the future project pipeline.
320. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Defence the rationale for her Department not engaging with the Office of Public Works or with Áras an Uachtaráin in relation to a proposal to name a section of the Phoenix Park 3km Chesterfield Avenue in honour of General Charles de Gaulle; whether any consideration has been given to Ireland’s historical links with France, including the legacy of the Wild Geese, General de Gaulle’s documented Irish family connections, his famous stay at the Áras and international practice in a number of capitals of commemorating him through place naming; whether his role as co-founder of the European project has been considered in this context; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10345/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs previously advised my Department has no function in this matter and as such it would be more appropriate for the State authorities referenced by the Deputy to consider the matter further.
321. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport to confirm that the nightly file from his Department to An Garda Síochána includes the disqualification status of every driving licence and includes the driver number; if the information is provided with a real-time view of the driving licence status, to be used by frontline Gardaí on mobility devices at the roadside; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10288/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State with responsibility for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I wish to advise that the nightly file sent to An Garda Síochána includes the driver number and, where relevant, the disqualification status of the driver record.
My Department has worked closely with An Garda Síochána to enhance the existing data exchanges to provide real-time road side access to NVDF data, but the operational deployment of data and technology is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
322. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport his plans to expand the blue badge scheme for accessible parking to include those with epidermolysis bullosa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10343/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise that, at present, disabled parking permits are available to individuals living in Ireland whose mobility is severely restricted, whether they are drivers or passengers, as well as to those who are registered blind.
My Department understands that everyday life can be challenging for people with epidermolysis bullosa. However, eligibility for the scheme is not based on a fixed list of medical conditions, but by the extent to which an applicant’s ability to walk is affected by their disability or long-term illness. This is the group most directly affected by inaccessible parking spaces, spaces located too far from their destination or standard spaces that are too small to allow safe exit from a vehicle using a wheelchair, walking aid or oxygen equipment.
The Deputy may wish to note however, that my Department is currently undertaking an extensive review of the Disabled Parking Scheme, with a particular focus on eligibility and need.
323. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport when the regulations he has indicated will implement a total ban on the use of scrambler bikes and other off-road vehicles in public places will be made and commenced; whether the draft text of those regulations has been finalised; and if he will provide the anticipated commencement date and scope of the proposed prohibition. [11393/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra334. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport for an update on legislation to ban the use of scramblers in public spaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9248/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra344. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport his current plans to regulate scrambler bikes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9459/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 323, 334 and 344 together.
Under the Road Traffic Act 1961, mechanically propelled vehicles such as scramblers can only be legally driven on public roads if they are registered and have a registration plate. Most scramblers are designed for off-road use only and are unregistered, and are therefore illegal for use on the road. In the absence of registration, a vehicle cannot be taxed.
Exercising powers made by regulation under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, An Garda Síochána has the power to seize vehicles being driven on public roads that have not been taxed or lack insurance, or where the driver does not hold the relevant driving licence. Once seized, An Garda Síochána has the power to dispose of a seized vehicle six weeks after the date of detention, provided two weeks' notice of the intention to dispose is given.
Building on these pre-existing powers and provisions, the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 includes three key measures to further tackle dangerous scrambler use:
• Under Section 5(k), dangerous driving has become an offence everywhere, not only in public places;
• Under Section 5(p), An Garda Síochána were granted new powers to seize scramblers being driven dangerously in any location;
• Under Section 11(b), there is a new power to provide in regulations for the prohibition or restriction of the uses of classes of vehicles in particular places.
These three provisions are a comprehensive package of measures and were commenced by Statutory Instrument 392/2023 on 28 July 2023. Since commencement, off-road scramblers are no longer just illegal for use in public places - it is illegal to drive them dangerously anywhere, even on private land. More importantly, An Garda Síochána has full powers to seize a scrambler being driven dangerously in any location, even where they have the reasonable belief that the vehicle will be driven dangerously, and they can enter the curtilage of a dwelling to retrieve a scrambler after the fact. These powers are being used. Since 2023, over 1,000 e-scooters, quad bikes and scramblers have been seized.
While the commencement of the third provision created regulation-making powers to restrict certain classes of vehicles, any such regulations will be incremental on the other restrictions outlined above and no regulations have yet been made.
The Taoiseach convened a meeting of key members of the Government and senior officials to discuss an outright ban on all scramblers on 28 January. It is my intention that regulations will be made to close any cases where scrambler use may previously have been legal outside of appropriate off-road settings and implement a total ban on all scrambler use in any public place. I intend that these regulations will be introduced as a matter of urgency within the coming weeks, and I also propose to enhance Gardaí powers of vehicle seizure to reduce the number of seized vehicles that end up back on the roads.
324. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the sections of the Road Traffic Act 2023 that have not been implemented/commenced to date; the reason for the delays; the regulations that have yet to be brought in; and proposed date for commencement.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9126/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 was signed into law by the President on the 23 June 2023. It is a large piece of legislation consisting of 59 sections which cover a multitude of topics.
To date there have been 10 Commencement Orders, covering a range of issues such as BusConnects, dangerous driving, the antisocial use of scramblers, road infrastructure, provisions relating to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI), allowing insurers to access endorsements on driving licences, and provisions for e-scooters and e-bikes.
This means that 48 sections of the Act are now fully commenced and 11 sections are either partially commenced or are awaiting commencement. My Department is liaising with relevant stakeholders on the remaining sections which includes provisions relating to autonomous vehicles, MIBI, driving instruction, fixed charge notices, breath tests, N-Plate details, use of cameras, and motor tax. Work is ongoing to bring these provisions into effect and any necessary regulations will be drafted once the powers are commenced.
The Deputy may wish to note that I intend to introduce regulations in the coming weeks under section 11(b) of the Act, which was commenced by Statutory Instrument 392/2023, to implement a total ban on all scrambler use in any public place. These regulations will further enhance the enforcement powers of An Garda Síochána in relation to the antisocial use of scramblers and close any cases where scrambler use may previously have been legal outside of appropriate off-road settings.
325. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport to confirm if PSO flights from Donegal to Dublin will continue as they are or if any changes will be made in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9199/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that this Government is committed to maintaining connectivity to the northwest by continuing to provide Exchequer funded Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services between Dublin and Donegal.
To ensure continuity of services on this route when the current contract ends on 25 February, my Department conducted a public procurement process in line with the requirements of EU Regulation 1008/2008, which provides for the operation of air services in the Community. The procurement process is now complete and the new contract has been awarded to Emerald Airlines.
The service will continue to provide twice-daily return services between Donegal and Dublin and onward international connectivity from Dublin Airport. The early morning flight departing from Donegal and the evening return flight from Dublin, which is relied on by many, including critical care patients, to ensure a daily round trip to Dublin, will continue to be facilitated under the new contract.
I understand, however, the disappointment that has been articulated by those who rely on the current midday service which is being replaced by an evening service under the new contract. I am also aware of the concerns that have been raised regarding the reliability of the morning service from Donegal where the aircraft overnights in Dublin rather than Donegal Airport.
I can assure the Deputy that all options are being explored under the new contract to reinstate the current midday services. I am also actively considering what more might be possible to meet the needs of the users of this air service while ensuring the continuity of this vital air service between Donegal and Dublin Airports.
326. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a matter (details supplied) and his plans to the address the matter. [9210/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports I wish to advise that all enquiries relating to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service, the provision of which I have delegated under national legislation to the Road Safety Authority. Neither I nor the Department have any role in driving licence applications.
I have referred this matter to the Authority for direct reply. Please contact my office if a reply has not been received from the RSA in the next ten days
If an applicant completes their D category driving test in a vehicle with automatic transmission, they will be issued with a licence for driving automatic transmission vehicles only unless the applicant already holds a driving licence for driving manual transmission vehicles in any of the categories B, BE, C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 or D1E and have demonstrated during the test driving in such a way as to ensure safety and to reduce fuel consumption and emissions during acceleration, deceleration, uphill and downhill driving, when necessary by selecting gears manually.
To drive heavy duty vehicles professionally in Ireland, a driver also needs a certificate of professional competence (CPC).
The overriding goal of these requirements is the objective of keeping Irish roads as safe as possible for all road users.
327. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport when his Department plans to approve the Strategic Assessment Report for the Cork southern distributor link multi-modal route, in light of the fact that the NTA in furtherance of a referral from his Department to a previous PQ, have confirmed (details supplied). [9221/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and Exchequer funding in relation to the Roads programme and the public transport programme. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure.
There are ongoing discussions regarding the potential Cork Southern Distributor Road, and my officials are examining the issue, including with the NTA.
On this basis, I have referred the Deputy's specific question to the NTA for more information. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
I will discuss the status and progression of this potential project with Cork City Council and the NTA in due course.
328. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the legislation or regulation that governs the permitted brightness levels of car lights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9236/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra329. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport that governs the permitted brightness levels of motorbike lights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9237/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra330. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the legislation or regulation that governs the permitted brightness levels of bicycle lights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9238/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra331. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the legislation or regulation that governs the permitted brightness levels of electric scooter lights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9239/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra332. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport his views on the merits of engaging with car suppliers in Ireland in relation to the potential dangers of having lights on cars that are too bright, causing potential danger to other road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9240/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra333. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the engagement he has had with the RSA or any other organisation in relation to the potential dangers of having lights on cars that are too bright, causing potential danger to other road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9241/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 328, 329, 330, 331, 332 and 333 together.
As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise the Deputy on the Regulations in place for type approval for headlights in vehicles and brightness levels of bicycle and e-scooter lights.
Headlights in vehicles in the EU are regulated by the European type-approval system under Regulation (EU) 2018/858, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2018/858/oj/eng, transposed by SI 556/2020 www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2020/si/556/made/en/print - European Union (Road Vehicles: Type-Approval and Market Surveillance) Regulations 2020.
I am aware that concerns have been expressed in some quarters in relation to the brightness of headlights, in particular LED and HID headlights. The use of headlights in the EU is regulated by the European type-approval system, which establishes the technical and safety standards required for a vehicle or component to be placed on the European market. Accordingly, if a headlight has been type-approved and entered into service, it is considered safe to use within the EU.
During roadworthiness testing, a vehicle lighting system is tested to ensure it is in working order and correctly aligned for the safe performance of the vehicle. Factors which can contribute to headlamp glare include misaligned aim, dirty or damaged headlamps or the use of incorrect bulbs or unapproved components.
As the standards for these lights are regulated at EU level, any engagement with vehicle suppliers would be based on the type approval required. However, as with any concerns over vehicle safety, I am willing to consider evidence-based policy reviews in relation to their use.
I understand that the UNECE Working Party on Lighting and Light-Signalling is investigating this issue, and the EU Commission has confirmed that it is part of its newly established task force. Currently, the task force is conducting research on the causes of glare and will provide recommendations to the Working Party when the report is completed. Both I and the Department, with the Road Safety Authority, will be guided by that work.
For cycle lighting, all bicycles and e-bikes must be fitted with both reflectors and lights. The Road Traffic (Lighting of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 www.irishstatutebook.ie/1963/en/si/0189.html set out the types of lights and reflectors that cyclists must use. A rear reflector must be displayed on bicycles and e-bikes at all times and must be visible up to a distance of 99 metres when vehicle headlights shine on it directly.
Lighting requirements for e-scooters are set out in the Road Traffic (Electric Scooters) Regulations 2024, which require e-scooters to be fitted with lights visible from a distance of 50m and reflectors.
As for other vehicles, bicycle, e-bike and e-scooter lights must be switched on during "lighting-up time" (from half an hour after sunset until half an hour before sunrise). During those hours, they must have and use one yellow or white front light, and one red rear light, both visible from a reasonable distance.
Failure to use proper lighting on e-bikes, bicycles and e-scooters is an offence, and offenders may be issued with a fixed charge of €40 as set out in SI 526/2022 - Road Traffic Act 2010 (Part 3) (Fixed Charge Offences) Regulations 2022 www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2022/si/526/made/en/print. It is important to note that enforcement of road traffic legislation, including pedal cycle and e-scooter lighting, remains a matter for An Garda Síochána.
335. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the governance controls in place to monitor and regulate the use of VIP or platinum packages by DAA board members, whether these are classified as benefit-in-kind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9288/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra336. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm whether any audits or internal investigations have been carried out into the personal use of VIP services by DAA board members, and if so, to publish the findings. [9289/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra337. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of any instances where VIP packages at DAA have resulted in personal expenditure by board members exceeding €30,000 annually, and if he will make a statement on the accountability measures. [9290/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra338. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if he or his Department has been made aware whether through complaints, reports, or other communications of any potential misuse of VIP services by DAA board members; and if so, what action was taken. [9291/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra339. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if his Department provides any specific guidance or policy on the acceptable use of DAA facilities or VIP packages by board members; and if he will make a statement on the policy framework. [9292/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 335, 336, 337, 338 and 339 together.
Any policy in relation to employee benefits, including those provided to Board members, is a matter for daa. daa has advised that usage of airport facilities by members of the Board, including use of Platinum Services, is in line with agreed daa company policy. daa has also confirmed that board members may access airport facilities while travelling if there is surplus capacity available, however priority is always given to commercial users.
The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies provides a framework for the application of best practice in corporate governance by both commercial and non-commercial State bodies. The Code addresses the reporting of fees and benefits to Board members. In the interests of transparency and good governance, the Code requires State bodies to disclose aggregate details of the compensation of key management in their annual report or financial statements, including aggregate details of employee benefits. In line with the Code, in its 2024 Annual Report, daa published details of benefits, including in relation to the use of airport facilities, provided to members of the Board during the year.
