Written Answers Nos. 234-253
234. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Taoiseach the amount expended by his Department and by each agency for which he is responsible on advertising, promotion, advertising companies and external communications companies or consultants in 2025; the expected costs for 2026, in tabular form. [11361/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below details expenditure by the Department of the Taoiseach on advertising and external communication support in 2025.
|
Details |
Amount |
|
Advertising |
€9,483 |
|
External communication support |
€46,061
|
The Department of the Taoiseach purchases advertising through a Media Strategy, Planning and Buying service, procured through an Office of Government Procurement Framework and routinely places advertisements in national print publications regarding judicial appointments and Commemoration Events such as the Commemoration of the 1916 Easter Rising and the National Day of Commemoration.
The COVID-19 Evaluation operates independently of the Department of the Taoiseach but is funded from the Department’s Vote.? Details of expenditure by the COVID-19 Evaluation on advertising and external communication support in 2025 is set out in the table below.
|
Details |
Amount |
|
Advertising |
€96,275 |
|
External communication support |
€28,039
|
The Department is not planning any non-routine spend on advertising and external communication support in 2026, and any such costs incurred in 2026 will be met from the Department's administrative budget under Subhead A(IV) Operational Services, Supplies and Sundry Equipment.
The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) is the only body under the aegis of the Department. NESDO incurred no expenditure on advertising and external communication support in 2025 and has not budgeted for any such expenditure in 2026.
235. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Taoiseach the position regarding the total level of Exchequer funding spent by his Department on funding NGOs, by organisation, in tabular form. [11806/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra236. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Taoiseach the position regarding the total level of Exchequer funding spent on funding NGOs by his Department, in each of the years since 2022, in tabular form. [11824/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra237. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Taoiseach the position regarding the assessments that are carried out to determine the level of Exchequer funding that any NGO receives from his Department on an annual basis. [11842/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra238. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Taoiseach the position regarding any direct lobbying he has received from any NGO in relation to his annual funding. [11868/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 235, 236, 237 and 238 together.
The Department of the Taoiseach did not fund any non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the period 2022 to date.
239. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach if there is a canteen in his Department headquarters; and if the Minister can provide assurances that all meat sold or provided in that canteen is of Irish origin. [11190/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of the Taoiseach does not have a canteen in which food is sold/provided.
240. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Taoiseach when the National Risk Assessment 2025 will go to Cabinet; when it will be published on the Government website. [11892/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra241. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Taoiseach when the National Risk Assessment for 2026 will go to Cabinet; when it will be published on the Government website. [11893/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra242. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Taoiseach the reason his Department published no National Risk Assessment in 2025, despite obvious increased economic, geopolitical and environmental risks internationally and domestically last year; when it is anticipated that the National Risk Assessment for 2025 will be published; if the Risk Assessment for 2026 is also being prepared. [11933/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra245. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Taoiseach when the consultative and iterative process for the National Risk Assessment for 2025 took place. [12126/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra246. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Taoiseach when the consultative and iterative process for the National Risk Assessment for 2026 will take place. [12127/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 240, 241, 242, 245 and 246 together.
The National Risk Assessment provides an opportunity to identify and discuss significant strategic risks which may arise for Ireland. The most recent National Risk Assessment was published in September 2024 and remains valid today.
My Department is currently reflecting on the National Risk Assessment process with a view to producing the next iteration later this year.
However, it is important to note that the National Risk Assessment is just one element of the overall system of preparedness and resilience planning for Ireland and is not intended to replicate or displace the detailed risk management and preparedness carried out across Departments and Agencies. It is however an important opportunity to reflect on strategic risks facing the country in the years ahead.
243. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Taoiseach to outline which specific actions in the Climate Action Plan 2025 are currently assessed as at risk or delayed; and the remedial measures being taken to address these delays. [11938/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of the Taoiseach tracks the delivery of actions committed to by Government Departments in the Climate Action Plan and publishes quarterly progress reports. These reports and details of the status of each action are available at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-the-taoiseach/publications/climate-action-plan-progress-reports/.
The latest progress report was published in January. It provides information on whether actions due for delivery in Quarters 2 and 3 of 2025 were completed. Information is also provided on the delivery status of actions that remain to be completed from earlier periods.
Questions relating to specific delayed actions or to measures being taken to ensure their delivery should be directed to the Minister whose Department has responsibility for delivery of the specific action.
244. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Taoiseach the systems in place to agree performance metrics of Chief Executives of agencies within the aegis of his Department; the way in which these are measured; the person or body that carries out the assessment. [11967/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), the only body under the aegis of my department, was established under the terms of the National Economic and Social Development Office Act, 2006, and is governed by a Board which is appointed by and accountable to the Taoiseach.
NESDO is the corporate body for the National Economic and Social Council (NESC).
The NESDO Board is responsible for ensuring good governance. As set out in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, the Board’s responsibilities specifically include holding the Chief Officer of NESDO to account for the effective performance of their responsibilities.
The preparation and adoption of a Strategy Statement is a primary responsibility of the NESDO Board. The NESDO Strategy Statement sets out the objectives against which the performance of NESDO and its Chief Officer is measured.
NESC also prepares and agrees a work programme of agreed report outputs annually.
The Chair and Deputy Chair of NESC, as members of the NESDO Board, have frequent opportunities to consider progress towards completion of that programmed work.
Reports of NESC are reviewed and considered at quarterly meetings of NESC where any delays or shortfalls would be identified.
The NESDO Board meets at least twice per year and standing items considered by the Board include performance on outputs as well as other important corporate governance and management responsibilities of the Chief Officer of NESDO.
It is the responsibility of the NESDO Board to report annually to the Taoiseach on NESDO’s activities during the year. This is done via the NESDO Annual Report which is laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and published on the NESDO website.
247. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Taoiseach to provide a list of all organisations and projects that received matched and/or partner funding from his Department in each of the years 2023, 2024 and 2025; the amount of funding allocated to each organisation or project; what was achieved and/or the stated outcomes from the funding provided in each case; and his plans for the provision of matched and/or partner funding in 2026 and 2027 including the way in which such funding aligns with his Department's philanthropy policy and objectives. [12273/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of the Taoiseach has not provided any such matched and/or partner funding referred to by the Deputy to any organisations and/or projects in the period 2023 - 2025 and does not have any plans to provide such funding in 2026 or 2027.
248. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of Irish citizens currently detained in ICE custody in the United States; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12495/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraProviding consular assistance to Irish citizens abroad is a cornerstone of the work of my department. Ensuring our citizens receive timely and empathetic support from our Embassies and Consulates worldwide is a priority for me in my role as Minister.
I can confirm that there are a small number of Irish citizens (6) currently in ICE facilities who have requested and are receiving consular assistance. While I cannot speak about individual cases, I can confirm that my officials are in regular touch with the citizens involved and are providing consular support. My officials will continue to monitor developments in these cases and provide appropriate support.
The assistance my Department provides on a deportation, like with any other case, will depend on the individual circumstances of that case. Assistance can include, for example, facilitating communication between the citizen and their family, engaging with the relevant local and national authorities, providing a list of lawyers, or sharing information on the deportation process with family members. This is not an exhaustive list and each case is considered on a case-by-case basis.
I would also note that through our diplomatic network across the US, my Department also works closely with a number of partner organisations and immigration centres supporting Irish immigrants in providing reliable, trust-worthy information and advice. These organisations are supported under the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme, which in 2025 provided over €4.5 million in funding to support Irish organisations across the United States, including those that work with citizens seeking to regularise their immigration status.
I want to reassure the Deputy that my officials stand ready to provide all possible consular assistance to Irish citizens who get into difficulty abroad.
249. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on her Department’s collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security in the United States regarding Irish citizens who have uncertain immigration status and may be at risk of detention by ICE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12496/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra279. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she, or her Department, or the Irish embassy network in the United States has sought from the State Department or the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency of the United States a list of all Irish citizens either in detention, or those listed for deportation from the United States; the proactive measures being taken to support those Irish citizens; if support is only provided when an individual seeks consular assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12506/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra282. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her plans to ensure that information is shared with her Department by US authorities on the number of Irish citizens currently detained by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency; the steps she is taking to achieve this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12509/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 249, 279 and 282 together.
Providing effective and accessible consular assistance to Irish citizens is a priority for me and for my Department, as is advocacy for undocumented Irish citizens in the United States.
My Department provides consular assistance to Irish citizens in difficulty abroad within the remit of our Consular Assistance Charter. The Charter sets out in a clear and accessible manner the type of assistance citizens can expect to receive should they require assistance. The provision of consular assistance is a cornerstone of the work of my Department. I place a strong emphasis on ensuring that citizens receive empathetic, timely and appropriate assistance at all times.
The assistance my Department can provide in cases of detention by ICE or in the case of deportation, like with any other case, will depend on the individual circumstances of that case. Assistance can include, for example, facilitating communication between the citizen and their family, engaging with the relevant local authorities, providing a list of lawyers, or sharing information on the deportation process with family members. This is not an exhaustive list and each case is considered on a case-by-case basis.
I would also note that through our diplomatic network across the US, my Department also works closely with a number of partner organisations and immigration centres supporting Irish immigrants in the US in providing reliable, trust-worthy information and advice. These organisations are supported under the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme.
Further, in order to provide consular assistance when requested, my officials in our US mission network regularly engage with a variety of US stakeholders at local and national level, including with officials from the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
The provision of consular assistance is at the request of the citizen or, where the citizen cannot request such assistance, by a family member or friend. As such, there are many instances where a citizen gets into difficulty abroad and does not request consular assistance. In these cases, my Department may not necessarily be aware of their detention or impending deportation.
For data relating to the activities of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, the US Department of Homeland Security maintains a publicly available website.
I can confirm that the number of citizens who have requested assistance in relation to deportation from the United States of America in 2025 was 65. To date in 2026, the number of people who have requested assistance is 1. This includes both those who have already been deported and those who are still going through the deportation process, which may include being held in detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It is important to note that this figure only relates to cases where a citizen or their family has requested assistance and does not necessarily reflect all deportations to Ireland or where a citizen is currently being detained by ICE.
I want to reassure the Deputy that my officials stand ready to provide all possible consular assistance to Irish citizens who get into difficulty abroad.
250. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she spoke with the US House of Representatives speaker during her recent visit to Washington DC. [11600/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring my visit to Washington D.C. earlier this month, I undertook a range of political, economic and community engagements aimed at further strengthening Ireland's close relationship with the United States. These included a series of bipartisan meetings, that were warm and constructive, on Capitol Hill. I did not have the opportunity to meet with the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives during this visit.
251. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions she is taking to ensure the wellbeing and protection of the rights of Irish citizens who are detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the United States. [11742/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraProviding effective and accessible consular assistance to Irish citizens is a priority for me and for my Department, as is advocacy for undocumented Irish citizens in the United States.
My Department provides consular assistance to Irish citizens in difficulty abroad within the remit of our Consular Assistance Charter. The Charter sets out in a clear and accessible manner the type of assistance citizens can expect to receive should they require assistance. The provision of consular assistance is a cornerstone of the work of my Department. I place a strong emphasis on ensuring that citizens receive empathetic, timely and appropriate assistance at all times.
The assistance my Department can provide in cases of detention by ICE or in the case of deportation, like with any other case, will depend on the individual circumstances of that case. Assistance can include, for example, facilitating communication between the citizen and their family, engaging with the relevant local authorities, providing a list of lawyers, or sharing information on the deportation process with family members. This is not an exhaustive list and each case is considered on a case-by-case basis.
I would also note that through our diplomatic network across the US, my Department also works closely with a number of partner organisations and immigration centres supporting Irish immigrants in the US in providing reliable, trust-worthy information and advice. These organisations are supported under the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme.
252. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the total level of Exchequer funding spent by her Department on funding NGOs, by organisation, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11798/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra253. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the total level of Exchequer funding spent on funding NGOs by her Department, in each of the years since 2022, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11816/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra254. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the assessments that are carried out to determine the level of Exchequer funding that any NGO receives from her Department on an annual basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11834/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra255. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding any direct lobbying she has received from any NGO in relation to her annual funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11858/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 252, 253, 254 and 255 together.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides funding to a range of NGOs through a number of grant schemes dedicated to delivering on the Government's priorities at home and abroad. These include support for international development, development education in Ireland, reconciliation on the island of Ireland, emigrant support, dissemination of information on the European Union, humanitarian assistance, and promotion of international peace and stability.
As set out in the table below, a total of €851 million was provided by the Department directly to NGOs over the three-year period, 2022–2024. It should be noted that the Department’s principal development NGO partners may also access funding through multilateral channels, including United Nations agencies, European Union funding instruments, and other pooled funding mechanisms to which Ireland contributes.
|
|
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Official Development Assistance (ODA) |
€239,933,000 |
€267,437,000 |
€269,728,000 |
|
Emigrant Support Programme |
€14,686,000 |
€18,600,000 |
€17,500,000 |
|
Reconciliation Fund |
€5,041,796 |
€4,457,836 |
€10,442,111 |
|
Shared Island Civic Society Fund |
- |
€499,946 |
€2,498,916 |
|
Total |
€259,660,796 |
€290,994,782 |
€300,169,027 |
Most of this funding is provided through Ireland’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme, Irish Aid, which prioritises support to countries and communities most in need. The Department publishes an Annual Report on Ireland’s ODA, which sets out allocations by country, partner organisation and thematic priority.
The Government's policy for international development, 'A Better World,' provides the framework for this work, with the objective of reaching the furthest behind first, addressing the needs of those living in some of the world’s poorest or most climate-exposed countries, and those living in areas affected by conflict.
Details of grant allocations under the Emigrant Support Programme, and Reconciliation and Shared Island Civic Society Funds are available through the gov.ie and Ireland.ie websites.
When allocating funding to partner organisations, the Department assesses administrative costs, overhead costs, and value for money, with reference to the context and alternatives available. These assessments are undertaken as part of the Department’s standard process for awarding and managing grants, and consistent with its global approach to grant management.
The Department’s independent Evaluation and Audit Unit provides objective assessment, assurance, advice, as well as insight regarding corporate performance, governance, and risk management. The work of the Evaluation and Audit Unit is validated by an external Audit Committee.
The Department maintains regular engagement with its NGO partners. Funding issues form a routine part of this engagement, particularly in the context of broader international pressures on ODA budgets. The Department operates in full compliance with the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 and publishes details of its Designated Public Officials, in accordance with statutory requirements. While public bodies are not required to record each individual lobbying engagement and, therefore, the total number of funding representations is not specifically tracked, all interactions are conducted in line with established transparency and accountability standards.
