Written Answers Nos. 513-536
516. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the projects, if any, which he has designated under s.20 of the Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Act 2024; the dates of their designation, and to supply a copy of the designations. [11887/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Act 2024 established the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund (ICN Fund).
The purpose of the ICN Fund is to support the economy in times of exceptional need and to support Ireland’s transition to a low carbon economy through the funding of designated environmental projects. A total of €2 billion will be invested in the Fund each year from 2024 to 2030 building up to an overall fund of €14 billion.
Designated environmental projects will be those that contribute, either directly or indirectly, or are likely to contribute to:
• the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,
• an improvement in water quality,
• an improvement in nature and biodiversity objectives.
More detailed criteria are outlined in Section 20 of the Act.
As outlined in the Programme for Government 2025, the review of the National Development Plan in July encompassed all public capital investment, including that available from the ICN Fund. The NDP Review confirmed the following indicative allocations to Departments over the period 2026-2030:
• €2 billion for the Department of Transport to support low-carbon transportation, such as MetroLink;
• €500 million for the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (D/CEE) to fund projects/programmes that support climate mitigation and renewable energy development;
• €650 million for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (D/HLGH) for projects and programmes that will support improvements in water quality.
The specific projects and programmes to be funded from within these allocations are a matter for the relevant Ministers who must prioritise eligible projects and programmes to fund from within their allocations, having regard to their sectoral priorities and the criteria for designated environmental projects as set out in the Act.
This formal designation process commenced in end-2025, and informed a new Appendix included in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) which outlined total allocations from the ICN Fund for 2026. The relevant Ministers now must formally designate, in writing to the Minister for Public Expenditure; Infrastructure; Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the environmental projects that they intend to fund from their ICN Fund allocations. This formal designation process remains underway.
Later this year, relevant Departments will be required to submit an update on their ICNF expenditure and project delivery for Q1. This will serve as an initial update on expenditure to date.
Funding for designated environmental projects will be confirmed in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) in each year between 2026 and 2030.
517. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation his plans to review the fast accrual (uniformed) single public service pension scheme for members recruited post-2013 in An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces, Fire Service and Prison Service. [11917/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Single Scheme is a statutory Public Service Career-Average Defined Benefit Pension Scheme. It was established under the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.
The provisions of the Single Scheme are clearly set out in law. All new-entrant public servants hired after 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Scheme. This includes for uniformed members in An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces, full-time Firefighters and Prison Officers.
The introduction of the Single Scheme is central to ensuring the long-term sustainability of public service pensions, particularly in the context of improved life expectancy and rising public service employee numbers. Any amendment to the benefits payable under the Scheme would undermine the cost savings it delivers. Despite the broader trend in the private sector towards closing defined benefit schemes, the Single Scheme remains a defined benefit pension arrangement, albeit based on career-average remuneration.
Uniformed members - Firefighters, Prison Officers, Gardaí and the Defence Forces - have enhanced benefits that other Single Scheme members do not have. These members accrue benefits at a faster rate due to their earlier Mandatory Retirement Age.
In 2024, in recognition of individuals seeking to work longer, Government enacted legislation to permit Uniformed staff to remain in service until age 62, should they wish. This move allows members to build-up a higher pension than previously, increasing the final value of their Single Scheme pension. On retirement, subject to having reached their Normal Retirement Age, members receive their Single Scheme pension and lump sum immediately. The issue of mandatory retirement ages for the Defence Forces, Gardaí, Prison Service and Firefighters is firstly a matter for the relevant line Departments.
There are no plans at this time to review the Single Scheme, including the Fast Accrual elements.
518. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the estimated cost of paying a supplementary pension until a uniformed employee reaches the State pension age of 66; given members can retire after 40 years of service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11918/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe majority of all new appointees from 6 April 1995 accrue a public service occupational pension which is integrated with the social welfare system. That is, all such employees pay Class A PRSI and the associated State Pension (Contributory) (SPC) is taken into account in the calculation of the occupational pension for public service retirees. In pre-existing public service schemes (non Single Scheme), where an individual does not qualify for the SPC, or qualifies at less than the maximum rate, pre-existing public service schemes the scheme rules provide for the payment of may pay an Occupational Supplementary Pension (OSP), subject to meeting certain eligibility criteria, to bring the person’s overall pension up to the level of benefit that would be received if the individual had an occupational pension that was not integrated with the SPC.
The current maximum rate of the SPC is €299.30 per week.
The following is a list of benefits taken into account when calculating one’s entitlement to an OSP:
Benefit Payment for 65 Year-Olds
Illness Benefit
Invalidity Pension
Jobseekers Benefit
Jobseekers Benefit (Self-Employed)
State Pension (Contributory)
519. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the policy rationale for proposals to bypass ministerial involvement in the approval of major infrastructure projects; whether he accepts that these proposals represent a reduction in direct ministerial accountability to the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11927/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra520. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the way in which the proposed removal or reduction of ministerial decision-making roles in major infrastructure approvals is reconciled with the constitutional principle of ministerial responsibility to Dáil Éireann; and if he will outline the legal basis for this approach. [11928/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra522. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the person that will bear political and administrative responsibility where a major infrastructure project approved under the proposed streamlined arrangements is delayed, over budget, or fails to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11930/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra523. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the mechanisms will remain in place to ensure democratic oversight, transparency, and parliamentary scrutiny of major infrastructure projects where ministerial involvement in approvals is reduced or removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11931/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 519, 520, 522 and 523 together.
My Department is responsible for the Infrastructure Guidelines, which replaced the Public Spending Code for capital appraisal since end 2023. These set the value for money requirements and guidance for evaluating, planning and managing Exchequer-funded capital projects. Management and delivery of investment projects and public services within allocation and the national frameworks, including the Infrastructure Guidelines and Public Financial Procedures, is a key responsibility of every Department, Accounting Officer and Minister.
As per the Ministers and Secretaries Act, every Minister is the responsible head of the Department or Departments under his/her charge and shall be individually responsible to Dáil Eireann alone for the administration of the Department or Departments of which he/she is the head.
With regard to major infrastructure projects, Ministers are required to bring a Memorandum for Government seeking consent to approve the proposal at both Preliminary Business Case (Approval Gate 1) and Final Business Case Stage prior to the awarding of a contract (Approval Gate 3). Prior to seeking this consent, Ministers must be satisfied that the proposed project is sufficiently developed and represents value for money.
The change to the approval process for capital projects enacted as part of Action 23 under the Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan solely removes the requirements for Ministerial approval at Approval Gate 2 of the Project lifecycle, which allows the project to enter main procurement tendering.
This change was informed by the work undertaken by officials in the Infrastructure Division of this Department throughout 2025, and the extensive consultation undertaken, which identified this area as one that was potentially causing unnecessary delays. From engagement with experts in the Major Projects Advisory Group, relevant Departments and key agencies, the approval of the preliminary business case stage (approval gate 1) and the final contract awards (approval gate 3) are the key points where Ministerial consent is most critical and where additional expenditure is likely to occur post approval. The approval to enter the main procurement process at approval gate 2 is a technical stage in the project lifecycle and does not require the same ministerial level consent once the project is in line with the approach set out in the preliminary business case.
These changes to the Infrastructure Guidelines and other recommendations within the Action Plan including introducing administrative guidance on timelines for Preliminary Business Case preparation (3–6 months) and mandating a maximum length will be included within the overall public financial management and control framework to be established as part of the current review of Public Financial Procedures (PFPs).
As with previous updates to the appraisal framework, any changes made will reflect international best practice with the aim to ensure accountability in regard to public expenditure management and value for money for the tax payer in delivering on the infrastructural requirements of the State.
521. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether any formal assessment has been carried out by his Department to determine if delays in major infrastructure delivery are attributable to ministerial decision-making, statutory processes, or other factors; to provide details of any such assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11929/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn July 2025, my Department published the Report on Stakeholder Engagement and Emerging Themes on Infrastructure, which provided a comprehensive assessment of the factors contributing to delays in major infrastructure delivery. The purpose of that report was to identify the most significant barriers to the timely provision of critical infrastructure and to inform the development of a whole-of-Government response.
This assessment was grounded in research undertaken by officials in my Department, which reviewed infrastructure development and delivery in Ireland and abroad. In addition, Department officials met directly with more than 50 key stakeholders involved in the development and delivery of infrastructure in Ireland between May and June 2025. This was complemented by a public consultation which received nearly 170 submissions, as well as engagement events at the National Economic Dialogue and a regional consultation in Athlone.
The findings show that delays cannot be attributed to any single source. Instead, twelve inter-related barriers were identified across three broad areas:
Regulatory Environment: including complex, overlapping and sequential consent processes, increased administrative burden, risk aversion, and insufficient coordination across regulatory bodies.
Planning and Legal Systems: particularly the scale and impact of judicial reviews, which have grown substantially and contribute to uncertainty, extended timelines, and increased costs.
Internal Systems: including fragmented governance, lengthy appraisal and approval processes, procurement challenges, uncertainty around project pipelines, and capacity constraints within the construction sector.
The report makes clear that while statutory and legal processes play a significant role, administrative complexity, regulatory fragmentation, and market capacity constraints are also major contributors to delay. No evidence from the assessment indicated that ministerial decision-making is a primary cause of delays; rather, it is the cumulative impact of processes across multiple public bodies that lengthens the development cycle.
Following this assessment, Government published the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan in December 2025, which sets out a comprehensive suite of 30 actions across four reform pillars. The Action Plan has now moved into implementation, with the majority of actions scheduled for delivery in 2026.
524. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress made on national climate adaptation measures under the National Development Plan, particularly flood-risk management projects, and expected timelines for completion. [11939/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe OPW is leading the delivery of an ambitious national programme, through the 29 Flood Risk Management Plans developed under the National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, to protect against risk from river and coastal flooding.
Nationally, significant progress is being made. To date, the OPW has invested some €580m in 56 completed flood relief schemes, which protect 13,580 properties nationwide and provide an economic benefit in damages avoided estimated to be in the region of €2bn. The OPW strives to expedite and progress capital flood relief works with the minimum delay. Nonetheless, the process is lengthy and detailed and follows a number of stages from feasibility through design, planning, detailed design, construction, and handover.
At this time there are:
• 10 schemes at construction/implementation (Stage 4). These 10 flood relief schemes will protect over 2,800 properties upon completion;
• 5 schemes at Detailed Design/Works Procurement Stage (Stage 3);
• 10 schemes at, or progressing towards, Planning/Development Consent Stage (Stage 2);
• 69 schemes at Scheme Development and Preliminary Design (Stage 1) or Preliminary Business Case; and
• 54 Tranche 2 schemes that were identified in the Flood Risk Management Plans but were not in the first tranche of schemes to progress to design. These are scheduled to be progressed under the National Development Plan to 2030 and a national pilot is informing the most efficient delivery model for these schemes.
All new and ongoing flood relief projects require the preparation of Scheme Adaptation Plans such that the design and implementation of the scheme takes the potential impacts of climate change into account with a view to ensuring that the scheme will provide for, or can be adapted to manage, the likely increases in future flood risk. A programme of work has commenced and is due for completion in 2029, to prepare Scheme Adaptation Plans for previously constructed flood relief schemes to determine what adaptation measures may be required in the future to maintain the required standard of protection.
Since 2009, the OPW provides funding to local authorities through the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This scheme is available to fund localised measures to all communities to manage flood risk from rivers and the sea. This Scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The OPW has approved over €70m for some 900 projects that are mitigating flood risk to over 8,000 properties. The Scheme is being updated to ensure, where possible, that any measures proposed are adaptable to climate change.
525. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation 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; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11964/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe governance and oversight arrangements for bodies, agencies and offices under the aegis of my Department are according with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, related elements of the Public Financial Procedures, the Public Service Management Act 1997 and the National Shared Services Office Act 2017. As part of these arrangements, there are structured processes in place to agree upon and monitor thereafter performance expectations for Chief Executives, while ensuring alignment with each body’s statutory delegation, statement of strategy and annual cycle. It is important to note that the Chief Executive's of these bodies are the Accounting Officers and thus are directly accountable to the Oireachtas.
Under the Public Service Management Act 1997, Statements of Strategy are prepared by each Government Department, and bodies, agencies and offices that are under the aegis. This document sets out high-level goals, strategic priorities and forecasted outcomes over a three year period.
On an annual basis, and guided by the bodies’ Statement of Strategy, performance targets and outputs for Chief Executives and the body, office or agency as a whole, are established through Performance Delivery Agreements (PDAs), which are submitted, reviewed and approved by this Department. PDA's are organisational level agreements that set out high-level priorities, key outputs and indicators to be delivered over the year. Progress is monitored through bilateral governance meetings between officials in my Department and the relevant body, as well as through ongoing budget and performance discussions conducted through the Estimates and Revised Estimates process. Further monitoring of performance takes place through the Public Service Performance Report, which bodies under the aegis feed into annually, and are published on the Government website (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-public-expenditure-infrastructure-public-service-reform-and-digitalisation/collections/public-service-performance-reports/).
Accountability to the Oireachtas also forms part of the governance framework set out, including appearances before Committees and the consideration and approval of Votes by Dáil Éireann.
Concurrent to the oversight of my Department, Chief Executives report as appropriate to their respective Boards, in line with legislative obligations and corporate governance frameworks. With regard to the NSSO, this body has an Advisory Board established under statute. The Advisory Board provides strategic advice and guidance to the Chief Executive; however, it does not have a management or supervisory role over the CEO. Performance oversight and governance are instead carried out through the Department’s standard governance structures and formal reporting arrangements.
In the case of the Public Appointments Service (publicjobs), the Chief Executive is accountable to the Board in line with the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004. As with other bodies under the aegis of my Department, the CEO’s performance expectations are addressed through the annual Performance Delivery Agreement and the regular governance engagements with this Department. While the CEO’s statutory functions are specific to PAS’s independent recruitment mandate, the oversight and performance framework applied is consistent with the arrangements in place for Chief Executives across the wider group of bodies under my Department’s remit.
The OPW is led at Secretary General level by the Chairman of the Office of Public Works. In accordance with the OPW Governance Framework, the performance of the Chairman is reviewed annually using the performance review process for Senior Public Service and the Performance Review Group (PRG) for officials at Secretary General Grade or equivalent.
Certain offices under my Department, such as the Office of the Ombudsman and the Office of the Regulator of the National Lottery are statutorily independent. In these cases, while my Department will allocate funding and conduct regular administrative engagements, it does not set or assess individual performance metrics for their statutory office holders, as their independence is set out in legislation.
526. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on any strategies to enhance pedestrian and cycling infrastructure (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12013/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works is working with the National Transport Authority and Dublin City Council to advance plans for permanent segregated cycle lanes and pedestrian pathways, including crossing points, along Chesterfield Avenue in the Phoenix Park. The Chesterfield Avenue Active Travel Project will enhance the Phoenix Park with safer and better facilities for pedestrians, cyclists, and Park users.
The Chesterfield Avenue Active Travel Project is being managed by the Dublin City Council Active Travel Programme Office. The project is currently at Concept Development and Option Selection stage as set out in the National Transport Authorities Project Approval Guidelines.
The outcome of the appropriate assessment screening and environmental impact assessment screening of the final emerging preferred option, will determine the method and timeline for a planning submission.
Dublin City Council publishes information about the project and its progress at www.dublincity.ie/travel-and-transport/active-travel/active-travel-schemes/central-area/chesterfield-avenue-active-travel-scheme.
The North Road already has dedicated cycle lanes which were installed when the road was upgraded in recent years.
527. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of female qualified horticulturists employed by the OPW as of 10 February 2026, in tabular form. [12065/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOPW employs 28 female qualified staff in horticultural roles. They are employed across a range of roles such as Craft Gardeners, Chargehand Craft Gardeners (Supervisors), Horticultural Craft Foreperson, Horticultural Foreperson Grade 1, Horticultural assistants and Horticultural Graduate. The exact breakdown of females employed across these roles is included in the table attached.
|
Number in Role |
Gender |
|
Row Labels |
Female |
|
Craft Foreperson (Horticultural) |
1 |
|
Foreperson Grade 1 (Horticultural) |
1 |
|
Gardener |
16 |
|
Gardener (Chargehand) |
7 |
|
Horticultural Assistant |
2 |
|
Horticultural Graduate (12 Months) |
1 |
|
Total |
28 |
529. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether there are any vacancies in the Standards in Public Office Commission; if so, the length of time they have been vacant; and the steps being taken to fill these vacancies. [12218/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Standards in Public Office Commission (SiPOC) is an independent statutory body established under the Standards in Public Office Act 2001. The Commission is comprised of six members, including a Chairperson who is a former judge, in accordance with the aforementioned legislation.
I can confirm that the position of Chairperson is currently vacant. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan wrote to President Higgins in August of 2025 to issue formal notice of his retirement. My Department initiated the formal process of appointing a replacement Chairperson of SIPO in August of 2025.
Section 2(2)(a) of the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 (the 2001 Act) provides that the Chairperson must be either a current or former judge of the Supreme Court or the High Court. Section 2(2A) of the 2001 Act provides that the appointment of the Chairperson must be made by the President on the advice of the Government, following resolutions passed by each House recommending the appointment.
Given the importance and independence of the role and the need to have a member of the Judiciary, I consulted the Attorney General and Chief Justice for advice on the appointment. I received letters last Autumn from the Attorney General and the Chief Justice recommending the same candidate.
In December of 2025, I brought a memorandum to Government and was granted the approval of Government for the nomination of the recommended candidate, for appointment by the President as Chairperson of the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPOC).
Upon approval of the Memorandum for Government, I brought forward the requisite resolutions to be passed by the Dáil and the Seanad, which was completed in January of 2026. Upon successful passing of these requisite resolutions, I brought a second Memorandum to Government asking the Government to advise the President to appoint Ms. Justice Dunne to be the Chairperson of SIPOC as set out in Section 2(2)(a) of the Standards in Public Office Act 2001. Government approval was granted in January 2026.
The Department of the Taoiseach are now in the process of making arrangements with the Áras an Uachtaráin for the formal signing of the Warrant of appointment by President Connolly.
530. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of WTE staff, by job title working in the Office of Government Procurement, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12241/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) staff by job title in the Office of Government Procurement, which is part of my Department, as of end January 2026 is set out in the table below.
|
Job Title |
Whole Time Equivalent |
|
Assistant Secretary |
2 |
|
Principal Officer |
4 |
|
Portfolio Manager |
6 |
|
Assistant Principal |
22.1 |
|
Category Manager |
21.9 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
16 |
|
Category Specialist Higher |
63.1 |
|
Administrative Officer |
3 |
|
Executive Officer |
11 |
|
Category Specialist |
35 |
|
Clerical Officer |
26 |
|
Total |
210.1 |
533. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will undertake a review of the statutory approval process governing pension scheme changes in semi State bodies, with a view to ensuring timely implementation of actuarially approved, employer funded pension increases, and to prevent unnecessary delays caused by dual ministerial sanction requirements. [12267/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies addresses the Ministerial approval process for both pension scheme amendments and pension increases proposed by commercial state bodies. The Code of Practice was amended by Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circular 16/2021 on foot of a Government decision to re-affirm and revise the existing framework of governance procedures applying to commercial state bodies.
Under the terms of the Code of Practice, commercial state bodies must seek Ministerial approval for discretionary pension increases, which comprises the approval of the parent Minister and my consent. This process ensures due diligence and that any proposed changes, including pension increases, are sustainable.
The time taken for Ministerial approval of a scheme amendment or a discretionary pension increase can vary depending on any issues that may be facing the specific pension scheme. During 2025, the average time taken for the consideration of a pension increase consent request in my Department, following receipt of the request from the relevant parent Department, was 16 working days.
There are no plans at present to review the approval process for pension scheme amendments or discretionary pension increases.
534. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation when the OPW will identify a suitable site for a Garda station (details supplied). [12315/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration published their Sectoral Investment Plan on the 4th of December 2025.
The plan includes capital projects for An Garda Síochána over the period of 2026 to 2030.
Some of the capital projects included within the plan are under construction at present, and it is anticipated that they will be complete over the period between 2026 and 2027.
The second half of the plan aims to bring several other capital projects to construction for An Garda Síochána over the period of 2028 to 2029.
A new Garda Station for Castletroy Co Limerick is one of those key projects to be progressed.
On the basis of these priorities now published, the Office of Public Works will be engaging with An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to support them in identifying and appraising the most suitable site to support their objectives.
536. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he has engaged with the OPW in relation to an issue (details supplied) in Portumna, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12328/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works is aware of the encampment adjacent to the Dowager House, Portumna and engaging closely with the relevant stakeholders as appropriate.
