Written Answers Nos. 537-559
537. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the State agencies that have made provision for the pension auto enrolment payment as part of their allocation to funded organisations [12404/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra538. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the direction he has issued to State agencies in respect of making provision for the pension auto enrolment in their allocation of programme and project funding to organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12405/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 537 and 538 together.
I propose to take questions 12404/26 and 12405/26 together.
Managing the delivery of services within budgetary allocations is a key responsibility of each Minister. There are a range of policies, frameworks and processes provided by my Department to support the management of sustainable public spending.
In Budget 2026, the Department of Social Protection received an allocation of €154 million to provide for the state contribution for My Future Fund.
Provision in the annual estimates process for costs arising, including contractual or employment liabilities such as auto enrolment, is a matter for each individual Department.
The Department of Social Protection, as the lead Department for auto enrolment, has engaged with employers and with Government Departments, since the release of the automatic enrolment strawman public consultation in 2018.
Its impending implementation has been flagged to all those groups since the enactment of the auto-enrolment Act in 2024. Therefore, employers have been given a substantial lead-in period to budget appropriately for its introduction, including through budget negotiation with sponsors where appropriate.
539. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of current Ministers that are still not in a repayment plan for overpayment by the NSSO. [12446/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised that the NSSO has reached agreement with all serving Ministers/Ministers of state impacted by the review of pension deductions.
540. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of former ministers that are still not in a repayment plan for overpayment by the NSSO [12447/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised that the NSSO has reached agreement with the majority of former ministers impacted by the review. Engagement and follow-up continues with those remaining individuals to finalise their payment plans.
541. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 235 of 29 January, and 983 of 13 January 2026, the status of the research projects that were previously conducted by his Departments’ recently disbanded climate division; if any research projects will be discontinued given the restructuring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12586/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that senior management roles within my Department are revised in line with priorities as and when required. The most recent changes took place in early 2025 and focused on the Department’s Infrastructure Division. These changes reflected the priority associated with the Division’s work in the context of Programme for Government commitments to enhance the delivery of infrastructure.
To support the delivery of these commitments and the implementation of the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan in particular, the more recent changes to the Infrastructure Division involved the appointment of a Deputy Secretary to lead the Division. The Units now within the Division are Infrastructure Delivery and Monitoring; Infrastructure Legislative Reform and Utilities; Infrastructure Regulatory Simplification; Construction Sector Capacity and Procurement; Transport Vote and Climate, Energy and the Environment Vote (including climate coordination); and Housing, Local Government and Heritage Vote Group.
The Departmental Vote Units and climate coordination are overseen by an Assistant Secretary within the Division. Climate policy related matters and associated workstreams continue to be part of the responsibilities of the relevant Assistant Secretary.
A number of wider Department Units, including the OPW and Agriculture Votes and the Performance Budgeting function, continue to provide research and advice on cross Government climate policies relating to their sectors, as relevant.
543. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the rationale for the Office of Government Procurement’s decision not to permit any adjustment to hourly rates under the Managed Security Services Framework to reflect the introduction of the statutory auto-enrolment pension scheme; whether any mechanism exists, or is being considered, to accommodate statutory employment cost increases introduced after tender submission deadlines within OGP frameworks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12799/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Government Procurement, a Division within my Department, has established a central procurement solution for Managed Security Services for Public Sector Bodies throughout the State. The arrangement was established in September 2024 and will run until September 2028.
The Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System Bill 2024 was published in April 2024 and enacted in July 2024 and commenced on 1 January 2026. This legislation was fully considered during the development of the procurement strategy for the new Framework. The design phase of the Framework also included market engagement which was sought via eTenders in the form of a Preliminary Market Consultation (PMC).
Throughout the procurement process, tenderers were clearly advised that the introduction of auto enrolment, along with other foreseeable statutory changes such as sick leave entitlements and adjustments to unsociable hour rates, was to be included within the Maximum Variable Rates submitted at tender stage and applied to any rates submitted at Mini Competitions conducted under the Framework. This requirement was put in place to ensure pricing stability and to provide Public Service bodies with consistent and predictable costs throughout the four-year duration of the arrangement.
The Framework contains three mechanisms through which price adjustments are either applied automatically or may be sought after the first anniversary. Rates will automatically update in line with the Employment Regulation Order (ERO) of the Security Industry Joint Labour Committee for the duration of the Framework, together with any PRSI changes. Framework members may apply for an increase to their Maximum Variable Rates in line with changes in the Consumer Price Index on the first and any subsequent anniversary dates. A price review may also be requested where additional legislative changes arise, other than those foreseeable changes that tenderers were required to factor into their pricing at tender stage.
During recent engagement with Framework members, the OGP reiterated that suppliers may seek a price review where there is a justified basis to do so, provided the request is made through the established mechanisms and is supported by appropriate evidence. Apart from increases through Employment Regulation Order (ERO) no other price increase has been sought or applied since the establishment of the arrangement in September 2024.
544. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of OPW projects completed between 2020 and 2025 inclusive, including budgeted costings, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12828/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra545. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of OPW projects between 2020 and 2025 inclusive came in at, or under, budget, with costings and possible overruns, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12829/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra546. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of OPW projects between 2020 and 2025 inclusive that came in over budget, with costings, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12830/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra547. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of OPW projects between 2020 and 2025 inclusive that overran their expected completion dates, with associated costings, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12831/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra548. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the processes in place to review decision-making at the OPW where projects are either over budget, or over on delivery date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12832/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 544, 545, 546, 547 and 548 together.
The OPW manages a diverse and extensive portfolio of approximately 2,500 properties, including office accommodation, Garda properties, heritage sites, visitor centres, national monuments, and flood relief schemes. Projects are prioritised and sequenced to maximise value for money, enable timely completion, and support effective capacity planning. The OPW has a strong track record in delivering complex projects such as the Science Laboratory for Forensic Science Ireland, Rosslare Europort infrastructure, and national flood relief schemes.
To ensure robust project delivery and accountability, the OPW has implemented a comprehensive governance framework with clear roles for project sponsors, managers, and oversight bodies, as well as formalised project initiation, monitoring, and closure procedures. The OPW Management Board provides strategic oversight and direction for all major projects. There is an internal Project Oversight Group established for all capital projects with a value exceeding €500,000 and this group ensures multidisciplinary review, risk assessment, and escalation of issues as required. Oversight and approval procedures are also in place for smaller capital works projects.
The OPW operates in compliance with national and EU procurement regulations. All projects are managed in accordance with the Infrastructure Guidelines/ Public Spending Code (PSC), which sets out the rules and procedures for evaluating, planning, and managing public investment and expenditure. The Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF) governs the delivery of public capital projects, focusing on cost certainty, risk management, and value for money. The OPW ensures all projects comply with relevant Statutory Compliance, including building regulations, fire safety, and health and safety requirements. There is also Sectoral Guidance and Technical Notes for specific project types, such as for flood relief schemes, the OPW applies sectoral guidance and technical methodologies, including economic appraisal and milestone-based approval gates.
The OPW has established structured processes to identify, review, and address project overruns and delays. Project managers provide scheduled updates on progress, costs, and timelines. Variances from original plans are promptly flagged using standardised reporting templates. Projects experiencing significant overruns or delays are escalated to senior management for formal review, including root cause analysis and multidisciplinary input. Where necessary, corrective action plans are developed and implemented, with major changes requiring higher-level approval. Periodic internal audits and external reviews ensure adherence to governance standards and support continuous improvement.
The OPW is committed to transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility in managing public infrastructure and services. Each year the OPW publishes an Annual Report and this is made available on the OPW website and through public information portals. The OPW engages with relevant stakeholders, including industry bodies, to promote best practice and market competition. Staff receive regular training in procurement and project management best practices.
Due to the breadth and diversity of the OPW’s project portfolio, it is not possible to provide the specific examples or detailed lists requested within the timeframe available. However, should you require information on a more specific subset of projects—such as those exceeding particular financial thresholds, within a defined project category, and over a specific timeframe—the OPW would be happy to provide tailored data accordingly.
549. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the details of the efforts his Department have undertaken to source expertise from abroad to direct tranche 2 flood relief projects for each of the years 2023, 2024 and 2025. [12925/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra550. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the details of his Department’s commitment to incorporating nature-based solutions into its overall management of flood risk in East Cork. [12926/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra551. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation when the villages of Mogeely, Castlemartyr, Killeagh, Whitegate, Ladysbridge, Rathcormac can expect to see work begin on flood mitigation efforts to protect local households and businesses. [12927/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 549, 550 and 551 together.
Through the Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme (CFRAM), the largest study of flood risk was completed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in 2018. This studied the flood risk for two thirds of the population against the risk of flooding from rivers and the sea. The Government’s Flood Risk Management Plans, an output of CFRAM, provided the evidence for a proactive approach to designing and constructing flood relief schemes for the most at-risk communities. Investment of €1.3 billion through the National Development Plan has allowed the OPW, since 2018, to treble the number of flood relief schemes at design, planning, or construction to some 100 schemes.
As it is not feasible to deliver all flood relief schemes concurrently (due to constraints on the specialised engineering skills in the OPW, local authorities, and the consultancy market), the flood-relief delivery programme was sub-divided into two tranches, focusing initially on Tranche 1 schemes and those already in the delivery pipeline. The prioritisation of the first tranche of schemes was based on three criteria including: scale of projects, capacity to deliver a national programme, and maximising return on investment by reference to property numbers. Under the national programme, work has yet to commence on the design of some 50 Tranche 2 flood relief schemes.
The development of flood relief schemes under the OPW’s capital programme also involves a specific requirement to assess the potential for nature-based solutions as part of the overall solution to managing flood risk for a particular community. Where feasible, these measures will be implemented to reduce flood risk and contribute to achieving benefits in the areas of water quality, biodiversity, carbon sequestration and public amenity, as well as potentially contributing to flood risk reduction.
Across Cork, nine flood relief schemes have been completed to date. Under the National Development Plan, the OPW is currently providing funding to Cork County Council for nine staff to deliver all 15 additional flood relief schemes across their area of remit. Six of these are Tranche 1 schemes, which are underway at this time.
There are three Tranche 2 flood relief schemes in East Cork: Castlemartyr, Rathcormac, and Youghal. The Castlemartyr Area of Potentially Significant Flood Risk has been extended to include the villages of Ladysbridge and Mogeely. The OPW is piloting a new delivery model in Counties Donegal and Kilkenny, which will inform the delivery of future Tranche 2 schemes nationally.
A detailed review of the flood mapping and risk for Killeagh will be undertaken to fully understand the flooding mechanisms in this community and the degree of risk present. Upon completion of the detailed review, this will allow for an assessment of future actions.
The Council have completed a number of interim flood defence works in Midleton since Storm Babet in October 2023, along with interim flood mitigation measures for Rathcormac, Castlemartyr and Killeagh.
In January 2026, the OPW approved funding of €107,708 for the procurement of an engineering consultant to conduct surveys and a study, and to recommend measures to mitigate the risk of flooding to properties in Whitegate Village, Co. Cork.
Cork County Council have advertised for engineering consultancy services for interim flood mitigation measures in respect of Mogeely and Castlemartyr.
I recently announced revisions to the Minor Works Scheme, including increasing the maximum funding under the scheme to €2m. My Office is finalising the details of these revisions, and I expect to announce these details shortly.
Since 2009, the OPW has approved some €7.4 million funding to Cork County Council for some 57 projects. Under the Minor Works Scheme, it is the responsibility of the local authority to advance the works, once approved by the OPW. This includes all environmental assessments, planning consents, health and safety requirements and landowner agreements. Details of approved funding are available through www.floodinfo.ie/minor-works.
553. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if the SBCI loan scheme is scheduled to proceed in March 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12534/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme (GSLS) is a €500 million long-term, low-cost loan scheme jointly developed by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The scheme is supported by the European Investment Bank Group (EIBG) through a counter-guarantee to the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), which delivers the scheme to participating finance providers.
The GSLS offers loans of between €25,000 and €3 million, with terms of up to 10 years, to SMEs, farmers, fishers and small mid-cap and loans of up to €500,000 available unsecured. At least 30% of total lending is directed towards environmental sustainability and climate-action projects, with the balance supporting long-term productivity and competitiveness. Loans for eligible climate-related purposes also benefit from an additional interest-rate discount.
The scheme is scheduled to operate until 30 June 2026, or until it is fully subscribed, whichever occurs earlier.
Most lenders have now fully utilised their allocations under the scheme or have only limited capacity remaining. As a result, access to GSLS loans during March and the following months will depend on the availability of capacity with individual finance providers as the scheme approaches its end date.
Given the strong demand for the scheme, officials in my Department, working closely with colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, are engaged in advanced and constructive negotiations with the SBCI and the European Investment Bank Group on options to increase the scheme’s capacity and extend its duration. My plan to bring proposals to Government soon.
I remain committed to ensuring that Irish enterprises can access competitive, long-term finance options, and the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme continues to play a central role in delivering that support.
554. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of contracts with his Department in the years of 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the nature of services this company (details supplied) provided to his Department in the years in question; the amount his Department paid this company for such services in each of the years in question, in tabular form. [11605/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department has a number of contracts with Eir Evo for the years in question. Details of these contracts and related expenditure are outlined in tabular format below.
2024
|
Contract for Cisco Supply, Support and Maintenance |
€385,061 |
|
Contract for Managed Hosting Services |
€107,681 |
|
Contract for ICT Helpdesk Services 2021-2025 |
€300,433 |
|
Contract for Veeam Backup Support and Maintenance |
€114,768 |
2025
|
Contract for Cisco Supply, Support and Maintenance |
€718,578 |
|
Contract for Managed Hosting Services |
€164,466 |
|
Contract for ICT Helpdesk Services 2021-2025 |
€302,600 |
|
Contract for Veeam Backup Support and Maintenance |
€117,352 |
2026
|
Contract for Managed Hosting Services |
€12,177 |
|
Contract for ICT Helpdesk Services 2021-2025 |
€30,273 |
|
Contract for Veeam Backup Support and Maintenance |
€1,168 |
555. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the steps his Department has taken specifically to provide relief to entities currently reporting under Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) ‘wave 1’ reporters, based on the ‘quick fix’ delegated act signed on 11 July 2025 by the European Commission, that extended certain phase-in provisions that were previously only available to companies with less than 750 employees to all “wave 1” companies for FY2025 and FY2026; if there are any further measures under consideration for companies in Wave 1; the timeframe for future steps, if any; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11647/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) was transposed in Ireland on 6 July 2024 through S.I. No. 336/2024, giving clarity and certainty to those preparing their first reports for the 2024 financial year.
With regard to relief for Wave 1 companies, the European Commission adopted a set of “quick fix” amendments to the first set of European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) in July 2025. These amendments are intended to reduce burden and increase certainty by allowing Wave 1 companies to omit certain information, including the anticipated financial effects of specified sustainability-related risks, for Financial Years 2025 and 2026.
Regarding the broader structural simplification measures contained in the Omnibus package, the agreed revisions will substantially change the scope of the Directive once adopted, limiting CSRD to companies with more than 1,000 employees and €450 million in net turnover. As a result, some entities currently reporting in Wave 1 that fall below these thresholds may ultimately fall outside the scope of CSRD once the revised Directive enters into force. Those that remain within scope will benefit from the simplification of ESRS, including a reduction in the number of data points and improved clarity across the standards.
The Department is assessing the implications of these agreed changes and will bring forward a consolidated Statutory Instrument by mid-2026 to give business the legal certainty it needs. At present, no additional domestic measures for Wave 1 entities are under consideration, with the Department continuing to support simplification efforts at EU level.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
556. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his plans to reform current health and safety legislation to better reflect the capacity of the general public, and to introduce clearer mechanisms for discretion, exemptions, or alternative pathways where risk is present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11731/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and I understand the importance of maintaining a robust and comprehensive framework of occupational safety and health legislation. In that regard, the work of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is vital as the regulatory body responsible for occupational safety and health in Ireland.
Health and safety legislation requires the employer to assess the risks to safety and health at work for all workers, to avoid workplace accident, injury, and ill health. Employers are required to develop a safety statement, based on a risk assessment, which details how the safety, health and welfare of employees are protected. The safety statement includes risk assessments and should be produced in consultation with employees and their representatives.
The HSA operate under the statutory powers of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. The 2005 Act sets out the general duties and responsibilities of the employer and employee in ensuring health and safety in the workplace.
The Act also sets out a range of enforcement actions available to the HSA that can be used to address cases of non-compliance, which includes improvement notices and prohibition notices, along with potential offences and penalties arising for non-compliance. Where HSA inspectors identify, or are made aware of, practices, conditions or hazards that pose health and safety risks, they are obligated to act in accordance with statute.
Working with employers and employees to raise awareness of workplace health and safety is a key component of the HSA’s strategic work programme. The HSA has published a suite of sector-specific guidance and support materials, which are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect new and emerging health and safety issues. In addition to various awareness-raising and public information campaigns, the HSA also offers a range of practical public-facing online tools to support duty holders, such as BeSmart.ie and HSAlearning.ie.
The current legislative framework is robust and obliges employers to assess risks and protect employees. While there are currently no plans to reform occupational safety and health legislation in Ireland, my Department is progressing several measures to implement recent European legislation, ensuring we remain aligned with other EU Member States.
557. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to give an update on Action 3.3 of Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11759/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra558. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the position regarding the total level of Exchequer funding spent by his Department on funding NGOs, by organisation, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11796/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra559. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment 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; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11814/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 558 and 559 together.
The total level of Exchequer funding spent by my Department on funding NGOs, by organisation, for the years 2022 to 2026 is as follows:
|
Year |
NGO |
Exchequer Funding |
|
2026 |
|
nil to date |
|
2025 |
Irish Red Cross |
€114,726.63 |
|
2024 |
Irish Red Cross |
€6,137,438.56 |
|
2023 |
Irish Red Cross |
€3,681,102.18 |
|
2022 |
Irish Red Cross |
€104,948.14 |
