Written Answers Nos. 274-289
274. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the date each FOI request was received by the Department in 2025; the date each request was concluded; and the manner by which it was concluded (granted, part-granted, withdrawn, and resolved outside of FOI), in tabular form [13486/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy in respect of my Department is set out in the table at the link below due to the volume of information. In accordance with Section 13(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2014, an FOI body should issue a decision to the requester within 20 working days of receipt of an FOI request. However, Section 14(1) of the Act makes provision for the extension of time for consideration of FOI requests of up to 20 working days. The grounds for such an extension are, if in the opinion of the head of an FOI body, the request is voluminous or there are multiple FOI requests related to the same or similar records, making compliance within the original timeframe not reasonably possible. Decision deadlines may also be revised if the requester revises their FOI request or due to the request being paused while the FOI body awaits payment of a fee from the requester, as per Section 27(5)(c) of the Act.
275. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will outline each section of enacted legislation, where the responsibility lies in the Minister to commence that section, that has not been commenced; if he will outline each section of enacted legislation which provides for the making of regulations by the Minister that have not been made by the Minister; if he will outline all sections of enacted legislation or secondary legislation which provide for the publication of guidelines by the Minister that have not been published, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13511/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no sections of enacted legislation identified, where the responsibility lies with the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to commence that section, that have not been commenced. There are no sections of enacted legislation identified which provides for the making of regulations by the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation which have not been made. There are no sections of enacted legislation or secondary legislation identified which provide for the publication of guidelines by the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, where guidelines have not been published.
I would highlight to the Deputy that, as the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, I hold policy responsibility for public service pension schemes. Public service pensions policy spans various Acts and Statutory Instruments dating back to 1834. My Department does not hold a comprehensive list of un-commenced sections of these various Acts nor a list a of legislative provisions that permit my office to make regulations. Should the Deputy wish to revert in reference to specific regulations or Acts pertaining to public service pension policy, I will ask my officials to examine those matters.
276. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will provide an update on the Government data centre in Backweston; the timeline for when it will open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13526/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the successful completion of a procurement process in 2022 the 28-month Data Centre construction project began in early 2023. The Data Centre construction project, which is co-funded by the EU's National Resilience and Recovery Programme (NRRP), was successfully completed in mid 2025. The next phase of the Government Data Centre programme, the internal fit out (procurement and installation of racks, internal networking/comms, power to the racks etc) commenced in June 2025 and was complete by the end of 2025. Currently Public Service Bodies are deploying servers and services in the Data Centre to begin end to end connectivity testing with the aim of deploying live services thereafter. The Government Data Centre will then be operationally open and Public Service Bodies will begin transitioning their ICT Infrastructure and Services to the Data Centre throughout 2026 and into 2027.
277. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the flood relief measures his Department has put in place for a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13583/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has a statutory duty to maintain Arterial Drainage Schemes completed under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995 as amended. The area referenced in your correspondence does not form part of any Arterial Drainage Scheme completed by the OPW under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945. The OPW therefore, has no responsibility for the maintenance of this location, nor has it any authority to carry out any works there.
The OPW has procured a consultant to develop new flood maps for the Mayne River to reflect the current hydraulic conditions in the Belmayne, Balgriffin, and Clongriffin areas. These and are due to be published later this year.
Localised flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and Fingal County Council may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources. The Council may apply to the OPW for funding for flood mitigation works under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This scheme was introduced by the OPW on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works, or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas.
The criteria for the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme are currently under review, and any application under the scheme will be considered against revised criteria. The OPW expect to advise Local Authorities of the revised criteria for the Scheme shortly. Since 2009, the OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of circa €2.6 million to Fingal for some 10 projects.
278. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the list of all flood relief and flood risk management projects in County Mayo since 2020, by each project: the name and location of the project; the total approved budget and amount spent to date, including maintenance and ongoing operational costs; whether the project is in planning, under construction, or completed; the number of properties and key infrastructure protected or expected to be protected; whether any nature-based solutions have been included in the design, implementation, or evaluation including but not limited to natural water retention measures, wetland restoration, riparian planting, or sustainable urban drainage systems; the details of those measures the scale of investment in any nature-based solutions; how the effectiveness of any nature-based solutions in reducing flood risk is being evaluated, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13726/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2020, three flood relief schemes have commenced or been completed in county Mayo - Westport (Cois Abhainn & Ashwood) FRS, Crossmolina FRS and Ballina FRS.
The details of each are set out in the table under.
Flood Relief and Flood Risk Management Projects in Co. Mayo since 2020
|
Name |
Location |
Total Project Budget |
Spend to Date |
Project Stage |
Properties Protected |
|
Westport (Cois Abhainn & Ashwood) FRS |
Westport |
€2 million |
€1.7 million |
Complete |
36 |
|
Crossmolina FRS |
Crossmolina |
€34 million |
€10.4 million |
Stage IV: Construction |
116 |
|
Ballina FRS |
Ballina |
€55 million |
€2.2 million |
Stage III: Detailed Design |
297 |
The Westport (Cois Abhainn and Ashwood) scheme is complete, the Crossmolina scheme is at construction and planning consent for the Ballina scheme has been granted.
Since 2018, the development of flood relief schemes involves a specific requirement for consultant engineers to assess the potential for nature-based solutions as part of the overall design of a flood relief scheme for a community. Where feasible, these measures will be implemented to reduce flood risk and contribute to achieving other benefits including water quality, biodiversity, carbon sequestration and public amenity.
279. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on Ireland’s national assessment of areas at risk from sea-level rise over the next 20–50 years, including coastal counties and vulnerable communities; to specify what coastal adaptation or resilience measures (hard engineering, nature-based solutions, or managed retreat strategies) are planned or underway in these areas; to outline how the timeline for implementing these measures is being determined and monitored; to indicate whether funding for maintenance and monitoring of existing coastal defences has been allocated, and how these measures are being evaluated for effectiveness; to confirm how local authorities, communities, and stakeholders are being engaged in planning and implementing adaptation strategies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13729/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises the risks associated with climate change and that increases in sea levels and storm surges will result in increased frequency of coastal erosion.
The Report of the Inter-Departmental Group on National Coastal Change Management Strategy, published in 2023, put in place a road map for responding to these challenges in a structured and planned way to provide the basis for a long-term strategy for an integrated and co-ordinated approach to coastal change management. The report sets out 15 recommendations to address and manage the impacts of coastal change in the short, medium and longer terms, including developing managed retreat options and the promotion of nature based solutions. The recommendations outlined in the report were approved by Government for implementation.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, has been assigned the lead co-ordination role and is responsible for chairing an Interdepartmental Steering Group on Coastal Change Management, tasked with implementing the recommendations approved by Government. As part of that implementation it is envisaged that a number of coastal erosion pilot projects will be progressed.
The OPW has been designated by Government as the national lead coordinating body for the assessment of coastal change hazards and risks and the assessment of technical options and constraints.
The OPW are currently working on the development of National Coastal Erosion Hazard Mapping and a Past Coastal Erosion Database to assist in identifying areas at potentially significant risk of coastal change. The former will provide spatial mapping to identify coastal areas that may be exposed to coastal erosion in the future, the latter is a web-based platform that will allow members of the public to report coastal erosion observed in their locality. This work will inform the development of integrated coastal change management plans.
With respect to coastal flood risk, flood maps have been prepared by the OPW for the entire coastline for a range of flood event probabilities for each of four potential future scenarios taking into account the potential impacts of climate change, as well as for the present day conditions. These maps are publicly available to view through the OPW flood information portal; www.floodinfo.ie. The maps provide comprehensive information on areas potentially at risk from flooding due to climate change. 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. Public consultation forms part of the design and planning stages of Flood Relief Scheme delivery.
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by OPW in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. Local authorities may apply for funding for coastal erosion projects costing up to €2 million to deal with existing coastal erosion issues.
280. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an exhaustive list of flood related compensation, paid from his Department's vote allocations over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13924/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that there have been no flood related compensation measures paid from my Department's Vote allocation over the past ten years.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) does have compensation elements for flood relief works which they carry out on private land. However, these are funded through the OPW's Vote allocation and not the Vote allocation of my Department.
281. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the initiatives he or his Department or associated State agencies have taken to encourage prospective new owners to establish a business at the former factory (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13432/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartment officials have confirmed that active efforts are continuing to identify a suitable buyer for the site. Enterprise Ireland is providing ongoing support to this process, including facilitating introductions to potential buyers where appropriate.
The owners of the facility have appointed an external agent, who is actively marketing the property and seeking interest from potential purchasers.
Enterprise Ireland has further advised that, while no site visits have yet been facilitated, discussions have taken place with a range of interested parties, with a number of these progressing to the expression-of-interest stage. Active promotion of the facility remains underway, and Enterprise Ireland continues to seek further expressions of interest from potentially suitable parties both domestically and internationally.
Enterprise Ireland also remains active in marketing the site to inward FDI prospects, and the property has been listed on the IDA Ireland portfolio, ensuring it is visible to international investors and other relevant potential buyers.
282. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the status of the review of the critical skills occupations list and ineligible occupations list; whether the review will take into consideration the availability of housing in addition to the needs of the labour market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13433/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s economic migration policy is designed to address verified and ongoing skills shortages across the economy. The system is vacancy-led and is managed through the Critical Skills Occupations List and the Ineligible Occupations List, both of which are reviewed on a regular basis by my Department.
A new review of the occupation lists is currently under way. This review commenced with an open public consultation, which closed on 19 September and attracted a wide range of submissions, including from stakeholders in the construction and built-environment sectors. I would note that previous reviews have already resulted in a significant number of construction-related roles becoming eligible for employment permits, supporting increased housing delivery.
For the current review, my Department has worked in close cooperation with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to ensure that the employment permits system is aligned with the national objective of expanding housing supply. This engagement is focused on identifying pathways to ensure that occupations essential to improving housing output can access the permits system where justified.
In considering changes to the occupation lists, my Department assesses not only labour-market evidence but also wider whole-of-Government factors. These include the potential impact of inward migration on housing demand, transport, healthcare capacity, and other public services.
The Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group has now met and considered the available labour-market evidence and relevant departmental inputs. My Department is currently finalising the outcome of the review, and the updated occupation lists will be published in the coming weeks.
I remain committed to ensuring that the employment permits system continues to be responsive, evidence-based and aligned with key national priorities, including the delivery of housing.
283. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will outline each section of enacted legislation, where the responsibility lies in the Minister to commence that section, that has not been commenced; if he will outline each section of enacted legislation which provides for the making of regulations by the Minister that have not been made by the Minister; if he will outline all sections of enacted legislation or secondary legislation which provide for the publication of guidelines by the Minister that have not been published, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13504/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has not been possible to compile the requested information in the time available. The requested information will be provided to the Deputy once compiled.
284. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether his Department has conducted, commissioned or received any regulatory impact assessment, economic modelling or internal policy analysis since 1 January 2021 examining the cumulative administrative and compliance costs arising from customs declarations, tariff classification requirements, VAT registration obligations or brokerage fees affecting Irish small and medium-sized enterprises exporting parcels to the United Kingdom and the United States; and if he will provide details of such analysis, including dates, authorship and whether it was published. [13706/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra285. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether his Department has estimated the average per-parcel administrative cost incurred by Irish SMEs exporting low-value consignments to (a) the United Kingdom and (b) the United States, including customs declarations, intermediary brokerage fees, VAT compliance and associated documentation; and if no such estimate has been undertaken, whether he intends to commission one [13707/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra286. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether his Department has engaged with the Revenue Commissioners regarding simplified customs procedures or reduced administrative burdens for micro-exporting SMEs reliant on parcel trade; the dates and nature of any such engagement; and whether specific policy proposals have been developed arising from those discussions [13708/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra287. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether his Department holds data or has conducted analysis on the number or proportion of Irish SMEs for whom small-consignment parcel exports constitute their primary export channel; and if so, the findings of that analysis. [13709/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 284 to 287, inclusive, together.
As the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, I recognise that SMEs are under pressure from rising delivery and postage costs, especially following increases in An Post parcel rates. SME’s often lack the volume needed to negotiate discounted courier rates and face disproportionate challenges from rising delivery and postage costs. My department cannot directly intervene in commercial pricing; however, it is actively addressing the broader cost environment affecting SME’s.
Last year, I established the Cost of Business Advisory Forum to examine key cost pressures facing SME's — including logistics, energy, insurance, planning, and legal costs. This group brings together business groups, government departments, regulators, and state agencies to identify cost-reduction pathways.
In addition, I published the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, a national strategy aimed at strengthening Ireland’s competitiveness and addressing international economic pressures affecting SME cost structures.
The National Enterprise Hub (NEH) service is open to all businesses across Ireland helping them navigate and find the right Government support for their business.
The Hub brings together information on over 250 government supports from 32 different departments and state agencies which can be accessed through the online portal. Business owners can also contact the team and speak directly to an advisor by phone, email or via live chat. The advisors will help to diagnose the needs of the individual business, directing them to the appropriate available supports or indeed put them in direct contact with the relevant agency.
The National Enterprise Hub makes it easier to access Government supports on managing the costs of doing business, developing sustainability plans, enhancing productivity and efficiencies, adopting new digital technologies, and entering new export markets.
Since launching last year, the NEH has handled over 12,000 enquiries.
Furthermore, InterTradeIreland is dedicated to helping businesses across the island to break into cross-border markets as a strategic step toward international exporting.
InterTradeIreland’s Trade Hub is well established as the go-to resource for businesses navigating complex post-Brexit trade regulations. The aim of the Trade Hub is to support businesses to engage in efficient and effective cross-border trade between Ireland and Northern Ireland, and to help them develop and grow their export potential. It does this through its Knowledge Base which includes detailed information on matters including customs, VAT, regulation and legal, people and employment
(crossbordertradehub.intertradeireland.com/). If required, ITI can also provide tailored one-to-one consultancy support. Its knowledge base has had over 55k business engagements in 2025.
The Office of the Revenue Commissioners is the Irish authority that manages customs rules and procedures, including those that apply to postal and courier shipments. Their remit covers:
• Customs declarations for parcels
• Duties, VAT, and import restrictions
• Postal and courier procedures (e.g., An Post and private couriers)
• Clearance requirements for goods entering or leaving Ireland
Customs procedures, for an Irish exporter to a third-party country is a matter for that country. Customs procedures for goods imported into the EU Customs Union from a third-party country is a matter for the Department of Finance through Revenue and are subject to EU law. There is free movement of goods within the EU Customs Union.
288. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether the Cost of Business Advisory Forum established in June 2025 has specifically examined customs compliance costs, parcel export brokerage fees, or international e-commerce administrative burdens as part of its remit; and if so, whether recommendations have been made or are under consideration by Government [13710/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe establishment of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum delivers on the Programme for Government 2025 commitment regarding supports for Small Business, Enterprise and Industries. The Forum is tripartite collaboration bringing together various representative bodies spanning multiple sectors. The purpose is to jointly consider those issues that can lead to higher costs for businesses in Ireland, any associated regulatory or infrastructural issues that merit a changed approach, and those actions that could be taken to mitigate these issues.
The first meeting of the Forum took place in June 2025 where numerous organisations representing Ireland’s enterprise sector were joined by officials from a variety of state agencies and Government Departments. During the plenary session, a thematic workplan was agreed by the Forum members which included six areas addressing the most pressing issues for businesses in Ireland. As the Forum progressed, a new theme focusing on Banking, Payments, and Financial Services, was added to reflect members’ feedback.
The following thematic topics have been covered over the last 8 months;
• July 2025 focused on Public Utilities: Energy Costs and Security of Supply,
• Professional Services: Insurance Costs meeting in August,
• Regulation and Planning meeting in September,
• November’s meeting focused on Public Utilities: Water Services,
• January 2026, focused on Professional Services: Legal Costs,
• Reporting and Compliance meeting in February.
Given that the topic of Reporting and Compliance includes a variety of areas, the Chair and members of the Forum agreed to focus on five key topics. However, these are not limited to various issues raised by the Forum members during the meeting. The key topics included:
• Enhanced Reporting Requirements,
• Revenue compliance,
• Penalties for administrative errors,
• Waste Management regulations, and
• the SME Test.
The final meetings of the Forum will be held in March on Banking, Payments and Financial Services, and in April, the last meeting will focus on members feedback in relation to the final report to Government which is scheduled for the first half of 2026.
289. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether the forthcoming Enterprise 2035 strategy will contain specific measures aimed at reducing customs-related compliance costs for SMEs engaged in cross-border parcel trade; and if he will outline any draft policy proposals currently under consideration [13711/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnterprise 2035 will be developed over a 12-month period and is intended for publication in Q1 2027. Representing a whole-of-government lens it will be reflective of the views and aspirations across Ireland`s enterprise sector.
The strategy is currently in early development within my Department. There is a full round of stakeholder engagement planned including a public consultation, ahead of drafting commencing. Alongside this there will be a review of international industrial strategies and Ireland’s enterprise model which will be considered as part of the strategy’s development. At this point it is too early to comment on the specific elements which will be addressed in the strategy.
The enterprise strategy will build on the White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030, maintaining a focus on building on Ireland’s strengths as an open economy with strong trade and foreign direct investment, a vibrant innovation ecosystem and a resilient labour market, while also adapting to new challenges in an increasingly uncertain world.
Whilst the 2025 Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity outlined a series of immediate actionable deliverables as a strategic response to the challenges Ireland is currently facing, Enterprise 2035 will focus on medium- to long-term policy priorities and associated response mechanisms over the same time horizon.
