Written Answers Nos. 31-50
31. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his views on whether the EU should be treated as a minimum baseline for national AI regulation, and not a maximum standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12953/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Artificial Intelligence Act provides a fully harmonised regulatory framework governing the development, placing on the market, and use of AI systems across the Union. Its purpose is to ensure high standards of safety and fundamental rights protection, while supporting innovation and the effective functioning of the Single Market.
As a directly applicable EU Regulation, the AI Act establishes the binding regulatory framework for all Member States. My Department is leading across government to achieve the full implementation of the Act. Member States may not introduce additional requirements that would restrict the free movement of AI systems lawfully placed on the EU market or undermine harmonisation.
Within this regulation, Ireland retains flexibility in governance, enforcement structures and national supports. My Department is establishing An Oifig IS na hÉireann, the AI Office of Ireland as the statutory Single Point of Contact to coordinate implementation, support national competent authorities, and facilitate innovation measures such as the regulatory sandbox. The Office will also promote AI literacy, support regulatory coherence, and provide a central pool of expertise to assist regulators.
The AI Act contains specific provisions to reduce burdens on SMEs, including simplified compliance pathways and priority access to regulatory sandboxes. Member States are required to support SMEs with guidance and dedicated communication channels. My Department is aligning the national structures accordingly, with the AI Office having a key function to facilitate SME engagement and ensuring regulators’ access to expertise, while CeADAR’s “AI for You” literacy programme remains available free of charge to all SMEs.
The AI Act applies a proportionate, risk-based framework that bans a small number of unacceptable-risk AI practices, imposes strict requirements on high-risk systems, sets basic transparency duties for limited-risk systems, and leaves minimal-risk AI largely unregulated, with tailored obligations also applying to general-purpose AI models. It includes strong penalties for non-compliance — up to 7% of global turnover for the most serious violations.
Ensuring timely, coherent and proportionate implementation, without adding national obligations beyond the Act, is essential to avoid fragmentation and to maintain Ireland’s competitiveness. It is a key commitment of Government to work within the EU to create a genuine digital single market.
For these reasons, while my Department will continue to implement strong national governance and supports, the EU AI Act sets out the harmonised standard which national regulation in EU Member States should adhere to. My Department will continue to engage actively at EU level through the AI Office and the AI Board to ensure coherent application of the Act.
In response to recent issues regarding the use of AI through the online platform X to generate illegal content, my Department is also liaising with the European Commission and Member States to advocate for adding the use of AI systems for the generation of such content to the list of prohibited AI practices under the EU AI Act.
Online safety will be a core pillar underpinning the new National Digital and AI Strategy 2030, which will be published shortly and a priority for Ireland’s presidency of the European Council. These measures reinforce Government’s commitment to enhancing online safety, in particular for children and young people, as a whole-system priority.
32. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on current processing times for all employment permit types; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13390/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland operates a managed employment permits system designed to maximise the benefits of economic migration while minimising disruption to the domestic labour market. The system enables appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill genuine skills and labour shortages that cannot be met from within the Irish or EEA workforce, and is structured around the Critical Skills and Ineligible Occupations Lists, which are regularly reviewed to ensure continued alignment with labour market needs.
In recent years, my Department has implemented a range of measures to improve processing times, including the deployment of additional resources and the adoption of more efficient processing methods to ensure the system remains responsive to sustained demand across all permit types.
The Department has already introduced a new employment permits IT system, representing a major step forward in modernising the service. Work is now progressing to Phase 2 of this digital transformation, which will further enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and improve the overall user experience as part of a multi-stage programme of modernisation.
The current processing times for new general employment permits and critical skills applications (which account for about 90% of all permits issued) are as follows:
Critical Skills applications in 7 working days, for
New General and other Employment Permit applications in 24 working days
Current processing dates continue to be published and updated regularly on the Department’s website to provide transparency to applicants - [Current processing dates - DETE]
These dates reflect the point up to which applications are being assessed across each respective permit category, including new applications, Critical Skills, and renewals.
My Department continues to monitor processing times closely and remains focused on ensuring that the system is efficient, modern, and capable of meeting the needs of a dynamic labour market.
33. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he intends to progress with legislation to restrict short-term lets in towns with more than 10,000 people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13126/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra38. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the current status of the Short Term Letting and Tourism Bill 2025 in light of significant concerns that it may negatively impact Ireland’s tourism industry; if his Department has had discussion with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage around the planning issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13219/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra77. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the impact of the proposed Short-Term Letting and Tourism Bill 2025 on rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13376/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra82. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his plans for short-term lets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13373/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 33, 38, 77 and 82 together.
As set out in the new Policy Statement 'A new Era for Irish Tourism', which I published in December, the introduction of regulatory controls for the Short Term Letting Sector is to ensure the tourism sector develops in a way that recognises and is complementary to the wider needs of local communities, both economically and socially.
Last April, I secured Government approval for the General Scheme of the Short Term Letting and Tourism (STLT) Bill. When enacted, the Bill will provide the statutory basis for the introduction of regulatory controls including a national register for the Short Term Letting sector. Fáilte Ireland will implement and manage this register, ensuring compliance with the EU Short Term Rental Regulation that comes into effect in May this year.
I am pleased that the tourism sector has broadly welcomed the introduction of a Short Term Letting register.
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne T.D. has responsibility for planning matters and has committed to publishing a National Planning Statement on Short Term Letting to clarify how planning law applies to short-term lets. This statement will be published in advance of the enactment of the Short Term Letting and Tourism Bill. On 9 February I reached an agreement in principle with Minister Browne to allow operators based in towns with a population of 20,000 or less at the last Census to be permitted to continue to provide short-term letting accommodation over the next two years. This will allow time for operators to meet compliance requirements.
From 20 May 2026, all Short Term Letting hosts offering accommodation for periods up to and including 21 nights will be obliged to register with Fáilte Ireland via a digital system and confirm their compliance with planning requirements. Registration will take 5 minutes and will generate a unique registration number for each Short Term Letting unit registered. This number must be displayed when listing the unit on any online platforms.
Fáilte Ireland estimates that, approximately 34,020 Short Term Letting properties were advertised online in the State in October 2025, based on screen-scraped data from four major booking platforms. Up to 64% were listed as “entire” houses or apartments. This represents a 26% increase from an estimated 26,960 units in October 2022. Given this rapid growth, improved oversight and data collection are essential.
Tourism is an important economic driver and I recognise the concerns of the tourism industry. With the approach outlined, I believe we are balancing the need for rental housing stock with the need to protect rural and regional tourism and jobs. The department will continue to engage with all stakeholders.
34. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the implementation of the new Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity. [13314/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity was published on the 10th of September 2025. The preparation of this Action Plan was a commitment under the Programme for Government, and, in response to international economic developments, its delivery was expedited. I am pleased to report that the implementation of the Action Plan is well under way.
The Action Plan reflects a whole-of-government approach to the domestic drivers of competitiveness and focuses on areas that are firmly within our national control. Its development was informed by extensive consultation across Government Departments and with external stakeholders. In particular, officials from my department undertook a series of bilateral engagements with key Government partners, including in the areas of infrastructure, housing, research and innovation.
The overarching objective of the Action Plan is to maintain and improve Ireland's position as a competitive and productive economy capable of withstanding shocks, building on our strengths and developing our indigenous enterprise base while continuing to attract investment and talent from abroad.
Accountability, monitoring and oversight will all be key to the successful delivery of the actions set out in the Action Plan. Each of the 85 actions is assigned a specific owner and a timeline for implementation. Just under half of the actions are due for delivery in 2026 – the remaining actions were delivered in 2025 or are scheduled for delivery across 2027 to 2030.
It is intended that there will be regular progress reporting to Cabinet regarding the implementation of outstanding actions. It is also intended that progress on the implementation of the Action Plan will be discussed as part of the Government’s annual Competitiveness Summit in 2026, with a first implementation report to be submitted for discussion at the Summit. Given that the Action Plan has only been in effect for four months, the vast majority of actions are regarded as in progress.
In particular, there are a number of key actions from the Action Plan which have already been delivered or are due for completion in the coming months, including the publication of the final report of the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce (published 3rd December 2025) and the final report of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum (due for publication in Q1 2026).
35. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on the setting up of the proposed national AI office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13369/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe AI Office of Ireland will be the central co-ordinating authority for the EU AI Act in Ireland. Ireland has adopted a distributed model for implementation of the Act; there are currently 13 Market Surveillance Authorities and 4 Notifying Authorities designated.
€1.5 million has been allocated to the start-up phase of the AI Office in 2026. In order to meet the August deadline my officials are focused on a number of key priorities. They include recruiting key personnel, designing and developing an ICT framework, establishing a Single Point of Contact framework, developing an extensive communications programme, ensuring the establishment of a national Regulatory Sandbox and establishing a technical pool of expertise for access by the Competent Authorities.
In tandem with the operational functions of establishing the AI Office, my Department is working with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel on the priority drafting of domestic legislation that will provide for the implementation and enforcement of the EU AI Act at national level, including the establishment of the AI Office as an independent statutory entity.
36. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on a factory (details supplied); the progress on support for workers; the future plans for the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13359/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, in October 2025 Merck announced the proposed closure of its facility in Arklow, Co Wicklow by the end of 2028. The decision followed a strategic portfolio product review, considering factors such as market dynamics, and customer needs. Staff were made aware of the company’s decision on Wednesday 22nd October 2025, and a consultation period began.
IDA Ireland has established internal processes for dealing with potential and actual job loss situation with its client companies. This involves proactive engagement with site leadership of the company and its parent company to explore options to avoid and/or minimise any job losses. In this regard, IDA Ireland is engaged with the company - both at a site level in Arklow and at their German HQ - in order to achieve the best outcome for the site and the IDA are exploring all options with the company.
IDA Ireland is also fully respectful of the consultation process that should be underway by any company and its employees/employee representatives following any announcement or proposed announcements.
In the event of any announced or pending job losses, such as at Merck in Arklow, IDA partners with other support agencies at a local level to implement the Job Loss Protocol. This provides a coordinated response by relevant Government Departments and agencies at a local level to support impacted employees. This work may not formally commence until after the staff consultation period has been concluded and the types of supports that may be provided include:
• Provision of a detailed skills profile for the site; a talent catchment map and timings for when individuals will be available, provided by the company.
• Identification of other employers who may be hiring across IDA and EI client companies.
• Sharing of skills profiles with other companies who may be hiring and direct engagement with HR departments, when appropriate through IDA and EI.
• Briefings by local Department of Social Protection/Intreo officials to impacted employees on social welfare and employment support services to support impacted employees’ transition to new employment opportunities.
• Identification of training and further education opportunities for employees (ETBs; Skillnet; Universities)
• Exploring opportunities to start your own business through LEOs and Enterprise Ireland.
I should also note that the Protection of Employment Act 1977 imposes certain legal obligations on employers proposing collective redundancies including-
• The requirement for a 30-day consultation period with employees and their representatives.
• Employers must notify the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment of the proposals at least 30 days before the first dismissal takes effect.
• Employers may not issue notices of redundancy during this period.
By law, it is also the responsibility of the employer in the first instance to pay statutory redundancy payments to eligible employees. In situations where an employer cannot pay statutory redundancy due to financial difficulties, the State provides a safety net and may pay statutory redundancy to eligible employees from the Social Insurance Fund.
Employees have the right to refer complaints to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) on a wide range of employment law breaches for an adjudication and redress, including the right to refer a complaint should an employer fail to consult or provide certain information to employees in collective redundancy situations. The Customer Service area of the WRC can provide further information in relation to employment, equality and industrial relations rights and obligations.
In terms of the IDA response, I should emphasise that Regional development is at the centre of IDA’s strategy. IDA is committed to the pursuit of more balanced, compact regional development which can deliver complementary efficiency and equity gains, with the overall impact of helping to advance national development. IDA Ireland utilises a range of strategies to maximise dispersal of FDI nationally, albeit individual companies ultimately take decisions on where to locate investments . IDA’s Regional focus leverages the wider demographic catchment of a region, the track record of existing client companies already located in the region, the availability of property and developed infrastructure assets and the presence of third level universities to provide a skilled talent pipeline for companies investing in the region. IDA’s Regional Development strategy is aligned with Government policy, including Ireland 2040 and the National Planning Framework (NPF).
A key aspect of the strategy is focused on maximising balanced regional development, with a target of securing 550 investments from a total of 1,000 between 2025-2029 - 55% - into regional locations. This ambitious target reflects IDA Ireland’s ongoing commitment to supporting transformation and growth across all regions. In 2025, 183 (57%) of the 323 investments secured by the IDA were in regional locations outside of Dublin. This is in line with IDA Ireland’s strategic objective to maximise regional growth.
The Mid-East Region comprises counties Kildare, Louth, Meath and Wicklow. There are 126 IDA client companies in the Mid-East Region, employing 20,284 people. The FDI performance in the region has been positive over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 5%. The Mid-East has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Technology, Life Sciences, International Financial Services and Engineering & Industrial Technologies. It has also won significant investment in the Food and the Film sub-sectors. County Wicklow is home to 23 IDA client companies, employing 2,827 people directly.
As already indicated, the IDA will work with Merck to endeavour to secure a successor investment for Arklow.
37. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps his Department is taking to raise awareness of the social enterprise model and encourage entrepreneurship that delivers both economic and social value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13249/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPolicy responsibility for social enterprises lies with the Department of Rural Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
Trading for Impact: National Social Enterprise Policy 2024 -2027 was launched by the Minister for Rural and Community Development on July 24, 2024. The purpose of the policy is to help cultivate and sustain strong and impactful social enterprises in Ireland to enrich the social, environmental, and economic well-being of people living in our communities. The policy represents a strong commitment by Government to social enterprises and a recognition of their value and potential.
My Department through both the LEO Policy Statement 2024-2030 and Enterprise Ireland’s strategy ‘Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally’ recognise that social enterprises are a valuable part of our economy.
Actions 15 and 16 of the National Social Enterprise Policy refer to providing a consistent service to social enterprises and providing greater access to supports through Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices.
Enterprise Ireland in partnership with the LEOs, will work with social enterprises in a targeted way to support those with job creation and export potential and with those addressing sustainability and circular economy challenges.
The Local Enterprise Offices, located in the 31 Local Authorities, continue to foster a strong entrepreneurial culture and promote enterprise nationally. The LEO Policy Statement emphasises a consistency of approach across the LEO network and a clear intention to show that LEOs are, and remain, the first stop shop for all businesses regardless of sector.
Officials of my Department and representatives of the Local Enterprise Office Network have met with representative bodies for social enterprises over the past number of years to clarify the position of the LEOs and reassure them that the supports available through the LEOs are available to social enterprises, subject to the general eligibility criteria.
39. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the way in which the new tourism policy “A New Era for Irish Tourism” will support tourism development in Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13133/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2025, my Department published the National Tourism Policy Statement, A New Era for Irish Tourism. This five-year strategy provides a clear framework to guide the development of tourism to 2031. A central aim is to deliver greater regional balance so that counties like Louth benefit from a strong and competitive tourism offering.
Fáilte Ireland under the policy direction of my Department promotes balanced tourism growth by further developing the regional experience brands; - the Hidden Heartlands, Ireland's Ancient East, the Wild Atlantic Way and Dublin. Localised Destination Experience Development Plans (DEDPs) are used to activate these brands.
County Louth is already seeing the impact of this coordinated approach. The Boyne Valley Drive has been re-imagined, and visitor orientation planning has been strengthened for Carlingford and the Cooley Peninsula. Louth is also benefitting from Fáilte Ireland’s Home of Halloween Pilot Scheme, which will provide up to €100,000 annually to Meath and Louth from 2025 to 2028. In 2025, Tourism Ireland generated positive publicity in the international media for the county with an estimated reach of 36 million people and its St Brigid’s Day activity this spring also prominently featured the county, highlighting St Brigid’s birthplace at Faughart.
A range of strategic development initiatives are currently being progressed, including work on the Táin Trail, and a new Cultural and Sustainable Destination Development Strategy for the Kingdom of Oriel. Finally, the Carlingford Lough area is one of three destinations that will share in €23 million awarded under the Shared Island Fund. Delivered in partnership with Louth County Council and Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, this project will deliver the new trails and associated visitor infrastructure, increasing connectivity between existing trails and tourism amenities across the region. These initiatives are designed to build on Louth’s cultural strengths and enhance its outdoor activity tourism offering in a coordinated and sustainable way.
A New Era for Irish Tourism demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring counties like Louth can continue to grow sustainably, attract year-round visitors, and deliver wider economic and community benefits across the region.
40. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the creation of a national strategy to attract fully locationless remote jobs to Ireland. [13313/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI take it that the Deputy is referring to recent proposals from Grow Remote in relation to the possibility of developing a strategy to attract proportion of the significant number of fully remote location-less jobs advertised internationally each month to Ireland, with these representing a potential pool of high-value employment with significant benefits for the country.
I share the Deputy’s view that remote working represents a significant opportunity for creating a more inclusive labour market through enabling enhanced access to high-quality job opportunities for workers in their home communities. This in turn provides employers with access to a larger talent pool, with remote and flexible working options representing powerful tools for staff recruitment and retention, improving labour market performance and regional economic balance overall.
As the Deputy is aware, the Government is committed to facilitating remote working in a way which maximises its economic, social and environmental benefits, and my Department worked with colleagues across Government to develop and oversee the successful delivery of all 15 actions outlined in the 2021 National Remote Work Strategy.
These actions include legislating for the right of all workers to request a remote working arrangement through the Work Life Balance Act 2023, the introduction of an enhanced income tax deduction for people working from home significant investment in Ireland’s national network of remote working hubs.
Programme for Government 2025, Securing Ireland’s Future, re-affirms this commitment to promoting flexible working arrangements that benefit both workers and employers.
It is in this context that I welcome Grow Remote’s proposals. Indeed, as the Deputy will recall, I met with representatives of Grow Remote last Autumn during which we had had a productive discussion on the potential of a national strategy to attract location-less remote jobs to Ireland and the possibility of establishing a dedicated unit within my Department or one its agencies to oversee delivery of this.
I understand that Grow Remote committed to develop a detailed policy proposal to inform further consideration of these ideas within my Department and its agencies and that this proposal is currently in the process of being drafted with the assistance of officials in my Department. I look forward to discussing these matters further once this proposal has been finalised.
41. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of jobs created in the past five years in County Kildare; the top three employers in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13385/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department remains committed to driving balanced economic development across all regions of the country. Enterprise Ireland supports over 4,300 Irish companies, creating opportunities across every region and county in Ireland. Enterprise Ireland supported companies are delivering direct and indirect job creation, developing innovative solutions for global challenges, strengthening communities and regions, and improving quality of life nationwide. Over 60 percent of all Enterprise Ireland client company employment is outside Dublin. Table 1 outlines the number of jobs supported by EI in Co. Kildare over the past five years.
Table 1 – Enterprise Ireland Supported Jobs in Kildare
|
County |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Kildare |
9,273 |
9,439 |
9,151 |
9,552 |
9,434 |
Regional development is at the centre of IDA’s strategy. IDA is committed to the pursuit of more balanced, compact regional development with the overall impact of helping to advance national development. IDA utilises a range of strategies to maximise dispersal of FDI nationally. There are 126 IDA client companies in the Mid-East Region, employing 20,284 people. IDA continues to market County Kildare as a location for Foreign Direct Investment, leveraging assets within the County such as the impressive client track record, Maynooth University, Kildare Innovation Campus, Millennium Business Park and IDA’s own land in Littleconnell. Table 2 outlines the number of jobs supported by IDA in Co. Kildare over the past five years.
Table 2 – IDA Ireland Supported Jobs in Kildare
|
County |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Kildare |
10,120 |
12,208 |
12,004 |
11,009 |
10,258 |
Local Enterprise Office (LEO) clients are also demonstrating positive job creation in County Kildare. 2025 Employment in LEO supported businesses in Kildare increased by 4 per cent compared with the 2024 figures, with a total of 417 new jobs created in 2025. Since 2020, Kildare LEO has reported steady increases in the number of businesses supported and the number of jobs created by these businesses. Companies supported by LEO Kildare have shown an average annual increase of 300 jobs over this period.
In order to protect the confidentiality of information provided to the agencies by companies, it is not possible to provide a ranking of the largest employers in County Kildare.
42. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if the proposed national AI office will be up and running by August 2026; if it will provide the immediate, coordinated, all-of-government approach to AI that is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12898/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the establishment of the AI Office of Ireland is a strategic initiative for this Government. It will act as the central coordinating body for the implementation of the EU AI Act and provide a focal point for the promotion and adoption of transparent and safe AI in Ireland.
The distributed model agreed by Government means that existing sectoral regulators will supervise and enforce the AI Act, supported centrally by the new AI Office of Ireland. The National AI Act Implementation Committee, since its’ establishment in February 2026, has brought the designated Market Surveillance Authorities together to work to agree an approach and prepare for their new enforcement role. This strong collaboration will continue to ensure effective and timely implementation of the EU AI Act.
The Government recognises the importance of Ireland’s reputation as a trusted, agile, forward-looking Digital Regulatory Hub and of ensuring our regulators are independent and adequately resourced. While the AI Office will be the central coordinating authority for the regulation of AI in Ireland, Ireland’s distributed sectoral model leverages the apparatus, resources and expertise across a number of competent authorities, many of whom are established, experienced independent regulators of scale.
The AI Office of Ireland will reinforce Ireland’s reputation as a forward-thinking digital economy committed to responsible AI development and governance. A sectoral model of enforcement for the EU AI Act, with the AI Office of Ireland at the centre, will provide the regulatory and legal certainty needed to develop, deploy, and use AI technologies with confidence.
In parallel, detailed implementation workplans are being developed by my officials in my Department to ensure the AI Office of Ireland is in place by August 2026 with a smooth transition in the intervening period.
43. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the measures taken thus far to secure a tenant or tenants for the fully completed, advanced technology building on the Dublin Road in Carlow town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13258/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional development is a key focus of our Programme for Government and is central to the work of my Department and our enterprise development agencies. In this regard, IDA Ireland’s 'Adapt Intelligently' strategy, 2025-29, seeks to build on the agency's successes to date and to support continued long-term investment through the transformation of the existing client base across Ireland and leveraging new opportunities and sectors. A key component of the strategy is the continued and ambitious focus on maximising regional investment opportunities for all regions including the South-East region in the years ahead, including through the delivery of agile, sustainable, flexible property solutions providing certainty to IDA and Enterprise Ireland clients in advance of demand.
The FDI performance in the South-East region has been consistent over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 15%. The South-East has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Technology, Life Sciences, International Financial Services, Engineering & Industrial Technologies. To support the South-East region. IDA Ireland operates an office in the city of Waterford, working closely with local stakeholders, including City and County Councils, to attract new investment across the region which includes Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford. Currently, there are 4 IDA client-companies operating in Carlow employing over 1,400 employees. In addition, of course, Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs also support employment opportunities in the county.
IDA Ireland’s continued positive intervention in terms of delivering and maintaining a portfolio of advanced property solutions to support such investments on a regional basis is paramount. In that regard, a ready supply of appropriately zoned land for development supports IDA in fulfilling its remit and continued success in attracting investments from FDI and Enterprise Ireland clients to the regions. IDA Ireland also works closely with the private sector in the South-East region in marketing of appropriate and cost-effective property solutions that meet the needs of their client companies.
As regards the specific building identified by the Deputy, the Advanced Business Solution on the IDA Carlow Business Park is actively being marketed to companies, aimed at securing new investment, and IDA has confirmed that numerous enquires have been made about the Carlow building and several visits to the building have taken place.
Site visits to Carlow since 2021 are as follows:
• 2021 - 4
• 2022 - 3
• 2023 - 5
• 2024 - 6
• 2025 (to end-Q3) - 4 (full year data is being finalised)
I should highlight, however, that site visits are only one measure of a company’s interest in a particular location and may not necessarily be a true measure of the overall level of FDI activity in a region or county. For example, almost 70% of FDI won by IDA Ireland comes from its existing client base, rather than new companies and potential clients usually visit more than one county and may return to a location more than once. Moreover, I must emphasise the final decision on where to locate any investment in Ireland rests with the company concerned.
IDA Ireland has invested significantly in the provision of world-class property solutions in the South-East including the completion of Advanced Building Solutions in Carlow and Waterford. Over the next five years, IDA Ireland aims to complete the construction of a 4th Advanced Building Solution in Waterford and IDA Ireland is currently working with Wexford and Kilkenny County Councils with a view to seeking advance planning permissions for Advanced Building Solutions in both locations. IDA Ireland continues to position the South-East region as a competitive and attractive destination for global investors.
44. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the maximum quota for general employment permits for workers in the tourism and transport sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12955/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment Permits System is kept under constant review to ensure it remains responsive to verified labour-market needs, while also safeguarding opportunities for the domestic and EEA workforce.
As part of this approach, a number of occupations in both the tourism and transport sectors are currently subject to maximum quotas under the General Employment Permit framework.
In the tourism sector, the quota in place is:
Hotel and Accommodation Managers and Proprietors – 350 permits.
In the transport sector, the quotas are as follows:
Vehicle Technicians, Mechanics and Electricians – 400 permits;
Bus and Coach Drivers – 1,500 permits;
Vehicle Paint Technicians – 50 permits;
Vehicle Body Builders and Repairers – 100 permits;
HGV and Bus Mechanics – 400 permits;
Car Mechanics, Motor Mechanics, Auto Electricians and Motor Vehicle Technicians – 600 permits.
These quotas help target roles where there are ongoing and well-evidenced labour shortages, ensuring that the system remains balanced, evidence-based, and aligned with wider Government efforts to strengthen skills, workforce planning, and sustainable employment in these sectors.
My Department continues to monitor labour-market conditions closely, and these quotas will be reviewed as required to ensure they remain appropriate to Ireland’s economic and labour-market needs.
45. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he is planning to reform the national minimum wage legislation to ensure that apprentices and young workers are not paid below the national minimum wage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13127/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Minimum Wage Act prescribes the minimum hourly rate of pay for the majority of employees in Ireland, subject to a small number of exemptions.
Pursuant to section 5 of the National Minimum Wage Act, 2000, exemptions from the statutory minimum wage are in place for, inter alia, statutory apprentices.
Apprentices are excluded from the National Minimum Wage Act in recognition of the unique nature of apprenticeships and the fact that a long-established practice for determining rates exists.
Apprenticeships offer a unique combination of education and work experience. When the National Minimum Wage was first introduced it was recognised that providing an exemption for apprentices would promote and encourage employers to focus on training apprentices, and offering opportunities to them, while at the same time recognising the cost to employers in terms of time invested and productivity forgone.
Apprentices are employees and all 78 apprenticeship programmes are undertaken under a contract of employment. For the majority of apprenticeships, the rate of pay is agreed between the apprentice and the employer, with the employer paying the apprentice during both on-the-job and off-the-job training elements. For the 25 craft apprenticeship programmes, the minimum rates of pay applying under the employment contract are either agreed within the relevant sector, or are set out in legally binding Sectoral Employment Orders recommended by the Labour Court.
The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has commenced a public consultation on the development of a new Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2026-2030. The public consultation seeks the views of all stakeholders on how the apprenticeship system can be improved, made more inclusive, and better aligned with national skills needs.
Any evidence submitted as part of the recent public consultation on the development of the new Apprenticeship Action Plan will inform the development of evidence-based policy on the exemption of apprentices from the National Minimum Wage.
The National Minimum Wage Act also provides for sub-minimum rates for those aged under 20.
Employees aged 18 and 19 are entitled to a sub-minimum rate of 80% and 90% of the full National Minimum Wage respectively. The sub-minimum rates for employees aged under 18 are set at 70% of the National Minimum Wage.
In 2024, following a request that they examine the issue, the Low Pay Commission recommended that sub-minimum youth rates of the National Minimum Wage should be abolished.
The Commission noted that this was a complex issue that requires careful consideration.
In November 2025, an economic impact assessment of the Low Pay Commission’s recommendations was published. This assessment found that while the incidence of sub-minimum rates is low in Ireland, at 26% of total youth employment in 2024, the incidence of sub-minimum rates differs quite widely. Key findings of this study include:
• Youth employment is disproportionately concentrated in the Accommodation & Food and Wholesale & Retail sectors and amongst smaller firms.
• Economy-wide, 46% of employees under the age of 18 are paid a sub-minimum rate, compared to only 19% of 18-year-olds and 6.8% of 19-year-olds.
• Based on the estimate of the number of employees on the youth rate in 2024 and their average hours worked per week, abolishing youth rates would equate to an increase of €51 million in economy wide personnel costs for that year.
• Youth rate personnel costs were estimated to be just 0.13% of total personnel costs to all businesses in Ireland in the same year. If all those on the youth rate were instead on the National Minimum Wage in 2024, personnel costs would increase by 0.04%.
• While the impact of a removal of sub-minimum youth rates would be very small on the overall economy, there would be relatively more significant impacts on firms in certain sectors and regions.
• The impacts would also be more significant on smaller firms.
In April 2025, as part of measures designed to bolster business resilience and support competitiveness, the Government agreed to defer a decision on sub-minimum youth rates until 2029.
46. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he is considering introducing price caps to set maximum prices for basic foodstuffs and energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13128/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has taken action to address fiscal issues, including the establishment of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum in June 2025, and the accelerated publication of the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity in September 2025.
In relation to food costs, in the 2023 analysis report on grocery retail sector, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) noted that some countries have implemented price caps in the grocery sector. However, based on the experience of those countries the CCPC questioned the effectiveness of price caps in achieving the desired benefits for the consumer and noted that some countries had begun the process of unwinding price caps. In an Irish context the CCPC expressed a concern that the imposition of price caps could negatively impact competition and present a risk to both the Irish economy and consumer.
In August 2025 the CCPC published an update to the 2023 report. This analysis confirms that, while food prices have increased in recent years in Ireland, they have generally remained below the European average. Through its enforcement actions and public guidance, the CCPC aims to ensure that businesses compete fairly, consumers are treated honestly, and the market remains open and dynamic. The CCPC continues to promote and monitor compliance across all sectors, including food retail, and where appropriate, investigates suspected breaches and takes enforcement action when sufficient evidence is found.
The Programme for Government commits to strengthening consumer protection legislation, enhancing the powers of the CCPC and promoting price transparency through enhancing the powers of the Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), including promoting price transparency for consumers. In this regard, my Department is developing a Miscellaneous Consumer Protection, Competition and Enforcement Bill. The legislative proposal aims to enhance consumer rights, promote fair competition and provide stronger enforcement tools to protect consumers and businesses alike.
A core part of this legislative project is the empowerment of the CCPC to impose proportionate fines for serious breaches of consumer law and reducing reliance on lengthy court processes. This is specifically called out under Action 57 of Theme 4 of the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity.
The Programme for Government commits to advancing policies which will address high energy costs for households and businesses. The Action Plan on Competitiveness includes a range of measures to address energy costs and informs the work of the National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT). My officials are engaged with that Taskforce to ensure that our economic competitiveness is central to energy policy decisions, and I am engaging with Minister O’Brien to explore what further levers we have to mitigate electricity costs in particular.
I intend to rigorously monitor the implementation of all actions in the Action Plan.
47. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the initiatives he, his Department or associated State agencies have taken to encourage prospective new owners to establish a business at a former factory (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13200/26]
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.
48. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the Cork city tourism plan and its implementation. [12462/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional tourism promotion is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland, in collaboration with Local Authorities and other tourism stakeholders. Fáilte Ireland continues to work closely with stakeholders to develop and promote the region. Cork is uniquely positioned in that it is represented by three of Fáilte Ireland’s Regional Brands — the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Cork City is represented by Ireland’s Ancient East.
A central element of this work is the delivery of Destination Experience Development Plans (DEDPs). These are five-year sustainable tourism development plans which bring together public and private sector stakeholders to prioritise tourism projects and maximise their chances of success. The DEDPs are highly collaborative in nature, with agreed action plans assigning ownership across the relevant organisations.
The "Cork City, Harbour and East Cork" DEDP provides a five-year framework to guide tourism development, supported by stakeholder and implementation groups. The group meets approximately four times a year to review progress and to assist with decision making in relation to the actions and progress of the DEDP. This framework guides tourism development, supported by stakeholder and implementation groups.
For example, Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Cork City Council, published a tender in 2025 inviting suppliers to support the development of concepts for a potential new visitor attraction in Cork City. The tender is aimed at suppliers with expertise in visitor attraction planning, feasibility analysis, business modelling, and site appraisal. The appointed consultant(s) will develop outline plans and feasibility studies for three shortlisted concepts which have been selected for further development and appraisal:
• Rejuvenated and Reimagined English Market
• National Science Museum
• Indoor Wellness and Waterpark Destination
As this project is in the early concept development stage, Fáilte Ireland has not committed any capital investment funding at this time. Subsequently, if a decision is taken to proceed further with one or more of these Visitor Attraction concepts, a Preliminary Business Case will be developed by Fáilte Ireland in line with Government Infrastructure Guidelines. If none of the above listed concepts meet the required criteria to progress to the next stage, Fáilte Ireland and Cork City Council will seek to identify further concepts for an attraction of scale in Cork.
Fáilte Ireland has also committed to establishing a Cork City Visitor Attraction and Activity Providers Network. This development will be underpinned through the delivery of a two-year roadmap to establish the Network while also laying the foundations for long-term, sustainable collaboration.
Finally, my Department published the new National Tourism Policy Statement, A New Era for Irish Tourism, in December 2025. This policy provides an overview of the Government’s long-term approach to tourism development to 2031 and sets out a clear framework to support a competitive, sustainable and regionally balanced tourism sector.
49. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the way in which his Department is assessing the provisions of the EU omnibus simplification package; concerns arising out of the assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11692/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is a particular focus on simplification and burden reduction at EU level with a view to improving EU competitiveness and ensuring there aren’t disproportionate burdens on business.
The importance of reform is being pushed strongly by EU leaders with the October 2024 European Council calling for a “simplification revolution” by ensuring a clear, simple, smart, and innovation / SME-friendly regulatory framework, without undermining predictability, policy goals and high standards. More recently, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stated that the simplification agenda remains far from complete, emphasising that simplification must become the guiding mindset for all future work.
To date, the Commission has published ten simplification Omnibus packages, across a range of policy areas, with further proposals expected in 2026. The Commission estimates that these ten packages will together lead to a reduction in administrative costs of approximately €15 billion a year and has set a target for annual cost savings of €37.5 billion by the end of the current Commission’s mandate.
Ireland has been supportive of the Omnibus proposals published so far and we wish to see an ongoing focus on reducing disproportionate regulatory burdens for business, particularly SMEs, while seeking to strike the appropriate balance in terms of standards and effective protections for stakeholders.
50. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of jobs supported by Enterprise Ireland in Kilkenny in 2025; the number supported in Carlow in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12893/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department remains committed to driving balanced economic development across all regions of the country. Enterprise Ireland supports over 4,300 Irish companies, creating opportunities across every region and county in Ireland. Enterprise Ireland supported companies are delivering direct and indirect job creation, developing innovative solutions for global challenges, strengthening communities and regions, and improving quality of life nationwide. Over 60 percent of all Enterprise Ireland client company employment is outside Dublin.
Total employment in 2025 in Enterprise Ireland supported companies in Kilkenny was 7,014 and total employment in Enterprise Ireland supported companies in Carlow was 3,773. There were 275 new jobs created in Kilkenny during the year and 211 new jobs created in Carlow.
Enterprise Ireland is also supporting a number of key actions and initiatives in the South East Region, including:
• Enterprise Ireland is an active member of the South-East Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Group with partners including the Local Authorities. This plan includes a range of actions across the four South-East counties of Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford.
• The 2025 New Frontiers programme for the South-East Region is funded by Enterprise Ireland to support local start-ups. In 2025, there were 71 participants in phase one of the programme, which supports startups to research and test the market potential of a business idea. Nineteen startups were selected to participate in phase two, which assists companies to further develop and validate business propositions.
• In December, I announced that Enterprise Ireland would provide €7.1m of funding through the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme to support the Catalyst HQ project in Carlow. This new innovation and enterprise hub for the south-east region will provide support for manufacturing, export-focused and technology-driven businesses across the region.
• In June 2025, SETU officially opened a state-of-the-art Corporate Services Building in Carlow. The new building marks a significant milestone in the University’s infrastructure development and long-term vision for growth across the region. An EI-funded project, Insurtech DAC is based in the new corporate building.
Enterprise Ireland’s continued focus on regional development not only boosts local economies but also ensures a more balanced economic growth across the country. Its strategy of supporting ambitious, globally focused Irish companies continues to drive job creation and economic resilience, particularly in areas outside the capital.
