Written Answers Nos. 271-288
271. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 438 of 13 January 2026, when the information regarding the mean wait time for security clearance to be granted to reservists in the Defence Forces for each of the years 2021 to 2025, inclusive; and the number of applications for security clearances for reservists in each of those years will be available [14592/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA reply to previous Parliamentary Question No 438 of 13 January 2026 issued on 18 February 2026.
The Defence Forces has recently changed their applicant tracking system for recruitment which included figures on the Reserve Defence Forces, therefore, they cannot provide a complete return for the information requested in this PQ.
The Naval Service Reserve 2023 -2025 are provided below. However the Defence Forces cannot provide figures for 2021 or 2022.
|
Naval Service Reserve – Security Vetting Processing Times |
|
|
|
Year |
Total Vetting Applications submitted to N2 |
Average weight time for a decision security decision |
|
2023 |
22 |
5 weeks |
|
2024 |
32 |
7 weeks |
|
2025 |
28 |
6 weeks |
Applications for the Army Reserve are managed by the individual brigades. One of the six Brigades could not provide any figures as they maintained all of their information on the previous Applicant Tracking System. All information provided for the other 5 Brigades is accumulated in the table below, however, this information is not complete.
|
|
RDF Vetting Applications |
Average time |
|
2021 |
Not available |
Not recorded |
|
2022 |
27 |
Not recorded |
|
2023 |
34 |
Not recorded |
|
2024 |
200 |
12 weeks |
|
2025 |
165 |
10 weeks |
The new recruitment platform 'Resumo' has been implemented by the Defence Forces and will provide accurate data from 2025 onwards.
272. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Defence if she will publish the regeneration plans for the Naval Service and Air Corps that she has committed to progressing this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14943/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Plans referred to by the Deputy are now being developed and drafted by the military authorities, the question of their publication in due course will be dependent on the security and operational implications contained therein.
273. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Defence is she will publish the Capability Development Programme 2028 to 2032, and also the programme to 2040; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14944/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key priority for me as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the current operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained, and further developed upon. I believe it is essential in this evolving geopolitical and security environment, that Ireland enhances the capabilities of our Defence Forces and this objective will be aided by the implementation of a Capability Development Planning Process.
One of the key recommendations from the Commission on the Defence Forces was to implement a top down capability development planning process (CDPP) to bring planning for Defence Forces capabilities in line with best practice.
In early 2023 a Capability Development Unit was established in the Department. It is civil/military in terms of staffing, with military staff from across the three services of the Defence Forces, providing an overarching joint perspective to capability planning. The Unit is now well established and in the final stages producing a 12 year Capability Development Programme, that will identify, at a high level, the capability requirements for the Defence Forces out to 2040. This ongoing piece of work, once complete, will inform the prioritisation of capabilities the Defence Forces will progress in moving towards the strategic level of ambition set out in the Defence Policy Review, and the objectives as set out in the recently published Strategic Framework and Update to the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Commission on the Defence Forces. I expect the Capability Development Programme will be finalised in the first half of this 2026.
The Programme will then be implemented through rolling 4 year Capability Development Plans, the first of which will cover the period 2028 to 2032. Capabilities will then be developed and acquired in line with capital allocations under the National Development Plan. My immediate priority is progressing as quickly as we can to Level of Ambition 2, as committed to the Detailed Implementation Plan and the Programme for Government.
274. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Defence if the NDP 2030 allocation for the armoured fleet replacement programme will be used to replace the Mowag Piranha; if it is envisioned that the Mowags will be replaced in the next NDP allocation; when she envisages the programme will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14966/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key priority for me as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the capabilities of the Defence Forces are maintained, developed and enhanced in order to ensure that the Defence Forces can carry out all of the roles assigned to it by Government.
The Defence Forces currently operate a fleet of 80 MOWAG Piranha III Armoured Vehicles, providing essential force protection. The fleet is comprised of 53 Infantry Armoured People Carriers, 18 Cavalry Close Reconnaissance Vehicles, 6 Cavalry Medium Reconnaissance Vehicles and 3 Ambulance Variant Vehicles. The vehicles came into service in three phases: in 2002 (40 vehicles), 2004 (25 vehicles) and 2007 (15 vehicles). In recent years there has been significant investment in the armoured fleet of vehicles with the enhancement of force protection and mobility with the mid-life refit of the MOWAG Piranha III vehicles project nearing completion. To date 74 of the 80 vehicles have completed the Midlife Upgrade Programme and have returned to service. The final six vehicles are expected to complete the programme later this year. This programme will ensure the viability of the fleet beyond 2030.
Following the publication of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces in 2022, the Government approved a move, over a six-year period, to a level of Defence Forces’ capability equivalent to ‘Level of Ambition 2’.
More generally, in July 2025 the Government approved the National Development Plan (2026-2030). As per the capital allocation under the NDP, the capital budget for Defence will rise from €1.1 billion under the previous NDP to €1.7billion, the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State.
This level of capital funding will allow a phased planned programme of sustained equipment and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the recommendations approved by Government within the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, while building on the significant investment programme over recent years.
A key recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces which has been accepted in principle is the “replacement of the existing APCs with a larger and enhanced fleet equipped with sufficient firepower for future overseas missions, and with ‘level 4’ armour across armour platforms where required”.
A joint civil / military programme team are continuing their work on this programme in line with the Public Spending Code Infrastructure Guidelines. The Programme is being progressed in line with the recently published updated Detailed Implementation Plan.
A primary step in this process is the submission of a Strategic Assessment Report, providing an assessment of potential options for the delivery of the Programme. I have considered this Report and I expect to make an announcement on the next phase of the Armoured Fleet Programme very shortly. In line with the timelines in the updated Detailed Implementation Plan it is anticipated that a contractual arrangement will be finalised by the end of this year.
275. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Defence the way her Department will put in place an accelerated programme of naval vessel replacement in 2028, as highlighted in the Updated Detailed Implementation Plan for the Commission of the Defence Forces given no capital funding has been allocated out to 2030; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14968/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra280. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence to provide an update on the progress of a project (details supplied); when the ship will be delivered following a proposed public tender competition for a multi-role vessel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15153/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 275 and 280 together.
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government.
The capital funding of €1.7 billion allocated to Defence in the latest National Development Plan covering the period 2026 to 2030 represents an increase of €600 million on the previous baseline of €1.1 billion. The revised capital allocations will enable targeted progression on key elements of Government commitments within LOA 2 objectives.
Capital investment in Defence primarily provides for the renewal, retention and acquisition of major defence equipment and infrastructural platforms. This expenditure enhances and supports military capabilities and therefore contributes to a more secure and resilient society. As Defence capital expenditure is often atypical, with long lead-in times, the funding certainty now provided will support the internal Equipment Development Plan and Infrastructural Development Planning Frameworks.
The Naval Service currently has a fleet of eight commissioned vessels. These eight vessels consist of two P50 Class Large Patrol Vessels, four P60 Class Offshore Patrol Vessels and two P70 Inshore Patrol Vessels. Capital investment in the Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme is ongoing. The programme of works for the midlife refit and upgrade of the two P50 class vessels has been completed, and two P70 class Inshore Patrol Vessels purchased from the New Zealand Government were commissioned into State service as LÉ Aoibhinn and LÉ Gobnait in 2024.
The Commission on the Defence Forces specifically recommended a programme of naval vessel replacement under Level of Ambition 2. This recommendation was accepted in principle by Government. As set out in the Update to the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Commission on the Defence Forces which I published last week, decisions on the shape and timing of the Naval vessel replacement to ensure a balanced fleet by early in the next decade will be made and subsequently progressed from 2026 and beyond.
These decisions will be made in the context of the Capability Development Programme 2028 – 2040 which is under preparation in my Department and which will identify and cost, at a high level, the capability requirements for the Defence Forces out to 2040 across all domains of operation, including the maritime and subsea domain. I have also requested the Defence Forces to prepare a regeneration report for the Naval Service to address the challenges faced in recent years and to plot a path forward for the future direction of the Naval Service.
In finalising these plans, decisions will be made on the composition of the balanced fleet of modern ships and the greater use of technologies. These decisions will also be informed by other relevant information, including the new National Maritime Security Strategy which I published this week.
276. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence her views on a request for a tenant purchase of a house owned by her Department (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15009/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the specific property referred to by the Deputy, officials in my Department have been engaged with the occupant on this matter. An offer of licence was made to the occupant in 2021 to regularise their situation, but this was not accepted. Another offer of licence was made in November 2022 which also was not accepted. The offer of a licence remains open. As the Deputy may know, it is best practice that any sale of such a state asset must be via public auction unless a derogation is received from the Department of Public Expenditure.
277. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the progress that has been made towards implementing the Programme for Government's commitment to introduce a new management system for the Curragh Plains; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15059/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs called for in the Programme for Government, I intend to implement the recommendations of the Conservation Plan for the Curragh, particularly in relation to transferring the Plains to the agency that is best suited to managing this historic landscape. To this end, my officials have been engaged with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to transfer the Curragh to the management of that agency.
278. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence in light of the annual establishment of illegal encampments on the Curragh Plains in late Spring early Summer, the strategies in place to prohibit these encampments occurring again in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15060/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Curragh Plains are some 5,000 acres in size and one of its unique features is the open nature of the Plains, and as such it is not practicable to fence off these lands. Last year my Department instructed a private security firm to serve Notices to Quit on trespassers in the Curragh through the Chief State Solicitor’s Office. This was implemented several times in 2025. My Department have also progressed the legal avenues available to address illegal encampments which resulted in a High Court Order in June 2025 ordering the inhabitants of that encampment to vacate the area. This was successful in dispersing the trespassers and it is intended to pursue the same strategy this summer.
279. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Defence to outline the proposals she is implementing in relation to recruitment in Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15148/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIncreasing recruitment and retention of personnel in the Defence Forces is a key priority for me as Minister for Defence. As a government, we are committed to putting the resources in place to achieve Level of Ambition 2 and a crucial element of this is personnel expansion. A range of measures have been undertaken to tackle recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces over the last number of years. As a result, we have seen a stabilisation in strength in the Defence Forces in 2024 and an increase of almost 200 personnel in 2025. This demonstrates that the key enabling measures which the Government has introduced to support and drive Defence Forces recruitment are yielding results.
It is very positive to see that interest in a career in the Defence Forces continues to grow, with a total of 16,510 applications received in 2025. Opportunities for careers in the Defence Forces remain open via a diverse range of ongoing competitions including those for general service and for Direct Entry specialist roles, while the 2026 Cadetship competition recently opened for applications.
The Defence Forces are currently formulating a Strategic Workforce Plan to set out current personnel and skill sets and to map out proposals for the achievement of a strength of 11,500, inclusive of a civilian component. I want to build on the progress achieved in 2025 and have set a target of 850 inductions for 2026.
Several key enabling measures have been implemented to support and drive recruitment. These include, but are not limited to increases in the maximum ages of recruitment and retirement, the extension of private secondary healthcare to all personnel, the application of the provisions of the Working Time Directive across the Defence Forces subject to certain exemptions, increases to Patrol Duty allowance payable to Naval Service personnel at sea, and extension of the Naval Service tax credit to 2029.
In addition, there continues to be significant progress on pay with all personnel benefiting from a pay award delivered earlier this month with a further increase due in June.
To assist in facilitating the planned increase in inductions, the Joint Induction Training Centre in Gormanston Barracks has been established and it is anticipated that this will facilitate the induction of up to 900 recruits per annum, when fully operational. An allowance for Officer Instructors was also introduced last summer targeted at increasing training capacity and upskilling these Officers.
Underpinning these and other measures, I ensured that Budget 2026 provided a record allocation of €1.49 billion for the Defence Sector, an increase of €145 million on 2025. These funds include provision for the recruitment of a net 400 additional PDF members per annum.
While recruitment and retention remains challenging, significant strides continue to be made on a number of fronts and the allocation of record levels of expenditure is illustrative of my commitment to the Defence sector.
281. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 412 of 4 February 2026, the actual number of ex-Army personnel subject to abatement at this time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15209/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in the reply to Question 412 of 4 February 2026, the abatement of public service pensions is generally provided for under Section 52 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) Act 2012.
The principle of abatement applies across all of the public service, including the Defence Forces. It does not apply in relation to employment with commercial state bodies or where public service pensioners are employed outside the public service.
The above 2012 legislation comes under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitisation.
DPER Circular 24/2022 provides guidelines on the application of abatement in accordance with the above legislation.
The effective operation of the system of abatement depends upon timely notification by the second/new Public Service Body employer and/or the individual ex-Defence Forces member to the pension paying authority (i.e.: Pensions Administration Section, Department of Defence) that they have taken up employment again within the public service.
Once the Department of Defence is informed that a Defence Forces pensioner has been re-employed in a relevant public service position, their pension is reviewed and the abatement, as appropriate, of their pension will be implemented immediately, in line with the legislative requirements.
There are currently 140 ex-Defence Forces members whose pensions are reduced or ceased under the 2012 Act.
In addition to the above, the Deputy may also wish to note that the pensions of former members of the Defence Forces who re-join the Defence Forces under re-enlistment or re-commissioning arrangements are suspended upon re-joining the Defence Forces.
282. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport to outline what he and his Department can do to assist more persons to obtain an able body seaman ticket and build a career in offshore fishing when they are struggling to acquire the necessary sea time records. [14446/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is understood that this question refers to enabling people who work in the fishing sector to work in the offshore development sector. On this basis the reference in the question to “offshore fishing" is taken as meaning the “offshore development" sector, which might include offshore renewable energy developments.
In this regard, I wish to advise that the requirements for certification as an Able Seafarer are set out in the European Union (Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) Regulations 2014 and the Navigation Examination Directions of the Department of Transport. There is no legislation in Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) prohibiting persons from being employed onboard mercantile vessels as uncertified rating seafarers, provided that they have completed the four elements of STCW basic training and are not forming part of a navigational watch on a ship of 500 Gross Tonnage (GT) or more, other than as rating seafarers under training, and rating seafarers whose duties while on watch are of an unskilled nature.
Information on Maritime Education and Training in Ireland is available on the Department's website: https://www.seafarers.ie/
Information on the certification of rating seafarers is published in Chapter 9 of the Directions as to the Examination of Deck Officers and Ratings under the Merchant Shipping Acts (The Exam Directions), also available on www.seafarers.ie.
283. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Transport if he will comment on media reports around the alleged use of Shannon Airport to facilitate the deportation of Palestinian citizens to Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15199/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Convention on International Civil Aviation signed at Chicago on 7 December 1944, and its associated annexes, established the framework for the operation of international civil aviation. Both Ireland and the United States are contracting parties to this Convention.
Article 5 of this Convention provides for the right of air operators of contracting parties to operate non-scheduled overflights and stops for non-traffic purposes (e.g., refuelling) in the territory of the other contracting parties.
This provision is provided for in Irish law in Article 3 of the Air Services Authorisation Order 1993.
Stops at Irish airports, by private and commercial charters, which are technical stops for non-traffic purposes (i.e. not picking up or setting down passengers), do not require prior authorisation from my Department.
My department had no prior knowledge of, nor has any information on, the flights referred to by the Deputy.
284. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport the total number of buildings leased by his Department, or bodies or agencies under its aegis, during 2025; the total cumulative sum paid under these leases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14029/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll office and other accommodation occupied by the Department of Transport is owned or leased by the Office of Public Works (OPW). The Department itself is primarily based across our three offices in Dublin, Shannon and Loughrea.
It is also important to note that some of the bodies under the aegis of the Department may hold a large number of buildings spread out regionally such as offices, depots and workshops, while some others may operate and manage a single site with multiple distinct buildings upon it, such as the ports and airports, which also includes the possibility of co-location with non-state bodies such as service operators.
In order to most accurately provide the information requested, I have referred this question to those organisations for direct reply.
285. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on all Bills under his remit that were mentioned in the 2026 Spring Legislative Programme. [14034/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn update on the Spring Legislative Programme is provided below in tabular form.
Priority Legislation for Publication Spring Session 2026
|
Title of Bill |
Purpose of Bill |
Update on current status of Bill |
Estimated date for Cabinet approval |
|
Railway Safety Bill |
Bill to provide for amendment of the Railway Safety Act 2005 to amend the statutory limits for concentration of alcohol in blood, urine and breath for a railway safety critical worker under Part 10 and to update the scope for sampling and testing in the workplace for intoxicants (alcohol, drugs) under Part 9 and associated procedures under the Act, to update provisions in the Act including technical amendments for terminology and definitions and some amendments relating to functions of the Commission for Railway Regulation.
In addition, as flagged in the General Scheme, the Railway Safety Bill proposes to introduce primary legislative provisions for the operation of the Railway Accident Investigation Unit (RAIU) and to introduce a power for the making of regulations to enable the RAIU to carry out investigations in relation to light railways, heritage railways, etc to replace the arrangements that are operated under primary legislation that was enacted in 2020 for these categories of railways.
The national transposition regulations made in 2020 for the RAIU role under EU Railway Safety Directive legislation only apply to heavy rail (e.g. railway operator, Irish Rail, and its network) |
Drafting of the Bill is ongoing and D/Transport is engaged with OPC in the drafting process. On 29 Sept 2025 Cabinet approved drafting of additional matters for inclusion and the amendment of the title to a Railway Safety Bill. Drafting is ongoing in February 2026 |
March 2026 |
|
National Vehicle and Driver File, Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2025 |
This Bill now incorporates the separate Roads Bill 2024 from the Autumn legislative session and contains five main elements: - Strengthening of General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) for access to vehicle and driver data; - abolition of the requirement to display a motor tax disc; - removal of end date of declarations of non-use of a motor vehicle; - amendment of provisions relating to variation of speed limits, and; providing a legislative basis so that local authorities, in their role as road authorities, may request, receive, and process road collision data. |
Approved by Government on 13 April 2025. With OPC for drafting. Waiver of PLS agreed by JOC. |
February 2026 |
|
Dublin Transport Authority (Amendment) Bill |
This Bill is an amendment to section 44 of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 to enable the National Transport Authority to provide public transport infrastructure in the regional cities, as it can currently in the Greater Dublin Area |
On 17 September 2025, Government approved the priority drafting of the Dublin Transport Authority Amendment Bill 2025, amending section 44 of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 (the DTA Act). In person briefing of the JOC took place on 22/10/2025, the committee have agreed not to conduct pre-legislative scrutiny. Drafting of the General Scheme is ongoing with the aim of having the Bill ready for publication within a very tight time-frame. |
Memorandum approved 19 September 2025 |
|
Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2025 (was the Aviation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill) |
The Bill is to address planning constraints impacting continued growth in air connectivity |
General Scheme approved by Cabinet on 10 February. Cabinet also agreed to publish the General Scheme, proceed to formal drafting and undertake pre-legislative scrutiny. |
Cabinet approval for General Scheme received on 10 February. |
Other Legislation
|
Title of Bill |
Purpose of Bill |
Update on status of Bill |
|
Merchant Shipping (International Conventions) Bill |
To provide a legislative basis to enable the implementation of certain International Maritime Conventions at national level; to provide for the updating of existing legislation in respect of some other international maritime conventions that are already in force in the State; and to make provision for some additional miscellaneous maritime safety amendments. The Conventions in the Bill concern safety standards, training and working conditions for fishing vessels and personnel (fishers), ship recycling and the removal of maritime wreck. |
Drafting of the General Scheme is ongoing. Heads of Bill expected in Q1 2026. No timeline for PLS. |
|
Air Navigation and Transport (International Aviation Agreements) Bill |
To provide for the offences contained within three international aviation treaties in Irish legislation – The Beijing Convention 2010, the Montreal Protocol 2014 and the Beijing Protocol 2010 - in advance of ratification. |
The General Scheme is in preparation, and subject to resolution of legal issues, is expected to be ready in Q2 2026. No timeline for PLS. |
|
Taxi Regulation (Amendment) Bill |
To provide for amendments to the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 –2016. |
General Scheme in preparation. Heads expected in Q1 2026. No timeline for PLS. Work is ongoing. |
|
Horse-Drawn Carriages Bill |
To repeal the Dublin Carriage Acts 1853-55 and relieve An Garda Síochána of responsibility for the regulation and licensing of horse-drawn carriages in Dublin; and assert the power of local authorities, including Dublin City Council, to regulate horse-drawn carriages within their respective functional areas. |
Cabinet approved the preparation of a General Draft Scheme of a Bill on 6 December 2019. Heads of Bill not expected until 2026. No timeline for PLS Work is ongoing |
|
LPSV (Large Public Service Vehicles) Reform Bill |
To ensure an effective licensing and regulatory framework for the LPSV sector. |
Work is ongoing. Heads of Bill not expected until 2026. No timeline for PLS. |
|
Road Safety Authority (Amendment) Bill |
To amend and update the existing RSA legislation. The Department is developing proposals for reform of the RSA which will be informed by the findings of the 2024 Indecon review of the RSA. |
General Scheme and Heads of Bill are currently on hold whilst the Department develops proposals. PLS has not yet commenced. |
|
Transport (Railway Infrastructure) (Amendment) Bill |
To amend the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001 to update the procedures for the Railway Order process in line with the recent changes to planning legislation. Some related amendments to the Roads Act 1993 will also be provided for. |
Work is ongoing. Heads of Bill expected by end Q1 2026. |
|
Road Traffic Bill |
To support Programme for Government commitments in relation to a graduated penalty points system and further expansion of cameras to encourage safety driving. The Bill will also address a number of anomalies and issues that have been identified in road traffic legislation. |
Work is at an advanced stage on the preparation of the General Scheme and the Department intends to bring the General Scheme to Cabinet for approval in the coming months. |
|
MetroLink Bill |
To establish MetroLink as a Statutory Body for delivery of metro infrastructure. |
General Scheme is under development and expected to go to Government by the end of Q1 2026. A waiver for PLS will be sought. |
286. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Transport the changes that are planned or will be introduced by him to improve public transport between Shannon, County Clare and the University of Limerick, in light of a recent study (details supplied) which identified it as a significant obstacle to students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14043/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
287. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if a company (details supplied) has provided formal written assurances to his Department that existing levels of staffing can safely accommodate increased air traffic without requiring people to work discretionary overtime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14058/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAirNav Ireland was established in 2023 under the Air Navigation and Transport Act 2022 to provide 24-hour air navigation and related services within the 451,000 km2 of airspace controlled by Ireland. It also provides terminal air traffic control services at the three State airports, Dublin, Cork and Shannon.
AirNav is a commercial semi-state company funded by way of charges on airlines for its services and is regulated by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) in respect of safety and the European Commission's performance and charging framework for the Single European Sky.
The performance and charging framework is designed to ensure the efficiency of European air navigation services across key performance areas such as safety, environment, capacity, and cost-efficiency. It includes EU-wide targets, performance plans and cost bases for charging by air navigation service providers. Ireland’s Performance Plan covering the period 2025-2029 (RP4), submitted to the European Commission by the IAA in August 2025 for review, addresses the provision by AirNav of en route air navigation services and terminal air traffic control services at Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports.
Under the RP4 Plan it is planned that the number of air traffic controllers employed by AirNav would increase in increments from 307 at end 2024 to 364 by end 2029 to meet the expected increase in demand for AirNav's services. AirNav currently employs 324 air traffic controllers, up from 300 at end 2023.
While overtime remains integral to AirNav's 24-hour operations the reliance on overtime is expected to decrease as air traffic controller staffing numbers rise.
AirNav is actively recruiting and training student air traffic controllers to ensure it has the capacity to meet the increased demand. AirNav expects to train 76 student controllers in 2026.
AirNav is currently engaging with FÓRSA on the issue of staffing levels through the company’s Internal Dispute Resolution Board mechanism. That process must be respected and allowed to run its course.
It is important to note that the safe operation of Irish airspace is a priority for AirNav. It is also important to ensure the continued smooth operation of our airports and that any potential disruption to services and passengers is avoided.
288. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport 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. [14110/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not engage in the provision of flood related compensation through it's vote allocations.
