Written Answers Nos. 310-329
310. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport the reason the new (NTA run) MU1 and MU2 town bus services in Mullingar, County Westmeath do not accept the TFI child (5-8) Leap Card (details supplied). [18226/26]
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 responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts, including the TFI child (5-8) Leap Card.
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.
311. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the impact to date of the December 2025 regulations strengthening non-duty-paid tobacco limits; the data available on the prevalence of non-Irish duty-paid cigarettes before and after the introduction of the new regulations; the way in which the Revenue Commissioners are monitoring compliance; the monthly number of passengers found in breach of the revised limits; the quantities seized and the fixed penalties issued since commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18036/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra313. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the criteria used by the Revenue Commissioners to risk-assess and select passengers for inspection in relation to non-duty-paid tobacco allowances; whether this criteria was amended following the December 2025 regulatory changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18038/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 311 and 313 together.
I am assured by Revenue of its commitment to targeting the illicit tobacco trade. Revenue implements a range of measures to identify and target illicit manufacturing facilities, and the smuggling, supply or sale of illicit tobacco products, with a view to disrupting the supply chain, seizing the products and, where possible, prosecuting those involved. Revenue’s strategy involves developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international level, the use of analytics and detection technologies and ensuring the optimum deployment of resources.
Revenue utilises 21 detector dog teams deployed at airports, ports, and mail centres nationwide. Revenue’s detector dogs assist in screening passengers, postal packages, searching warehouses, commercial and private premises, all manner of vehicles, freight consignments, and air or sea passenger baggage. The Revenue detector dogs play a vital role in Revenue’s mission to combat illicit tobacco activities, and they are an integral part of Revenue’s broader enforcement strategy together with intelligence gathering and scan technology. I am advised that in 2025 to-date, Revenue has procured in total five baggage X-ray systems to be deployed at Dublin Airport, Shannon Airport, Kerry Airport and Cork Airport. Revenue also procured another handheld X-ray system bringing its current capacity of handheld scanners to eight.
Since 2009, Revenue and the HSE’s National Tobacco Control Office have jointly commissioned surveys among smokers to estimate the volume of non-Irish duty-paid cigarettes consumed in Ireland. The 2024 cigarette survey found that 37% of packs did not have Irish duty paid on them; an increase from 33% in 2023. Since 2013, the survey also includes roll-your-own (RYO) tobacco. The 2024 survey found that 49% of RYO packs were not subject to Irish duty representing a significant increase from 32% in 2023.
While Revenue’s role is the administration of tax law, effective enforcement of tobacco duties supports Ireland’s public-health aims by limiting access to untaxed and cheap tobacco. In this regard, new regulations which strengthen the controls relating to the amount of duty-paid tobacco products an individual can bring into Ireland from another EU Member State were introduced on 9 December 2025. These new rules help to ensure that Excise Duty reliefs for personal use are not abused. Revenue advises that the introduction of the new regulations relates solely to duty-paid tobacco products within the EU and that the duty-free regime has not changed.
Travellers may bring in duty-paid tobacco products from another EU Member State for their own personal use, provided the products are carried personally in their baggage and are not for resale. Tobacco products up to the following amounts will generally be considered as being for personal use:
• 800 cigarettes
• 400 cigarillos
• 200 cigars
• 1 kilogram of other tobacco products (such as roll-your-own tobacco).
The new regulations bring clarity around the consequences of exceeding the above stated amounts. Under the new regulations, where an individual brings in duty-paid tobacco products in excess of these quantities, this will be taken as clear evidence that the goods are not for personal use and the full quantity of goods will be seized. The individual may also be prosecuted. Enforcement of the new regulations forms part of Revenue’s overall enforcement strategy and commitment to targeting the illicit tobacco trade. Since the introduction of the new tobacco regulations, Revenue officers have seized 970,000 duty-paid cigarettes and 95kgs of tobacco from a total of 567 individuals.
Abuse of this Excise Duty relief undermines the effectiveness of the tobacco tax, which is a key aspect of the Government’s strategy to disincentivise smoking, which remains Ireland’s leading cause of preventable death. The new regulations enable the tobacco tax to operate more effectively, which better supports the public health objective of the tax.
The next tobacco survey is scheduled for publication in Q2 2026. To maintain statistical consistency for long-term trend analysis, the survey methodology remains constant, with field interviews typically conducted over a two-month period in Q4 each year. Because the fieldwork was concluded before December 2025, the results of the upcoming survey will not take account of the new regulations. The most recent survey, together with previous survey results are published on the Revenue website at: www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/surveys/tobacco-consumption/index.aspx
312. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of roll-on roll-off (RORO) and lift-on /lift-off (LOLO) freight containers and foot passengers processed through Dublin Port in 2025; the number of searches conducted and tobacco seizures recorded at Dublin Port since December 2025; whether additional inspection capacity, detection technology or risk-profiling resources were deployed at Dublin Port following the introduction of new non-duty-paid tobacco enforcement measures in December 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18037/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that Revenue implements a range of measures to identify and target the illegal smuggling of tobacco and tobacco products.
I am further advised that Revenue’s approach involves the use of advanced analytics and a multiplicity of detection technologies to ensure the optimum deployment of resources on a risk-focused basis. In that context, I understand from Revenue that its operational requirements and arrangements regarding the deployment and use of detection technology and resources, including x-ray scanners and detector dog teams, is kept under regular review having regard to ongoing risk assessment of smuggling and criminal activities and evolving operational needs. As part of its risk focused approach to the discharge of its role in relation to illicit smuggling, I am assured by Revenue that it monitors and evaluates all points of entry into the State on an ongoing basis to identify the risk potential for illicit smuggling.
The table below outlines the number of freight containers, vehicles and foot passengers arriving and departing through Dublin Port in 2025.
|
|
RORO Units |
LOLO Units |
Passenger Vehicles |
Foot Passengers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2025 |
944,102 |
530,235 |
482,040 |
1,701,359 |
In relation to the total number of individual custom inspections conducted on passengers and freight, I am further advised that Revenue record the number and details of detections of illicit tobacco product rather than the number of inspections and searched carried out.
The table below outlines the total number of seizures of cigarettes and tobacco, as well as the quantity and value seized in Dublin Port from December 2025 to the end of February 2026.
|
|
|
No of seizures |
Quantity |
Value (€) |
|
|
Dec-25 |
43 |
68,959 |
€65,353 |
|
Cigarettes |
Jan-26 |
41 |
13,039,598 |
€12,357,823 |
|
|
Feb-26 |
49 |
32,220 |
€30,516 |
|
|
Dec-25 |
20 |
14.79 kgs |
€13,799 |
|
Tobacco |
Jan-26 |
15 |
9.27 kgs |
€8,649 |
|
|
Feb-26 |
31 |
36.97 kgs |
€34,493 |
I am advised by Revenue that the new regulations introduced on 9 December 2025 relate to the amount of duty-paid tobacco products an individual can bring into Ireland from another EU Member State. These new regulations help to ensure that Excise Duty reliefs for personal use are not abused. Revenue advises me that the introduction of the new regulations relate solely to duty-paid tobacco products within the EU and that the duty-free regime has not changed.
Travellers may bring in duty-paid tobacco products from another EU Member State for their own personal use, provided the products are carried personally in their baggage and are not for resale. Tobacco products up to the following amounts will be considered as being for an individual’s personal use:
• 800 cigarettes
• 400 cigarillos
• 200 cigars
• 1 kilogram of other tobacco products (such as roll-your-own tobacco).
The new regulations bring clarity around the consequences of exceeding the above stated amounts. Under the new regulations, where an individual brings in duty-paid tobacco products in excess of these quantities, this will be taken as clear evidence that the goods are not for personal use and the full quantity of goods will be seized. The individual may also be prosecuted.
Revenue’s enforcement of the new Regulations form part of its overall enforcement strategy and commitment to targeting the illicit tobacco trade. Revenue informs me that the total number of tobacco and cigarettes seizures in Dublin Port under the new Regulations between 9 December 2025 and 16 February 2026 are as follows:
|
No. of cigarettes |
Tobacco (kgs) |
No. of seizures |
|
26,856 |
1.52 |
17 |
I am strongly supportive of Revenue having the necessary resources to fulfil its mandate in respect of its responsibilities, which are critical for its effective functioning as a tax and customs administration and for the effective functioning of the State generally. I am open to considering any proposals from Revenue for additional resources that will support its work.
314. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the total loss or profit made by the Central Bank on the disposal of a building on Spencer Dock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18053/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Deputy's question on the disposal of a building on Spencer Dock by the Central Bank, it was not possible for this information to be provided in the time available and, therefore, I will make arrangements to provide the information to the Deputy in line with Standing Orders.
315. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the balance of the Credit Union Stabilisation Fund and the Credit Institution Resolution Fund at end December 2025 or the latest available figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18054/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe balance of the Credit Institutions Resolution Fund was €66.1 million at 31 December 2025.
The balance of the Credit Union Stabilisation fund was €21.5 million at 31 December 2025.
316. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his Department plans to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in his Department during the course of the upcoming EU Presidency term; the terms under which such staff will be engaged; the number of staff his Department plans to hire; the measures planned to guard against potential conflicts of interest between his Department and parent companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18085/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no current plans to engage staff from the private sector who work in accountancy and corporate law firms to work in the Department of Finance during the course of the upcoming EU Presidency term. As part of preparations for Ireland’s hosting of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union later this year, my Department has increased internal staffing resources both in the Department’s headquarters in Dublin and in Ireland’s Permanent Representation in Brussels in order to deliver a successful Presidency under the Economic and Financial Affairs (ECOFIN) Council configuration, which I will chair during the Irish Presidency.
317. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether the Department considers current inaction at Rosslare Strand to be consistent with its obligations under the Coast Protection Act 1963; to provide the legal basis for any continued delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17880/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra318. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation which body is the lead authority for delivery of coastal protection works at Rosslare Strand (details supplied); to outline the governance and accountability arrangements currently in place to progress the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17881/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra319. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to detail any outstanding regulatory, planning, procurement or environmental assessment issues preventing commencement of works at Rosslare Strand; to provide a date by which each issue will be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17882/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra320. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether a current risk assessment exists for Rosslare Strand in light of recent storm damage; if so, to publish the findings and any recommendations made to mitigate immediate and long-term risks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17883/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra321. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation his Department’s assessment of the economic and employment impacts of continued coastal erosion at Rosslare Strand, including risks to tourism, local businesses, transport links and public infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17884/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra322. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to commit to publishing a clear public timeline with milestones for the delivery of the Rosslare Strand coastal protection scheme, including procurement, start date, and completion date, along with progress updates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17885/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra323. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation when construction will commence on the Rosslare Strand coastal protection scheme; the definitive timeline for each phase of the works; the reasons for the continued delay in implementation of the scheme identified in the 2018 RPS Coastal Erosion and Flood Management Study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17886/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra324. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the immediate interim protective measures that will be put in place at Rosslare Strand ahead of the next winter storm season to prevent further erosion and risk to homes, infrastructure and the local economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17887/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra325. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the funding that has been allocated in 2026–2028 for coastal protection works at Rosslare Strand; the amount ring-fenced for the project; when these funds will be released for construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17888/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra326. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if the estimated cost of the Rosslare Strand coastal protection scheme has increased since the 2018 estimate of €7.5 million; if so, to provide the revised costings and the reason for any increase attributable to delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17889/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra327. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the State’s statutory obligations in respect of Rosslare Strand under the Coast Protection Act 1963, including section 26(5); the way in which the Department is ensuring that coastal protection works at Rosslare are maintained in proper repair and effective condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17890/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326 and 327 together.
Wexford County Council (WCC) has agreed with the support of the Office of Public Works (OPW), to lead the Rosslare Coastal Erosion and Flood Relief Scheme (Rosslare CEFRS). In December 2021 WCC appointed Nicholas O'Dwyer Ltd. Consulting Engineers to develop, design, and facilitate construction of a Rosslare Coastal Erosion and Flood Relief Scheme that is technically, socially, environmentally and economically acceptable, which will provide long term protection for the community of Rosslare Strand. The Scheme design is likely to include rock revetments, groynes, an extensive beach nourishment programme and work on embankments on the Burrow Road.
Progression of the Rosslare CEFRS Scheme is managed through a project Steering Group (comprising representatives from the Council and the OPW), that meets monthly and is going through the following five stage process:
• Stage 1: Scheme Development and Preliminary Design;
• Stage 2: Public Exhibition/Confirmation/Planning Approval;
• Stage 3: Detailed Design;
• Stage 4: Implementation/Construction; &
• Stage 5: Handover.
The Scheme is currently at the latter phase of Stage 1 Scheme Development and Preliminary Design. The Scheme comprises two elements of work which are being progressed as part of an overall integrated Scheme, namely: works to address flooding on the west side of the Scheme (i.e. Burrow Road); and works to address coastal erosion on the east side of the Scheme.
In 2025, draft Options Reports were prepared by the Scheme’s consultant for both the west and east side. Following discussions with the National Parks and Wildlife Service on the potential options, further revisions are currently being made to the Options Reports. It is currently envisaged that the Options Reports will be finalised in Q2 2026. While the preferred design option will inform a revised project budget, the Scheme currently has an approved Project Budget of some €7.6m. Funding for the scheme is being made available under the National Development Plan. The economic viability of the preferred option will be assessed through a benefit to cost ratio, in line with established practice for engineering projects of this nature.
With regards to environmental monitoring, Winter Birds, Habitats and Invasive Species Surveys have been completed and will be updated as required. The Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) for both the Burrow Road and Rosslare Strand will be progressed in Q3 2026 with the expected final EIAR due in Q1 2027. Subject to successful planning consent, the construction for the scheme is expected to commence in Q4 2028, with substantial completion in Q3 2030. The project Steering Group publish regular updates on the project, including timelines for key milestone on the project website www.floodinfo.ie/frs/en/rosslare/home
Following the completion of a Marine Area Regulatory Authority application for a Marine Area Consent, that is currently programmed for submission in Q3 2026, it is currently expected that a Part 10 planning application will be lodged for the Scheme by WCC in Q2 of 2027. The scheme is not being progressed under the Coastal Protection Act, 1963.
In line with the Infrastructure Guidelines WCC is the lead authority or Sponsoring Agency for the Scheme and the OPW is the Approving Authority. The OPW and WCC are committed to progressing the Scheme in accordance with its agreed project programme. Projects of this nature and scale are complex and delays against profiled programme can occur due to a variety of constraints and factors, including demand in the market for surveys, extended timeframes to obtain planning decisions, extensive and increasing environmental assessments, and Judicial Review processes. The project steering group for the Scheme manages these risks to minimise the potential impact on project programme and costs.
Local coastal erosion and flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address. The OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the OPW in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide 90% funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding or coastal erosion problems. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The funding available for each scheme has recently been increased from €750,000 to €2 million. Further details related to this are due to be announced shortly.
Since 2009, the OPW has approved some €570,000 for coastal erosion works or studies at Rosslare Strand that are being delivered by WCC under its own own statutory powers. I met this week with the Chief Executive of WCC and discussed the possibility of some interim works at Rosslare Strand. WCC is liaising with the scheme’s consultants on the protection being provided by the existing measures and it is open to the Council to make a further application for some interim works, following that assessment.
The 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. In response to these challenges, the recommendations outlined in the Report of the Interdepartmental Group on National Coastal Change Management Strategy are being implemented. Amongst the key recommendations of the Report is the assignment of the lead coordination role to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, which is responsible for chairing an Interdepartmental Steering Group on Coastal Change Management.
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. These assessments will build upon indicative assessment work previously undertaken by the OPW under the Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study, and comprise a substantial, multi-annual programme of work to assess coastal risk nationally, and then in detail at higher risk locations as a basis for then determining potential viable works to manage this risk. This work will contribute to the work of the Interdepartmental Steering Group on Coastal Change Management.
Rosslare Strand was included in the Pilot Coastal Monitoring Survey Programme (CMSP), a five year pilot project which ran from 2020 to 2024. The purpose of the CMSP was to obtain up to date coastal survey data to inform and facilitate enhanced management of the associated coastal risks; to quantify and identify rates of change; identify areas of recovery or accretion; support the development and/or updating of numerical coastal process models to improve our knowledge and understanding of the behaviour and impact of tides, wave and sediment transport at the coast and of how these may change over time and potentially increase risk for coastal communities.
The OPW is currently developing a national coastal change monitoring programme. In the interim, aerial photography and LiDAR surveys will continue to be conducted in the monitoring areas identified for annual surveys in the Pilot CMSP, including at Rosslare Strand.
328. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of former senior civil servants (principal officer and above) who have still not either fully repaid, or on a repayment plan, following errors related to the chargeable excess tax on gold plated pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17952/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe NSSO carried out a full review of all retirees across Secretary General, Assistant Secretary, Principal Officer, and Assistant Principal/equivalent grades. The review identified a small number of retirees impacted. The majority of those impacted have entered payment plans and the NSSO expects to close out this matter in the coming weeks.
329. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to Parliamentary Question No. 363 of 20 May 2025, the reason for the delay in having officials from the Office of Public Works to contact the group of relatives of the Invincibles buried in Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin, as directed to by the Minister of State for the Office of Public Works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18057/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI note your previous parliamentary question No. 363 of 20 May 2025 on this topic and my response to same.
I have asked my officials to make contact with the relatives of the Invincibles, within the next month.
