Written Answers Nos. 1100-1126
1100. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the eligibility rules for State supported home purchase schemes in respect of applicants over seventy years of age; the policy rationale for age based exclusions where applicants are working and in good health; whether an equality impact assessment has been undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20198/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1103. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department will review eligibility criteria, including age limits, for State backed purchase supports with a view to accommodating mixed age households where one applicant is over seventy years of age but both applicants are working and creditworthy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20201/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1100 and 1103 together.
The Government is acutely aware of the housing challenges faced by many sectors of society including older people. Ireland's new housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025- 2030, contains a suite of actions that have and continue to increase the provision of housing through accelerating supply and increasing the affordability of homes for our citizens.
Affordable dwellings offered through the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme (LAAPS) uses an equity share model to give eligible purchasers the opportunity of home ownership at a significant discount. The assessment of eligibility and the level of support available is household-specific, so purchasers are only supported when they need this assistance to afford the home. There are no age restrictions on the Department's affordable purchase supports, but mortgage lenders rules and credit policies will apply. Information and guidance on the affordable housing supports in place for First Time Buyers, fresh starters and other eligible applicants is available at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/0d279-doors-open/, this includes information on available affordable schemes, including:
• Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme
• First Home Scheme
• Help to Buy
None of the above mentioned schemes have eligibility rules setting out an upper age limit and interested applicants may apply provided they are over the age of 18. These measures are primarily aimed at supporting affordability constrained households, first-time buyers and Fresh Start applicants and are regularly reviewed by my Department.
As regards the Local Authority Home Loan (LAHL) scheme, which is a Government Backed Loan for creditworthy First Time Buyers and Fresh Start applicants who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial banks to purchase or build a home, it is available to applicants between 18 and 70 years of age. As with any mortgage, it must be paid back in full, over a period of up to 30 years. The decision to offer a LAHL mortgage, and the amount of same, is therefore based on an assessment of an applicant’s ability to repay the mortgage. No plans have been made to increase the LAHL’s maximum age limits to permit the issuing of new loans to applicants over 70 years of age.
1101. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of households in each of the past five years that were within five percent above the social housing income threshold but consequently ineligible for supports; the options available to such households; whether his Department has considered tapered eligibility to reduce cliff edge effects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20199/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails on the on the number of households in each of the past five years that were within five percent above the social housing income threshold is not available to my Department.
For households with incomes above the relevant social housing limits, Cost Rental housing may be an option. Under the Delivering Homes, Building Communities plan, Cost Rental is a key element of the Government's strategy to improve affordability in the rental sector and to provide secure, long-term homes for moderate-income households. The rents are set to cover the costs of delivering, managing, and maintaining the homes, without the influence of market pressures. All State-supported cost rental projects must achieve cost-covering rents that start at least 25% below comparable new properties in the private rental market, and therefore present a significant saving to the tenant from the outset.
Cost-covering rents are different depending on a range of factors, including the size and typology of dwelling and the location, as well as the level of State funding towards the capital costs. Since rents for Cost Rental homes are set according to the actual costs of delivering, managing, and maintaining the homes, recent inflation in delivery costs has proven challenging. All delivery partners are actively managing costs to ensure that these new homes are provided at the best rents that are achievable.
My Department is providing substantial funding to local authorities, the Land Development Agency and the Approved Housing Bodies to deliver Cost Rental homes. Since the launch of Cost Rental in 2021, around €2.25 billion in Exchequer funding has been approved for Cost Rental projects and delivery is accelerating, with over 4,500 homes delivered by the end of Q3 2025 and with a substantial future pipeline now in place.
The baseline income thresholds increased by €5,000 for all local authorities with effect from 1 January 2023. The thresholds thus increased to €40,000, €35,000 and €30,000 for Bands 1, 2 and 3 respectively. These thresholds are net income thresholds, i.e. gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Additional Superannuation Contribution.
My Department has been examining the existing income limits in the context of current market and household income conditions, including the suitability or otherwise of the current framework having regard to the significantly changed landscape since the standardised income limits were introduced. This includes examining the findings of research commissioned by my Department and this work is ongoing.
I am not in a position at this point to indicate the outcome of these considerations but I envisage that the analysis will be concluded early in 2026 to facilitate a final determination on next steps, which I expect will include an increase in the income limits. I am also keen to put in place a more structured and frequent process for the review of these limits going forward.
1102. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the specific supports that exist for long term renting households with stable employment who are ineligible for social housing due to income and simultaneously ineligible for purchase supports due to age; and if he will bring forward a scheme or pilot to address this cohort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20200/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is aware of the housing challenges faced by many sectors of society, including older people. Delivering Homes, Building Communities, Ireland's housing plan to 2030, contains a suite of actions that have and continue to increase the provision of housing through accelerating supply and increasing the affordability of homes for our citizens.
The Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme (LAAPS) uses an equity share model to give eligible purchasers the opportunity of home ownership at a significantly reduced prices. The assessment of eligibility and the level of support available is household-specific, so purchasers are only supported when they need this assistance to afford the home. There are no age restrictions on the Department's affordable purchase supports.
In relation to potential affordable renting options for older people, Cost Rental housing is a key element of Delivering Homes, Building Communities. Cost Rental is integral to the Government's strategy to improve affordability in the rental sector and to provide secure homes for moderate-income households which are above the income limits for social housing but which may have difficulty affording rental accommodation in the private market. There is not a specific scheme providing Cost Rental homes for older renters, but eligibility for Cost Rental contains no age restrictions. Older persons in a household with stable income are able to apply for a tenancy in a Cost Rental home on the same basis as any applicant.
1104. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the apartment and duplex defects remediation scheme will be in operation; when he expects that applicants will be able to draw down funding from the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20242/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1105. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the interim remediation scheme will be in operation; when he expects that applicants will be able to draw down funding from the scheme; if any funding been drawn down already; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20242/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1108. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the criteria for awarding protected status to any animal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20259/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1109. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the protected status of seagulls; if it is under review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20260/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1108 and 1109 together.
All naturally occurring wild birds, including all gulls, are protected under both EU and Irish law.
In EU legislation, all naturally occurring wild birds are protected under the Birds Directive (Directive 2009/147/EC on the conservation of wild birds).
Protected status for gulls in Ireland therefore derives in the first instance from its status as a species covered by Article 1 of the Directive and Ireland’s obligations as an EU Member. As such, the status of gulls as a protected species is not under review.
The Directive requires Member States to set down a general system of protection for birds and to prohibit, inter alia, (subject to certain exceptions):
- deliberate killing or capture by any method;
- deliberate destruction of, or damage to, their nests and eggs or removal of their nests;
- taking their eggs in the wild and keeping these eggs even if empty;
- deliberate disturbance of these birds particularly during the period of breeding and rearing, in so far as disturbance would be significant having regard to the objectives of this Directive;
- keeping birds of species the hunting and capture of which is prohibited.
The Birds Directive is implemented in Ireland under, inter alia, the Wildlife Acts 1976, the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (SI 477/2011).
In relation to the protection of species other than birds, if species are listed on Annex II and/or Annex IV of the Habitats Directive then they also enjoy protected status.
Additionally most native mammals, and all native amphibians and reptiles are protected wild animals under the Wildlife Acts. For animal species not already covered by protected status, section 23 of the Wildlife Act 1976 allows the Minister to confer such status. Criteria that may be used to justify protected status include consideration of threats to the species, the conservation status of the species, whether the species is subject to hunting, or the importance of the Irish population of the species in an international context
1110. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has assessed the impact of the new tenancy rules introduced on 1 March 2026 on the volume of notices of termination issued in the weeks preceding that date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20464/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as a quasi-judicial independent statutory body under the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2026 to regulate the rental sector; provide information to tenants and landlords; maintain a national register of tenancies; facilitate the resolution of disputes between tenants and landlords; and conduct research and provide information to inform policy, including information to me on matters relating to the rented sector.
The RTB publishes reports on Notices of Termination received on a quarterly basis. This information is accessible to all members of the public and can be found on the RTB website at https://rtb.ie/data-insights/rtb-data-hub/notices-of-termination/
The next RTB data release is expected on 19 March 2026 and will include Notice of Termination data to Q4 2025. The data relating to Q1 2026 is expected to be published by the RTB on 14 May 2026.
My Department continually works with, and uses data provided by, the RTB to keep the operation of the RTB, the Residential Tenancies Acts and the residential rental sector under continuous review to ensure that an appropriately balanced policy and legislative framework is maintained.
1111. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he has plans to reform the capital assistance scheme as it applies to approved housing bodies providing accommodation for persons with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20501/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1112. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will amend the capital assistance scheme to remove the current restriction on the acquisition of second-hand properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20502/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1114. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will permit the use of the capital assistance scheme for the acquisition of properties intended for use as respite centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20504/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1111, 1112 and 1114 together.
The Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) provides up to 100% capital funding for the construction and acquisition of social homes by Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), including purpose-built 'Group/Community Homes' for persons with a disability. Accordingly, a review of the scheme is not required in this respect.
There are currently no restrictions on the acquisition of second-hand properties through CAS. The acquisition of second-hand properties in 2026 is provided for through my Department's Social Housing Second Hand Acquisitions Programme. Some €373 million is available through the programme this year to support acquisitions for social housing qualified households. This budget includes €50 million specifically ring-fenced for use by AHBs via the CAS scheme for acquisitions to meet the urgent accommodation needs of persons with disabilities, older persons and care leavers.
The CAS scheme provides funding for long-term priority needs accommodation, allowing persons in the priority needs categories to live independently in their communities. As such, the provision of respite centres does not fall under the remit of CAS and is addressed by my colleagues in the Department of Health/HSE and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.
1113. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will increase the funding thresholds for three- and four-bedroom houses to reflect prevailing market values; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20503/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides Acquisition Cost Guidelines (ACGs) for the acquisition of second-hand properties by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies for social housing qualified households . While guidelines are updated annually, with the most recent guidelines issuing in Q2 2025, my Department monitors price trends throughout the year and all incoming funding applications are considered with these trends in mind.
The ACGs reference lower and upper cost ranges, as well as an average benchmark cost, reflecting the prevailing range of prices across local authorities at the time of issue for 2 to 4 bed houses and 1 & 2 bed apartments. They are not applied as absolute ceilings or limits, but benchmarks for the acquisition of second-hand properties.
Accordingly, my Department considers all acquisition proposals, including where the cost of acquiring the property may exceed the guidelines provided, on a case-by-case basis having regard to appropriate value for money considerations and unmet need.
1115. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current status of the retrospective defective concrete blocks scheme; the timeline for the final approval and full sign off of the scheme; the steps being taken to ensure that once approval is granted funding will be made available without delay; whether the relevant teams administering the scheme are fully resourced and prepared to process applications and payments immediately once approval is in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20505/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) commenced on 22 June 2023 which contains the current grant scheme and the related Regulations were adopted on 29 June 2023.
The Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Bill 2025 was initiated in Dáil Eireann on 2 December 2025, passed both Houses of the Oireachtas and was subsequently signed into law by the President, thereby becoming an Act, on the 23 December 2025.
The main provision of the 2025 Act provides that increases in the grant scheme cap and rates from October and November 2024 can retrospectively benefit homeowners that incurred qualifying costs under the grant scheme since 29 March 2024.
I have signed the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks (Amendment) Act 2025 (Commencement) Order 2026 to give effect to these provisions which came into operation on 25 February 2026, with the related Regulations also adopted on 25 February 2026.
These will allow qualifying homeowners to apply to their designated local authority to have a new remediation option grant amount determined. It also doubles the time applicants have to complete works from 65 week to 130 weeks.
Funding is in place and a Departmental Circular issued from my Department on 27 February 2026 to the designated local authorities. This contained the documents providing detailed information on the process including a Ministerial Guidance Note and Your Questions Answered material along with a copy of the Commencement Order, 2025 Act and 2026 Regulations. This will allow the relevant local authorities to process applications for retrospective payments in a timely manner.
The detailed operation of the Scheme is a matter for the designated local authorities and the Housing Agency in the first instance. Their respective roles are set out clearly in the 2022 Act.
Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he / she is responsible. As such, information on resources and staffing would be available directly from the respective local authority.
The allocation of staff across the Housing Agency is a matter for that organisation in the first instance. More information on their staffing can be sought from the Housing Agency via publicreps@housingagency.ie.
1116. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he will review the provision within the defective concrete blocks scheme that limits eligibility in respect of rental properties where the dwelling has been rented for more than 20 years; whether he accepts that this provision may exclude homeowners whose properties were rented for periods but are still affected by defective blocks through no fault of their own; whether his Department is considering removing or amending this clause; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20506/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1117. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review the rule within the defective concrete blocks scheme that restricts applicants to eligibility in respect of one rental property only; whether his Department has examined the impact of this restriction on families who may own more than one affected property due to inheritance or family circumstances; whether consideration is being given to removing this restriction to ensure equitable treatment of homeowners affected by defective blocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20507/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1118. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review the damage threshold criteria within the defective concrete blocks scheme; whether consideration is being given to basing eligibility primarily on certified engineering testing and professional assessment rather than fixed damage thresholds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20508/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1116, 1117 and 1118 together.
The Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme applies to the owners of dwellings located in designated local authority areas which are damaged due to the use of defective concrete blocks.
The relevant legislation does not contain a provision that limits eligibility in respect of rental properties where the dwelling has been rented for more than 20 years.
The dwelling must be:
• an individual's principal private residence, that is, a house which an individual owns (or co-owns) and occupies as his or her only main residence.
• a rented dwelling with a registered tenancy that was registered with the Residential Tenancies Boards (RTB) on or before 1 November 2021 subject to a maximum of one rental property per household and the introduction of a claw-back mechanism upon re-sale within a set time period depending on the remediation option used
and the 2022 Act defines a relevant owner as an individual who owns, whether jointly or not, a relevant dwelling and:
• became an owner of the dwelling prior to 31 January 2020, inherited the dwelling on or after 31 January 2020, or
• subject to Section 9(4) of the 2022 Act, purchased the dwelling on or after 31 January 2020.
• The charge against rental properties is to ensure the units are kept in the rental system.
The 'damage threshold' is the minimum level of damage which must be present in a home in order for that dwelling to be allowed access into the grant scheme. The damage itself must be linked to the suspected presence of defective concrete blocks in the home and will be considered as part of the Building Condition Assessment process by a competent building professional. The purpose of having a damage threshold is to ensure that the worst affected homes are prioritised first. In removing any damage threshold, this would have a significant negative impact on the capacity of the statutory process to address the worst affected houses first.
I currently have no plans to amend these conditions as set down by the Oireachtas.
It should be noted that where the Housing Agency determines that a dwelling which has been put forward has not met the damage threshold that determination can be appealed to the independent appeals panel which has been established to assess appeals made under the Remediation of Dwellings DCB grant scheme. The establishment of this Panel offers those affected by decisions made by the Housing Agency and Local Authorities an opportunity to have their cases assessed by an independent group of industry experts. The points of appeal that are available to a DCB applicant include the validation stage by the local authority, the damage threshold determination made by the Housing Agency, the remediation option, and the grant amount approved and where a local authority refuse to make a grant payment pursuant to grant approval. The Panel is statutorily independent and so independent in the performance of their functions.
A homeowner can also reapply to the grant scheme at a future date if the suspected presence of defective concrete blocks manifests to a point where the damage threshold is met.
1119. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to parliamentary questions submitted in 2025, for an update on the campaign to reinter the historical figures, commonly known as the Invincibles, with relatives who are buried at Kilmainham Gaol since 1883; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20509/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe question of whether any persons might be reburied in Glasnevin Cemetery is not one on which I can comment on as Glasnevin Cemetery is the responsibility of the Dublin Cemeteries Trust.
My responsibilities and indeed those of the Office of Public Works, in relation to Kilmainham Gaol, arise under the National Monuments Act 1930 as a national monument of which I am owner. These responsibilities relate to the maintenance and presentation of Kilmainham Gaol to the public and the consideration of any requests to me to grant consent under the Act of 1930 for works (including ground disturbance) to it.
1120. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current position in relation to a new project in County Laois (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20564/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Acts, 1981 & 2003. My Department supports the fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for equipment and priority infrastructural projects.
Project consideration stages from a Department perspective include submission of preliminary and detailed appraisals; submission of design brief; selection of a site; application for approval in principle; appointment of design consultants; submission of a preliminary design; planning application; submission of a preliminary cost plan, detailed design and cost plans; and tender process and construction stages - each step subject to approval from my Department.
In December 2024 Laois County Council submitted an updated preliminary appraisal for a proposed new fire station at Rathdowney, noting several issues with the existing station including,
- accessibility of the site for responding firefighters due to its central location on a narrow street within Rathdowney
- the stations limited size, poor layout; and
- limited welfare facilities, particularly in the context of the increased optimal crewing numbers of fire stations to 12 following the August 2023 WRC agreement with Retained firefighters.
Laois County Council have indicated a new fire station for Rathdowney to be their number one priority project for the Fire Services Capital Programme 2026 – 2030. The Council has secured a new site they regard as ideally situated with regard to the road network and traffic flow while retaining a central location close to the retained crews living and work environments.
Laois County Council have been given approval to progress the Rathdowney fire station project to full design and cost plan stage to advance the projects state of readiness for full approval. My Department will work closely with Laois County Council to progress their identified priority infrastructural projects, within the context of the totality of requests from fire authorities countrywide for capital funding.
1121. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to review the income eligibility thresholds for HAP in light of increasing rents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20585/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe baseline income thresholds increased by €5,000 for all local authorities with effect from 1 January 2023. The thresholds thus increased to €40,000, €35,000 and €30,000 for Bands 1, 2 and 3 respectively. These thresholds are net income thresholds, i.e. gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Additional Superannuation Contribution.
My Department has been examining the existing income limits in the context of current market and household income conditions, including the suitability or otherwise of the current framework having regard to the significantly changed landscape since the standardised income limits were introduced. This includes examining the findings of research commissioned by my Department and this work is ongoing.
I am not in a position at this point to indicate the outcome of these considerations but I envisage that the analysis will be concluded early in 2026 to facilitate a final determination on next steps, which I expect will include an increase in the income limits. I am also keen to put in place a more structured and frequent process for the review of these limits going forward.
The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme continues to play a vital role in housing eligible families and individuals. At the end of Q3 2025, more than 130,200 HAP tenancies had been set up since the scheme commenced, of which there were 50,705 households actively in receipt of HAP support.
Under HAP, a tenant sources their own accommodation in the private rented market. This accommodation should be within the prescribed maximum HAP rent limits, which are based on household size and the rental market within the area concerned.
Since 11 July 2022, each local authority has statutory discretion to agree to a HAP payment up to 35% above the prescribed maximum rent limit. Discretion can be increased up to 50% above the prescribed maximum rent limits for Homeless HAP tenancies in Dublin. Local authorities also have additional flexibility to apply a couple HAP rate to single person households. This additional measure recognises the challenges experienced by single person households, and the fact that both single and couple households have a one-bed need.
My Department has reviewed the use of these measures and their impact on the overall affordability of the HAP scheme for tenants. This review has highlighted that the affordability and sustainability of HAP tenancies continues to be impacted by pressures in the private rental market. My Department is now undertaking a review of existing HAP rent limits to ensure there is sufficient support under the HAP scheme to assist eligible households in accessing accommodation in the private rental sector.
It is intended that the review process will conclude before the end of Q2 this year.
1122. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of carbon that will be emitted on all transport and related actions undertaken by him and all members of his staff during their St Patrick’s Day trips in 2026. [20611/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details as requested by the Deputy are set out in the table below and reflect the anticipated carbon emissions related to my travel and the travel of accompanying staff to Chicago. All Ministerial travel is undertaken in accordance with the relevant Government travel policies and guidelines. In planning and undertaking official visits, due consideration is given to a range of factors including carbon emissions, associated costs and the need to maximise the opportunity to progress Departmental and wider Government business. Department travel arrangements aim to minimise environmental impact while ensuring that officials can effectively carry out their duties and represent the Government at engagements of national or international importance.
|
Minister |
Destination |
Purpose |
Number of accompanying staff and advisors |
Anticipated Carbon Emissions |
|
James Browne |
Chicago |
St Patrick's Day Representation |
2 |
2.69 tonnes |
1123. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of carbon that will be emitted on all transport and related actions undertaken by all Junior Ministers in his Department and their members of staff during their St Patrick’s Day trips in 2026. [20629/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details as requested by the Deputy are set out in the table below and reflect the anticipated carbon emissions related to MoS O’ Sullivan and MoS Cummins travel including staff accompanying both Ministers. All Ministerial travel is undertaken in accordance with the relevant Government travel policies and guidelines. In planning and undertaking official visits, due consideration is given to a range of factors including carbon emissions, associated costs and the need to maximise the opportunity to progress Departmental and wider Government business. Department travel arrangements aim to minimise environmental impact while ensuring that officials can effectively carry out their duties and represent the Government at engagements of national or international importance.
|
Ministers |
Destination |
Purpose |
Number of accompanying staff and advisors |
Anticipated Carbon Emissions |
|
John Cummins Christopher O’ Sullivan |
Kenya and Scotland |
St Patrick's Day Representation |
4 (2 each) |
3.57 tonnes
|
1124. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has paid to offset any of the carbon emitted due to St Patrick’s Day trips in 2026; and the amount paid. [20648/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details as requested by the Deputy relate to processes provided by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment. My Department participates in the Government’s arrangements for offsetting official travel related carbon emissions. In this context, the emissions associated with the Department’s overseas travel, including travel undertaken as part of the 2026 St Patrick’s Day programme, will be calculated as part of the annual reporting process. Payment to offset all CO2 emissions arising in 2026 will be sought and made in the first quarter of 2027, in accordance with the established cross Government arrangements. Accordingly, no specific offset payment has yet been made in respect of the upcoming St Patrick’s Day representation, as these costs will be addressed through the consolidated annual offsetting process.
1125. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of carbon that has been emitted by transport used by him, the Junior Ministers in his Department, and their staff for each of the past five years; if he has paid to offset any of the carbon emitted because of transport; and the amount paid in each year. [20666/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraReply:
The details as requested by the Deputy are set out in the table below reflecting my Departments payments into the Climate Action Fund in offsetting emissions associated with Air Travel through the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment
|
Year |
CO2 in Tonnes |
Amount remitted to DCEE |
|
2025 |
172.54 |
€10,956.29 |
|
2024 |
112.49 |
€6,299.44 |
|
2023 |
1014.30 |
€5,058.55 |
|
2022 |
74.91 |
€3,071.31 |
|
2021 |
7.2 |
€241.20 |
1126. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the current industrial relations dispute within Tailte Éireann given the Government's failure to implement a pay agreement which was agreed between the trade union (details supplied), Tailte Éireann and Government Departments following the merging of Ordnance Survey Ireland into Tailte Éireann; the actions he is undertaking to ensure this pay agreement is implemented in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20700/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTailte Éireann is an independent Government agency under the aegis of my Department. Tailte Éireann provides a property registration system, property valuation service and national mapping and surveying infrastructure for the State. Under Section 8 of the Tailte Éireann Act 2022, Tailte Éireann is independent in the performance of its functions.
I am aware of the issue raised in relation to the transfer of staff from Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI) to Tailte Éireann.
By way of background, Tailte Éireann is the State agency formed on 1 March 2023 following the merger of Ordnance Survey Ireland, the Property Registration Authority and the Valuation Office. All the functions previously carried out by the Property Registration Authority, the Valuation Office, and Ordnance Survey Ireland are now being performed by Tailte Éireann.
As I understand it, public pay policy, which falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation, allows for public servants assimilating into a new organisation to transfer to the equivalent general service grade where doing so is equal to, or more beneficial than, their current terms. Grades of a higher value than the equivalent general service grade can be ring-fenced on a personal to holder basis. This ensures that no staff member is disadvantaged by the redeployment process.
My officials continue to engage with officials from the Department for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation with a view to exploring approaches to progress the matter in a manner that is consistent with established Government pay policy and the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026.
