Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:330. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will provide the full parameters and process that is necessary to achieve fuel rebates that have been recently announced. [29309/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFuel Sales
Ceisteanna (330, 338)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:338. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the sectors entitled to the new fuel rebate scheme; and the way in which will it function. [29416/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 330 and 338 together.
Due to these Parliamentary Questions (PQ) not specifying whether the Deputy is referring to the change in the Diesel Rebate Scheme, which is under the remit of the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, or to the recently announced Fuel Subsidy Scheme to assist farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers, which is under the remit of the Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; it has not been possible to provide an answer to the questions as submitted.
Should the Deputy wish to clarify to which scheme his Parliamentary Questions refer, I will be happy to provide responses, or direct his questions to Minister Heydon if more appropriate, to subsequent PQs or other communication from him.
Tax Yield
Ceisteanna (331)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:331. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of tax audits that have been carried out by the State on businesses and citizens for each of the past ten years. [29351/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by Revenue that it selects cases for compliance intervention on the basis of risk.
Prior to 1 May 2022, Revenue carried out compliance interventions which could be broadly categorised as audit or non-audit.
On 1 May 2022, Revenue introduced a Compliance Intervention Framework (CIF) which provides a consistent and graduated response to taxpayer behaviour, ranging from extensive opportunities to voluntarily correct mistakes up to the pursuit of criminal sanctions for serious cases of evasion. It applies to all taxes and duties with the exception of Customs Duty. There are three different intervention levels within the CIF, and these levels are set out in the Code of Practice for Revenue Compliance Interventions. Revenue Audits are one of two risk-based interventions which fall within the Level 2 category.
Statistics on the numbers and types of compliance interventions carried out each year are published by Revenue as part of its Annual Report, which is available on Revenue’s website at the link below:
www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/other-datasets/annual-reports/index.aspx. The information requested by the Deputy is set out below for ease of reference.
Central Bank of Ireland
Ceisteanna (332)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:332. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to outline his Department's view of the Central Bank's substantially higher surplus projections; and how he can, in light of these projections, justify not reducing fuels to affordable levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29357/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This week my Department published the Annual Progress Report (spring forecast), which projects a General Government Surplus of €9.2 billion for 2026.
This figure is an upward revision to the Budget 2026 projection, and reflects the strong financial position of the State. This solid management of our public finances has given Government the capacity to respond in a meaningful way to the energy price shock.
Government is acutely aware of the pressures faced by households and businesses as a result of rising fuel and energy prices, and is utilising the strong financial position of the State to provide support.
Earlier this month, Government agreed to a new package of measures worth over €500 million, on top of last month’s €250 million package of reliefs.
Together, these packages have:
- Cut excise duty on diesel by 32 cent per litre, and 27 cent for petrol, including the reduction of the NORA levy by 2 cent per litre,
- Reduced excise duty on green diesel by 7.4 cent per litre,
- Increased repayments under the Diesel Rebate Scheme, and
- Extended the fuel allowance to the end of April.
Government has also agreed to delay the increase in carbon tax to later in the year. We are also introducing support schemes for the transportation and agricultural sectors.
In total, these measures represent a significant investment of financial resources to support households and businesses. The supports will remain in place until July 31st, and Government has committed to monitor the situation as it evolves.
Tax Reliefs
Ceisteanna (333, 336)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:333. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will consider the maximum removal of excise home heating oil given the fact that home heating oil hit its highest price on record; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29358/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Brendan Smith
Ceist:336. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the measures that will be introduced to reduce the costs of kerosene home heating oil taking into account the additional financial pressures on households due to the increased costs of such fuel; if he will make a statement on the matter. [29377/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 333 and 336 together.
The Government is very conscious of the substantial price increases in home heating oil as a result of the conflict in the Middle East.
It is important to note that the spikes in the price of home heating oil are not as a result of taxes, nor Government policy, but due to the wholesale market price of oil. Mineral Oil Tax is charged on a volumetric basis. It does not change when the wholesale price increases or decreases.
With regard to Kerosene, there is no non-carbon component of Mineral Oil Tax applying to heating oil. The Mineral Oil Tax applying to Kerosene is fully comprised of the carbon charge (carbon tax). Based on 20 April prices for kerosene, carbon tax accounts for 10% of the total retail cost of a litre of kerosene.
To protect those most at risk of fuel poverty, Government has extended the fuel allowance season, which would have normally run for 28 weeks, by a further four weeks in order to ease the financial burden on households. This will result in additional payments of €152 to more than a quarter of all households.
For reference, a typical household receiving the fuel allowance will have received €1,216 over the course of the fuel allowance season.
Furthermore, conscious of the pressure being experienced by households owing to the conflict in the Middle East, the Government has announced the deferral of the next planned increase in carbon tax on home heating fuels, which was scheduled for 1 May, until 14 October.
Carbon tax remains an important part of Ireland’s overall commitment to tackling climate change and to lessen Ireland's dependence on fossil fuels, with successive annual budgets providing additional funds for targeted social protection payments, residential and energy efficiency measures, as well as funding to encourage green farming practices.
As of Budget 2026, the Government has allocated over €4.2 billion in carbon tax revenue for these purposes since 2020. ESRI analysis consistently shows the lower income deciles are better off as a result of the social protection measures funded by the increased carbon tax.
Our need to decouple from fossil fuel dependence and achieve energy security is even more apparent now given the levels of volatility in international fuel markets. Ireland’s long-term commitment to tackling climate change remains strong.
Banking Sector
Ceisteanna (334)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:334. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to outline the rationale for selling PTSB; and the safeguards that will be in place to protect jobs and the bank branch network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29359/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The State's investment in PTSB was made during the financial crisis to safeguard the stability of the banking system and protect depositors. The State has and continues to be very supportive of PTSB, and the Government believes that it is in the long-term interests of PTSB and citizens in general that the bank be returned to full private ownership. This transaction would mark a successful conclusion after a period of stabilisation. A sale reflects the Department’s confidence in PTSB’s strength and ability to succeed without State support.
A sale of the State’s investment would be consistent with the objectives of recovering taxpayer funds that were used to rescue the Irish banks and deploying these to more productive purposes.
The board of PTSB announced a formal sale process on 30 October 2025. This process was conducted under the Irish Takeover Rules and resulted in the board unanimously recommending a cash offer from a subsidiary of BAWAG Group AG.
BAWAG has set out a long-term ownership approach, including maintaining a strong and resilient PTSB, investing in the business, retaining the headquarters in Dublin, keeping a meaningful branch footprint, and safeguarding existing employment rights and pension arrangements in line with applicable law.
BAWAG has also indicated its intention to leverage its broader European expertise to strengthen the bank’s competitiveness, including in areas such as SME banking, energy-efficiency finance, and operational integration. These stated intentions formed part of the overall assessment to support BAWAG’s Recommended Cash Offer.
Tax Reliefs
Ceisteanna (335)
Marie Sherlock
Ceist:335. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if consideration has been given to extending the Flat Rate Expenses (FRE) allowance to paramedics and EMT’s for uniform related tax relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29370/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The flat rate expense (“FRE”) regime is operated by Revenue on an administrative basis, where both a specific commonality of expenditure exists across an employment category and the statutory requirement for the tax deduction as set out in section 114 of the Taxes Consolidation Act (“TCA”) 1997 is satisfied, namely, that the expenses are wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred in the performance of the duties of the office or employment by the employee concerned and that such expenses are not reimbursed by his or her employer.
Revenue have advised that the FRE regime was established to apply a uniformity of approach to tax deductibility for expenses of large groups of employees and to facilitate ease of administration for both Revenue and employees. The expense should apply to all employees in that category and not be discretionary.
The FRE regime developed incrementally over the last 40 to 50 years and was established at a time when the numbers of employees/PAYE taxpayers filing an Income Tax Return was relatively low. This contrasts with the position today, whereby due to significant IT developments in Revenue systems in recent years, as well as the promotion of online channels, Revenue is now providing an easy to use, free, on-line Income Tax Return filing solution for taxpayers. For example, the number of PAYE taxpayers that filed an Income Tax Return for the 2023 tax year was over 1,100,000, when compared to the figure of under 300,000 in 2018.
Revenue have advised that the FRE is generally determined following engagement between Revenue and the relevant representative body. I am advised by Revenue that they have not received any formal application from a representative body on behalf of individuals working as paramedics for the National Ambulance Service or pre-hospital emergency care workers. I am further advised by Revenue that should the representative bodies for these groups wish to engage with Revenue further on the matter, Revenue will be happy to do so and will provide guidance on the supporting information required to enable the request to be considered.
Notwithstanding that an FRE is not available to either paramedics or pre-hospital emergency care workers, as for all employees, they retain their statutory right to claim a deduction under section 114 TCA 1997 in respect of an expense incurred wholly, exclusively and necessarily in the performance of the duties of their employment, to the extent to which the expenses are not reimbursed by the employer.
The quickest and easiest way to claim tax relief for qualifying employment expenses is to complete an online Income Tax Return. This return can be found in the PAYE Services tab in myAccount on the Revenue website.
Further guidance on the general rule of deduction of expenses in employment, including how to make a claim, is available on Revenue’s website at the following link: www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-05/05-02-20.pdf.
Question No. 336 answered with Question No. 333.
Tax Data
Ceisteanna (337)
John Connolly
Ceist:337. Deputy John Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount of tax revenue recouped annually by the Exchequer from carer’s allowance and carer’s benefit payments, including the impact of the real-time reporting and collection arrangements introduced from January 2026, and whether he has examined the estimated cost of making these payments fully tax-exempt (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29401/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Carers play a fundamental supporting role in society, and the Government are committed to supporting individuals and families with caring responsibilities. This is acknowledged by the broad range of commitments in the Programme for Government to improving supports for carers.
It is important to state that there has been no change in the Income Tax treatment of Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit. Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit are subject to Income Tax but are exempt from Universal Social Charge and Pay Related Social Insurance.
There is a long-standing data sharing arrangement between both Revenue and the Department of Social Protection (DSP) which facilitates the operation of both the tax and welfare systems. DSP had been reporting information on a significant number of taxable DSP payments to Revenue, including Jobseekers Benefit, Maternity Benefit, One-Parent Family Payment, State Pension (Contributory or Non-Contributory) and Bereaved Partners Contributory Pension but information for Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit has not previously been shared.
As data relating to Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit had not been shared between DSP and Revenue previously, it was the recipient’s responsibility to declare this income to Revenue. When a carer was granted the Allowance or Benefit, the DSP notice advised the carer that the Allowance or Benefit was taxable income. It was agreed by DSP and Revenue that from 1 January 2026, information on Carer's Allowance/Benefit payments will be included in the Taxable Payments Report shared directly with Revenue.
Where a person in receipt of payments from DSP also has an additional source of employment or occupational pension income, the mechanism used to collect tax due is by reducing the person’s annual tax credits and rate band, by the annual amount of their DSP income. This ensures that the DSP payment is paid gross to the recipient, while the salary or pension, as paid by their employer, will have any tax due on both the DSP income and the employment deducted from it. This aligns the taxation of Carer’s income with other taxable DSP payments and significantly reduces the risk of an end-of-year liability.
It should be noted that not all carers who are in receipt of Carer’s income will have a tax liability, particularly if their income level is below the taxation threshold, or they have sufficient tax credits to reduce their liability to nil. A person’s tax liability will depend on their individual personal circumstances, income levels and personal credits available to them and their family.
I am advised by Revenue that income tax liabilities are assessed in the round and are not calculated separately for each source of income. Various income sources are added together to arrive at a gross income, and then reliefs and deductions are applied to arrive at a taxable income. The various tax rates are then applied to the taxable income figure, having account of their standard rate cut off point, to arrive at a gross liability. Finally, tax credits are deducted from this gross liability to arrive at the net liability, which is the final liability owed. Based on how the income tax system operates, as outlined above, it is not possible to identify a net tax liability associated with one component of income.
As previously noted the sharing of data on recipients of Carer’s Allowance and Carer’s Benefit by the DSP only commenced on 1 January 2026. Therefore, it is not currently possible to estimate a cost associated with making these payments tax exempt as the cost depends on the recipients’ total income and their total tax credits and reliefs for the tax year, which will not be known until the year has concluded and taxpayers are given the opportunity to confirm their incomes, reliefs and credits by way of filing their income tax return. On this basis, it is not currently possible to estimate the cost associated with making these payments exempt based on 2026 data.
Question No. 338 answered with Question No. 330.
Fuel Prices
Ceisteanna (339)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:339. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will urgently announce a simplified version of the measures taken to address the fuel crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29428/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Due to this Parliamentary Question (PQ) not being sufficiently clear, it has not been possible to provide a direct answer to the question as submitted. Should the Deputy wish to clarify the intention of this question, I will be happy to provide a considered response to a subsequent PQ or other communication from him.
Summary details of the measures the Government has taken to date can be found at this link:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-the-taoiseach/press-releases/government-announces-new-package-of-fuel-supports/.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (340, 341)
Colm Burke
Ceist:340. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the total amount collected in VAT from online casinos for each of the years 2020 to 2025 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29499/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraColm Burke
Ceist:341. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the total amount in VAT from all forms of gambling on which VAT is charged for each of the years 2020 to 2025 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29500/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 340 and 341 together.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that traders are not required to separately identify the yield generated from a particular activity or product type on their VAT returns. Therefore, it is not possible to provide an estimate of the VAT collected from forms of gambling subject to VAT.
Question No. 341 answered with Question No. 340.
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (342)
Gillian Toole
Ceist:342. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the status of the Unit for Forward Planning; if the staffing of the unit includes redeployment of staff or recruitment of new staff; when the unit will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29225/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As set out in the Programme for Government, as our population grows, it is essential that people can continue to avail of public services when they need them, in a timely and efficient manner, through increased access and improved delivery. In this context, my Department will continue to enhance the capacity for longer-term thinking and future planning. Work in this regard is already being undertaken by existing staff of the Department across a number of relevant Divisions and this is kept under ongoing review.
The strategic use of data is key to my Department’s work in terms of delivering data-driven policy insights. Examples include contributions to the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, the National Development Plan and specific published reports, including Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES) papers, which support ongoing monitoring and evaluation of expenditure programmes across Government. These analyses draw on a variety of domestic and international data and research resources including CSO, Central Bank, ESRI, OECD, IMF and the World Bank.
The Medium Term Expenditure Framework, published in September 2025, is a multi-year public expenditure planning exercise that supports assessment of the resource implications of future policy decisions up to 2030, which will enable better planning, effective prioritisation and increased transparency on the costs of delivering critical public services.
The 2025 National Development Plan Review sets out departmental capital ceilings to 2030 and overall capital investment out to 2035. Together with the National Planning Framework, under the remit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, these plans combine to form Project Ireland 2040, the overarching planning and investment framework for the social, economic and cultural development of Ireland.
Other initiatives to support longer-term thinking in my Department include those by the IGEES with strategic policy discussion events on long term trends such as demographic change and a pilot programme of strategic foresight activities that was run in conjunction with the OECD to raise awareness of the uses of strategic foresight in policy development, connected to the Better Public Services transformation strategy.
My Department is also cooperating with the Department of Finance regarding “Future Forty: a Fiscal and Economic Outlook to 2065" which looks ahead, examining how demographic, technological, social, and environmental trends may impact Ireland’s economy and public finances over the next forty years.
Pension Provisions
Ceisteanna (343)
Emer Currie
Ceist:343. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether his Department has received a proposal from an organisation (details supplied) regarding pension increases; and if so, to provide an update on their considerations of this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29494/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In line with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and the Regulations of the EirGrid Pension Fund, pension increases for defined benefit pension schemes operating under the EirGrid Pension Fund require the approval of the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and my consent.
The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment confirmed the approval of the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment on 19 March 2026 and sought my consent for an increase to pensions in payment and deferred pensions under the EirGrid Pension Fund, effective from 1 April 2023. This request is currently under active consideration and my decision will be communicated to the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment shortly.
Legislative Programme
Ceisteanna (344)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:344. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on progress made under the Statute Law Revision Programme following the enactment of the Statute Law Revision Act 2024; the primary and secondary legislation identified and repealed to date under the programme; to indicate the next tranche of instruments selected for review or repeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29600/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Statute Law Revision Programme is Ireland’s national programme to identify and remove obsolete and spent primary and secondary legislation from our legislative stock. It aims to repeal legislation which, while technically in force, is no longer of relevance due to changes of circumstance and the passage of time.
Most recently, the Statute Law Revision Act 2025 was signed into law by the President on 23 July 2025. The principal purpose of the Act was to repeal spent and obsolete secondary instruments enacted on or after 1 January 1821 and before 1 January 1861. The process leading to the Bill involved a review of more than 40,000 secondary instruments to ascertain whether they were obsolete and should be repealed or whether they should instead be retained. Over 3,000 instruments were repealed as a result of the passing of this particular piece of legislation.
Having gone through a number of administrative changes over an extensive period of time, responsibility for this work is now primarily carried out by the Law Reform Commission with the assistance and guidance of the Office of the Attorney General, while being sponsored by and brought through the legislative stages in the Oireachtas by the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
The Deputy may be aware that since 1922, and starting with the Local Government (Repeal of Enactments) Act 1950, many thousands of pieces of legislation have been repealed to date. This phase of what is typically now referred to as the 'Statute Law Reform Programme' commenced over 20 years ago and its work has not yet concluded. For a more comprehensive overview of this lengthy and complex body of work, the Deputy may wish to refer to the Law Reform Commission's own website (www.lawreform.ie).
My understanding of the Commission's ongoing work is that while primary laws pre-1922 have been reviewed, secondary legislation has been reviewed up to 1861 only. Research is currently being undertaken by the Commission to determine the status of secondary legislation from between 1861 and 1922. This is expected to deliver a similar level of clarity to that provided for in the Statute Law Reform Act 2025. It is then intended to move to a review of all post-1922 primary and secondary legislation.
I look forward to the conclusion of this important work over the coming years, which will eventually ensure the transparency of all in-force legislation in Ireland.
Defective Building Materials
Ceisteanna (345)
Pat the Cope Gallagher
Ceist:345. Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when the technical review of IS 465 will be published given the urgency of the situation for affected homeowners; if he will provide a clear timeline for the publication of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29264/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has been advised by the NSAI that the relevant Technical Committee has been meeting weekly to finalise the revision of I.S. 465 and is now approaching the conclusion of its deliberations.
Although significant progress has been made, discussions have proven more complex than initially anticipated, in particular, new observations relating to the key topic of remediation. The Technical Committee has determined that these recent inputs are of substantial importance and that further consideration is necessary to ensure the most robust and effective outcome, informed by the best available data and scientific evidence, in the interests of all stakeholders.
Whilst NSAI had previously indicated that the full revision of I.S. 465 was expected to be concluded by the end of Q1 2026, the additional analysis and meetings required have resulted in a delay of a number of weeks beyond this timeframe.
The NSAI acknowledges that this delay is disappointing. However, it reflects the Committee’s commitment to a thorough, evidence-based process and to delivering a standard that is both effective and durable. The urgency of concluding the remaining deliberations as quickly as possible, while maintaining due diligence, is fully recognised.
I have been advised that the NSAI continues to apply every possible efficiency to ensure that each phase of the standards development process progresses as quickly as possible, while safeguarding the integrity and quality of the final standard.
Work Permits
Ceisteanna (346)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:346. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of employment permits issued in each of the past three years to non-EEA workers for roles in the motor industry with a specific EV or hybrid vehicle specialism; the average processing time for such permits; whether consideration has been given to placing EV technicians on the critical skills occupations list or to the introduction of an accelerated processing route, pending the development of domestic training capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29548/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland operates a managed employment permits system designed to facilitate the admission of non-EEA and non-UK nationals to fill labour and skills shortages in the economy, while ensuring that opportunities continue to be available for Irish, EEA and UK nationals. The system is demand-led and employer-driven, with permits issued only where statutory criteria are met under the Employment Permits Act.
Employment permits are issued for specific job roles with a named employer and are subject to salary thresholds, labour market needs, and, where applicable, sector-specific conditions. In the case of regulated professions, including the motor industry, it is a requirement that permit holders must also comply with the relevant professional registration and regulatory requirements in order to lawfully take up employment in the State.
The current review of the occupations lists, which commenced in summer of last year is nearing completion. A report containing recommendations, including any changes to eligibility or the extension of existing quotas, can be expected shortly.
My Department, with the support of lead Departments such as the Department of Transport, continues to monitor labour market conditions closely, and eligible occupations are kept under review to ensure they remain responsive to verified labour market needs, while also safeguarding employment opportunities for the domestic and EEA workforce.
My Department does not record employment permit data by reference to specific vehicle technologies such as electric or hybrid vehicles, however employment permits are recorded by occupation.
Accordingly, the table provided sets out both the number of employment permits issued since 2024 to non-EEA nationals and the average processing times for relevant motor industry occupations, including HGV/Bus Mechanic, Car Mechanic, Motor Mechanic, Auto Electrician, and Motor Vehicle Technician. These roles may involve work on a range of vehicle types, including electric and hybrid vehicles, depending on the employer and the nature of the business.
Employment Rights
Ceisteanna (347, 348)
Liam Quaide
Ceist:347. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of complaints under the Employment Equality Acts concerning failure to provide reasonable accommodation in employment in each of the years 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 and to date in 2026; the number of such cases that resulted in findings for the complainant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29379/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLiam Quaide
Ceist:348. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether his Department has collected or sought any data on the implementation by employers of the Reasonable Accommodation Passport framework launched by organisations (details supplied) in June 2022; if so, the findings to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29380/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is an independent, statutory body under the aegis of my Department. The WRC’s primary functions include the inspection of employment law compliance, the provision of information on employment law, mediation, adjudication, conciliation, facilitation, and advisory services.
The number of complaint applications made under the Employment Equality Acts 1998–2021, for the period 2022 to date in 2026, in which the complainant specifically cited a failure to provide reasonable accommodation for a disability, together with their outcomes, is set out in the table below. Cases may be withdrawn for a number of reasons, including where a settlement has been reached or due to personal or practical considerations.
|
Decision |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
Total |
|
Open cases |
12 |
14 |
21 |
273 |
167 |
487 |
|
Adjudicated – Complaint Rejected |
46 |
54 |
42 |
11 |
1 |
154 |
|
Adjudicated – Complaint Upheld |
17 |
16 |
18 |
4 |
|
55 |
|
Resolved by Mediation |
28 |
30 |
35 |
36 |
* |
129 |
|
Withdrawn before Adjudication |
58 |
63 |
83 |
75 |
8 |
287 |
|
Withdrawn during Adjudication |
10 |
10 |
11 |
7 |
|
38 |
|
Withdrawn post Adjudication |
33 |
37 |
41 |
21 |
|
132 |
|
Other (Out of Time etc.) |
6 |
|
|
|
|
6 |
|
Total |
210 |
224 |
251 |
427 |
176 |
1288 |
*Given the sensitivity and confidentiality attaching to mediation, very small numbers for outcomes to date in 2026 are not separately identified.
Whilst the WRC has the power to adjudicate on complaints under the Employment Equality Acts, policy responsibility for the equality legislation, rests with my colleague the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality. Having regard to the respective legislative responsibilities, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality would be best placed to address the Deputy’s question regarding the availability of data on employers’ implementation of the Reasonable Accommodation Passport framework.
Question No. 348 answered with Question No. 347.
Employment Rights
Ceisteanna (349)
Liam Quaide
Ceist:349. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether his Department has assessed the extent to which employers have written procedures in place for dealing with requests for reasonable accommodation from employees with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29381/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015, and policy on reasonable accommodation for workers with disabilities are matters for the Minister for the Minister for Children, Disability and Employment.
Employment Rights
Ceisteanna (350)
Liam Quaide
Ceist:350. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether his Department has examined the case for requiring all employers to maintain written procedures for disability accommodation requests, to communicate those procedures to staff and to document informal accommodation requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29385/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015, and policy on reasonable accommodation for workers with disabilities are matters for the Minister for the Minister for Children, Disability and Employment.
Employment Rights
Ceisteanna (351)
Liam Quaide
Ceist:351. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether his Department has assessed the extent to which employees who request reasonable accommodation may experience retaliation, victimisation, increased scrutiny or adverse performance management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29386/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is fully committed to complying with its obligations under the Employment Equality Acts 1998–2015 in relation to reasonable accommodation for staff with disabilities and to ensuring that employees who request or avail of reasonable accommodation are treated fairly and are not subject to victimisation, retaliation or less favourable treatment.
In my Department, approximately 8.24% of staff have a disability. Requests for reasonable accommodation are managed by our Disability Liaison Officer, who provides confidential advice and support to staff with disabilities. Over the past year this service has been expanded to include the support of two additional team members, offering an additional channel through which staff can raise concerns or seek guidance. Managers are also invited to use this service to make sure they are properly informed and trained around how to support their own staff.
While my Department has not identified evidence of systemic victimisation or adverse treatment linked to requests for reasonable accommodation, the HR team actively monitors and addresses all employee relations matters through established Civil Service Dignity at Work, Grievance, and Performance Management procedures, as well as through informal support and guidance given to staff and managers.
A range of policies and procedures are in place designed to prevent such behaviour and to identify and address any concerns before they arise, and my Department has put an emphasis on ensuring that staff are trained to understand them.
The Civil Service Dignity at Work Policy, which provides that bullying, harassment, victimisation or penalisation are not tolerated and sets out formal procedures for raising concerns, has recently been updated. Training has been made available and all staff have been advised that this training is mandatory.
Since end February, my Department has also focused on upskilling staff in disability supports. Four training sessions for staff and managers have been hosted on Reasonable Accommodation and Disability Awareness, with 160 staff attending to date.
All of our new entrants receive training on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the Public Sector Duty as part of their induction.
We became a JAM-Card friendly organisation in 2024, with over 80% of staff completing JAM-Card training in order to help our workplace to become a more accessible and welcoming place to service users and staff with hidden disabilities.
All of these arrangements are underpinned by my Department’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, which promotes a culture of inclusivity, respect and fairness, and specifically emphasises the importance of removing barriers to participation for staff with disabilities.
Tourism Promotion
Ceisteanna (352)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:352. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the measures being taken to promote tourism in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29395/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Tourism in County Longford is being actively promoted through a coordinated programme of investment, destination development, and marketing initiatives which are being led by Fáilte Ireland, in partnership with Longford County Council, state agencies and local tourism businesses.
Longford is a key beneficiary of the national Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands Regional Tourism Development Strategy 2023–2027, which provides a clear roadmap to grow sustainable and regenerative tourism that benefits local communities while protecting natural and cultural assets. Central to this strategy is the activation of the Royal Canal Greenway, Ireland’s longest Greenway, where the longest continuous county stretch is in Longford. Significant work has been undertaken to animate the Greenway through industry familiarisation visits, cross-selling workshops, learning journeys, and family-focused guides, which aid in improving dwell time and spend in towns and villages along the route.
Major capital investment is also underway through the "EU Just Transition Fund". County Longford is included in a €68 million regenerative tourism and placemaking programme for the Midlands. This includes funding for new accommodation, bike hire, craft experiences and accessibility projects, alongside Bord na Móna’s €3.6 million Trail Development Scheme, which will deliver new walking and cycling routes linking Longford communities to the Shannon and Royal Canal corridors.
Under the Shannon Tourism Masterplan, Longford plays a strategic role in enhancing the Shannon and Shannon–Erne waterways. Discovery Points with bilingual interpretation and public art installations are being delivered at locations including Lanesborough, Cloondara Harbour and Red Bridge, with completion expected in 2026. These initiatives will increase north–south travel, lengthen stays and enrich the visitor experience in the region.
Tourism businesses in Longford are also supported through Fáilte Ireland operated programmes such as “Digital that Delivers”, investment grant-aid schemes for SMEs, learning networks, and the "Champions Programme", ensuring improved digital capability, customer service standards, accessibility and sustainability. €53,166 has been allocated to Longford businesses through the "Digital that Delivers" programme which supports digital transformation within the sector comprising of investment grants and direct supports such as diagnostics, mentoring and training.
Tourism promotion in County Longford is strongly supported through targeted investment in festivals and events, recognised by Fáilte Ireland as a key driver of off-season and regional tourism growth. Longford County Council receives funding under the Regional Festivals Fund and a dedicated Food Festival Fund, supporting a diverse annual programme. Flagship events include the Gaelforce Trilogy Swim at Lanesborough, which attracts domestic and international participants, and Halloween-themed programming delivered through the Samhain Possession and Home of Halloween Destination Development schemes. These initiatives increase visitor numbers, extend dwell time, boost the night-time economy and strengthen Longford’s profile within Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
Marketing and demand generation are driven nationally through campaigns such as “Keep Discovering” and “Find Yourself on a Short Break”, with Longford featured prominently across television, print, social media, photography, press and digital toolkits.
Taken together, these measures demonstrate a strong, ongoing commitment to promoting County Longford as a distinctive, year-round tourism destination, supporting jobs, regional balance and sustainable economic growth.
Online Safety
Ceisteanna (353)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:353. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the progress to date in ensuring that online platforms put in place appropriate and proportionate measures that provide a high level of privacy, safety, and security for minors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29559/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Online safety is a key priority of mine and this Government is committed to ensuring a high level of privacy, safety and security for minors online. Indeed, online safety is a core pillar underpinning our new National Digital and AI Strategy 2030.
My Department leads on the Digital Services Act (DSA) which introduces obligations on providers of online intermediary services, including online social media platforms, to protect users and consumers of online services. The DSA is designed to provide better protection of fundamental rights; more control and choice over online experiences; stronger protection of children online; and expedited removal of illegal content. The regulation has applied in full since 17 February 2024.
Under Article 28 of the DSA, providers of online platforms that are accessible to minors are required to put in place appropriate measures to ensure a high level of privacy, safety and security of minors on their services. Specifically, the rules ban targeted advertising to minors based on profiling using the personal data of users of their services when they can establish with reasonable certainty that the recipient of the service is a minor.
In July 2025, the Commission published guidelines to assist providers of online platforms in the application of the protection of minors under the DSA to ensure a safe online experience for children and young people. These set out recommendations that online platforms need to follow to protect children and teens online including using age verification for accessing high-risk content.
The DSA requires all Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) to conduct a yearly assessment to identify potential systemic risks associated with the design of their recommender systems and any other relevant algorithmic system. This includes risks associated with the protection of minors. They must then put in place effective mitigation measures to address these systemic risks. To assist with enforcement of these obligations, the European Commission established the European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency (ECAT). The Centre provides technical expertise, scientific research, and foresight on emerging risks to support the Commission's exclusive supervisory and enforcement role of the systemic obligations on VLOPs/VLOSEs. This collaboration aims to enhance the transparency and accountability of algorithmic systems, thereby contributing to a safer and more trustworthy online environment for all users.
Last week, the European Commission announced its European age verification app will be soon available for citizens to use. The app will allow users to prove their age when accessing online platforms. Just like shops ask for proof of age for people buying alcoholic beverages in-store. In parallel, the Special panel established to advise the European Commission President on child safety online and potential age limits for social media and other online services in Europe is expected to deliver its recommendations by the summer. The perspectives of young people, children, parents and educators, as expressed in President von der Leyen's Youth Advisory Board (https://commission.europa.eu/topics/youth/presidents-youth-advisory-board_en) and the Safer Internet Forum 2025 (https://better-internet-for-kids.europa.eu/en/sif), will be a key part of the panel's discussions.
In April, the Taoiseach joined a call with other EU leaders to discuss national legal frameworks, technical developments around age verification, and perspectives for European action. There was strong political support from participating Member States for a European approach to this issue.
Ireland will use our upcoming Presidency of the European Union to advocate for greater online safety and the protection of women and children, in particular, from the misuse of digital tools. The Deputy can rest assured, that online safety is a priority for the Government and will continue to be a priority during our EU Presidency.