Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
742. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what stakeholder groups or organisations have not yet been contacted in relation to any review of their Memoranda of Understanding with his Department; the reason for any delay in commencing such engagement; the timeline for completion of the review process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35152/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra744. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to clarify his recent statement that the Department plans to review all existing Memoranda of Understanding it holds with external organisations; whether it is applicable to every MoU agreed with his Department; whether he can confirm all stakeholders involved have been notified; the expected timeline for completion of these reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35188/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra747. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the review of Memoranda of Understanding currently held between his Department and stakeholder groups or organisations; the criteria being used to assess existing agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35229/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 742, 744 and 747 together.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department currently maintains Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with a range of partner organisations across the public, voluntary and community sectors.
These MoUs support cooperation, information-sharing, and the effective delivery of services. These are subject to structured and periodic review to ensure they remain current, proportionate and fully aligned with statutory requirements and organisational priorities.
The review process typically involves the following four stages:
Internal Assessment: Examination of each MoU’s purpose, scope, and operational relevance.
Stakeholder Engagement: Consultation with the partner organisations to obtain their views on the relevance, effectiveness, and future direction of the MoU.
Drafting and Revision: Updating the terms of the MoUs where necessary to reflect current practice, governance standards, and legislative obligations.
Approval and Publication: Finalisation of the revised MoUs, followed by approval through the NPWS’s governance structures
The NPWS works with partner organisations as part of each review process and provide opportunities to a collaborate approach, seek clarifications and propose amendments.
Review timelines for each MoU are managed case by case and in line with organisational priorities and governance requirements, ensuring all agreements are examined against defined criteria and maintained to the required standards.
