Written Answers Nos. 298-318
298. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the interim measures in place to maintain operational capability in the Air Corps pending completion of the Strategic Workforce Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34132/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA draft Strategic Workforce Plan prepared by the Defence Forces has recently been submitted to me for consideration. This plan and its accompanying recommendations, including those pertaining specifically to each of the three services, will be evaluated fully over the coming weeks. The aim of the plan is to provide a pathway to the achievement of a strength of 11,500, inclusive of civilian personnel, commensurate with Level of Ambition 2.
As Minister for Defence, maintaining the operational capability of the Air Corps remains a priority for me pending the finalisation of this plan. Several interim measures have been implemented to support personnel retention and recruitment in the past number of years including the three-year extension of the Air Corps Pilot Service Commitment Scheme and its further extension to include qualified Air Traffic Control personnel.
Critically, these interim measures are designed to ensure that the Air Corps continues to provide essential operational capability based on the immediate needs of the State. The Air Corps maintains a constant 24/7/365 state of readiness to deliver essential life-saving and security missions. This operational capability ensures that the Air Corps remains fully responsive to the evolving requirements of the State from critical aeromedical support and maritime surveillance to national security operations as we transition toward the enhanced capacity outlined in Level of Ambition 2.
299. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Defence to give a detailed up to date report in regard to the triple lock and Irish neutrality (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34193/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2026 is to consolidate, with amendments, the existing provisions of the Defence Acts 1954 to 2015 concerning the despatch of members of the Defence Forces for service outside the State. In effect, the requirement for a UN mandate will be removed. It will modify the existing requirement regarding the so-called ‘triple lock’ mechanism in relation to the despatch of the Defence Forces for service outside the State as part of an International United Nations Force.
Ireland’s policy of military neutrality remains a fundamental and enduring element of our foreign and security policy. Ireland has a proud and long-standing record of participation in UN peacekeeping operations, as well as engagement in a range of international defence cooperation and training initiatives. These activities are entirely consistent with, and do not compromise, our military neutrality. I wish to reiterate again that the Government has no intention of changing this policy.
The proposed Defence (Amendment) Bill is designed to strengthen Ireland’s capacity to pursue an independent and sovereign foreign policy. In particular, it seeks to remove the ability of permanent members of the United Nations Security Council to exercise a veto over Ireland’s decisions on participation in peacekeeping and similar missions. I again wish to underline that the legislation that is currently in place allows members of the UN Security Council, by means of a veto or indeed threat of same, to bind this country's hands in its international peacekeeping engagement. Recent vetoes by a UN Security Council member on a proposed resolution for a full and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza last June and September; challenges evidenced last summer with regard to the extension of the UNIFIL peacekeeping in southern Lebanon, as well as ongoing issues regarding UN mandated missions in the Western Balkans, are ample evidence of this.
With regard to the UNIFIL mission particularly, in the event that the UNIFIL mandate was not extended, Ireland would have been in the position of having to plan to withdraw its Defence Forces personnel from UNIFIL immediately following the expiration of the mandate. The extension of the UNIFIL mandate until the end of this year permits the continued deployment of Defence Forces personnel to the Mission, however, under the current legislative requirements, they must be withdrawn from then.
I am also keeping a close eye on the forthcoming rollover of the UN mandate for the EU Mission Operation IRINI in the Mediterranean, at the end of May. Should that mandate not be renewed, we will have also to withdraw our personnel from that Mission.
I have been very clear that any considerations on engagement in international peacekeeping should be within Ireland's exclusive sovereign control and decision-making on this should be purely within the remit of the Government and Oireachtas, which have been democratically elected by the people of this country.
300. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding any mechanism in place within her Department that allows for civil servants to transfer on secondment to an equivalent role within the European Union, without negatively impacting their pension and other employment rights; her views on the merits of such a scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34419/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no provision that allows civil servants in my Department to transfer to an equivalent role within the European Union on a permanent basis without negatively impacting their pension and other employment rights. However, civil servants in my Department can apply for temporary positions under the Seconded National Experts (SNE) programme and the National Experts in Professional Training (NEPT) programme, both administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Participants of the SNE programme are sent for a specific amount of time to work in a European Commission or European Parliament directorate with the aim of bringing a national perspective or a subject matter expertise to a given unit's policy work, whenever there is a requirement for staff with unique skills such as technical, security, legal, financial expertise, among many others. They provide the European institutions with high-level professional expertise and promote mutual understanding between national administrations and the European institutions.
In addition, civil servants can also avail of the National Experts in Professional Training (NEPT) programme, which is a bi-annual training scheme where serving civil and public servants can have an opportunity to work in the European Commission for a period of 3 to 5 months. The scheme is generally most suited to officers at Administrative Officer, Higher Executive Officer and Assistant Principal Officer grades and equivalent Professional/Technical/Departmental grades.
Participants on the above programmes continue to be paid by their parent Department and retain their job and pension rights in the Irish public service for the duration of their secondment. In some cases, there is scope for salary costs to be reimbursed to the Department where the SNE position in question is considered of significant strategic value to Ireland through the Government’s Centrally Funded Scheme (CFS). Applications to the CFS are reviewed in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade before being reviewed by the Inter-departmental Committee on Staffing in International Organisations.
The NEPT and SNE programmes provide officials with a first-hand experience of working in the European institutions or EU agencies. The skills and experiences acquired by Irish officials during their secondments to Europe also has the potential to benefit the Department and facilitate greater understanding about the functioning of the European institutions. Participation in the SNE and NEPT programmes is also in line with the Government’s ‘A Career for EU’ strategy including that of raising the numbers of Irish officials serving in the EU Institutions.
301. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Defence for an update on the rollout of the emergency preparedness booklet being sent out to all households; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34563/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2013, the Office of Emergency Planning (OEP) in my Department has conducted biannual national preparedness campaigns, Be Winter Ready and Be Summer Ready.
Based on what has worked well in these two long-running seasonal campaigns, the messaging has been refreshed to ensure it remains relevant and aligned with current risk assessment.
The aim is to move away from seasonal messaging and instead help people to stay prepared and encourage self-sufficiency, enabling individuals, households and communities to be resilient during adverse events.
Creative development has been completed with external agencies, informed by feedback from focus groups.
This has included the development of an updated website which will offer practical information to the public on how to prepare for emergencies.
The rollout of a printed emergency preparedness information booklet is also under consideration as part of the broader public information campaign.
In the meantime, the Be Winter Ready and Be Summer Ready societal resilience campaigns remain active, including the availability of comprehensive preparedness guidance for both summer and winter conditions through the gov.ie platform.
302. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Defence the nature of refurbishment works that were carried out at Defence Forces Equitation School in the years of 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and to list the works that are scheduled to commence at the Equitation School during the second half of this year. [34584/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the following works are being carried out at the Equitation School and Stables at McKee Barracks which are due to be completed in the coming weeks:
|
Year of Commencement |
Project |
Cost incl. VAT |
|
2025 |
Refurbishment of Stable Blocks 1, 2 and 3 |
€1,228,082.84 |
The Deputy may also wish to note that my Department also allocates funding each year to the Defence Forces for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of its building stock. This year a devolved budget of €13.5 million was assigned by my Department to the Defence Forces for these tasks. The individual prioritisation of specific projects to be carried out is solely a matter for the Defence Forces in keeping with the delegated nature of this budget.
303. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Defence if she will provide a list of all capital projects, including Defence Forces infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of her Department which have been completed on time and within budget in Cork North-West in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34722/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOngoing investment in and delivery of the Defence Forces Infrastructural programme enhances capability, personnel and organisational outcomes and has delivered positive benefits to military installations throughout the country. A number of important ongoing infrastructural projects set to progress significantly in the coming years.
The capital expenditure for building works in military installations and barracks across the country for the last five years was some €170 million.
This year the capital allocation stands at €69.5 million for capital investment.
I can advise the Deputy that the following capital projects were completed in the last five years within budget in Cork North-West:
|
Year |
Project Name |
Cost incl. VAT |
|
2025 |
Collins Barracks - Upgrade of Ablutions Block 15 and 16 |
€477,059.79 |
|
2024 |
Collins Barracks, New Accommodation Block |
€4,490,714.15 |
|
2023 |
Collins Barracks, I&U Collins Buildings, Cork |
€913,029.23 |
|
2022 |
Kilworth NDA Range |
€372,351.32 |
|
2021 |
Collins Barracks Personnel Support Services Resources Centre, Camp Field |
€368,120.23 |
In addition, my Department also allocates funding each year to the Defence Forces for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of its building stock. This year a devolved budget of €13.5 million was assigned by my Department to the Defence Forces for these tasks. The individual prioritisation of specific projects to be carried out is solely a matter for the Defence Forces in keeping with the delegated nature of this budget.
304. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Defence if she will provide a list of all capital projects, including Defence Forces infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of her Departments which have been completed on time and within budget in Kildare in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35012/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOngoing investment in and delivery of the Defence Forces Infrastructural programme enhances capability, personnel and organisational outcomes and has delivered positive benefits to military installations throughout the country. A number of important ongoing infrastructural projects set to progress significantly in the coming years.
The capital expenditure for building works in military installations and barracks across the country for the last five years was some €170 million.
This year the capital allocation stands at €69.5 million for capital investment. The information sought by the Deputy is as follows:
|
Year |
Project Name |
Cost incl. VAT |
|
2025 |
DFTC, Transport Body Workshop and Ancillary Offices Electrical Upgrade |
€745,268.67 |
|
2025 |
DFTC, ARW Training Centre Roofing (Old Cinema) |
€440,214.29 |
|
2025 |
DFTC, New CIS Workshop Facility |
€8,783,510.76 |
|
2024 |
DFTC Garaging X 2 |
€4,133,275.32 |
|
2023 |
DFTC Cadet School Headquarters |
€4,741,282.89 |
|
2023 |
DFTC Engineers Logistics Office |
€583,436.69 |
|
2022 |
DFTC, Engineer Storage Facility |
€791,222.30 |
|
2021 |
DFTC, Provision of a new Electric Target Range |
€1,218,556.90 |
In addition, my Department also allocates funding each year to the Defence Forces for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of its building stock. This year a devolved budget of €13.5 million was assigned by my Department to the Defence Forces for these tasks. The individual prioritisation of specific projects to be carried out is solely a matter for the Defence Forces in keeping with the delegated nature of this budget.
305. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Defence her views on the refusal of a SUSI grant for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35039/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) grant scheme, including its terms, conditions and eligibility criteria, rests with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Neither the Department of Defence nor the Defence Forces has any role in the administration of the SUSI grant.
The Department does not comment on individual cases. Where requested, a comprehensive confirmation of the part-time and volunteer status of the Reserve Defence Force is provided. Such a confirmation has been provided to this individual for submission with his application.
306. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the basis on which the current levy arising from public expenditure overruns is being calculated and applied to her Department’s Vote; whether any categories of expenditure, including pay, pensions or staffing-related costs, are exempt from the levy within her Department; and if she will provide a breakdown of the areas against which the levy is being applied [35077/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs recently advised by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPEIPSRD), a levy will apply to current expenditure in the Defence Vote Group in 2027. This arises from a need to moderate expenditure growth across other Departments and reprioritise additional investment from within agreed fiscal frameworks towards the Education sector.
The overall approach to the levy has been determined at whole-of-Government level, with its distribution designed to protect certain priority areas of expenditure. In this context, particular categories of expenditure within the Defence Vote Group, namely pensions and capital expenditure are exempted.
My Department is required to develop and submit its efficiency and reform proposals to the DPEIPSRD by 17 July to meet its levy requirement, with these proposals forming a key element of forthcoming Budget 2027 engagements. In line with the deadlines specified, work is now ongoing within my Department to consider all available options.
As this process has not yet been concluded, it is not possible at this stage to provide a definitive breakdown of the specific areas against which the levy will be applied on the Defence Vote.
307. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to address issues raised in correspondence (details supplied); his plans to tackle rising energy costs in a substantial way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34289/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 12 April, Government agreed a new package of measures on fuel costs and to support the transport, farming and fisheries sectors. Those measures followed significant engagement with industry representatives and are in addition to the previously allocated €250 million in targeted supports to assist those experiencing real and immediate financial pressure.
Those measures include:
• A reduction to excise on diesel by a further 10 cent (VAT inclusive), bringing the total reduction on diesel to 32 cent (VAT inclusive);
• A reduction to excise on petrol by a further 10 cent (VAT inclusive), bringing the total reduction on petrol to 27 cent (VAT inclusive);
• A reduction to excise on marked gas oil (green diesel) by a further 2.4 cent (VAT inclusive), bringing the total reduction on green diesel to 7.4 cent (VAT inclusive).
These overall reductions include the already announced NORA levy reduction. Government deferred the planned increase in carbon tax, scheduled for May 1st, until the Budget. This will impact green diesel and non-propellant fuels such as kerosene heating oil, natural gas and solid fuels.
Furthermore, my Department is preparing direct supports for hauliers impacted by the recent rise in the cost of diesel.
The Road Transporters Support Scheme (RTSS) is a package of supports primarily directed at the road transport sector given its importance to the wider supply chain, businesses and communities throughout Ireland. The scheme was brought to Cabinet on Tuesday, 28 April and details of the scheme were announced at a press conference on Wednesday, 29 April. The RTSS will be administered by my Department.
The RTSS will be backdated to 01 March 2026 to each qualifying haulage or coach operator. The Scheme will remain in place for three months. Payments will be made for April and May if the national average price of diesel exceeds €1.90 per litre in either month, as measured by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
The RTSS will be available to both licensed road haulage operators and the own account sector, in respect of certain heavy goods vehicles (over 3,500kg in laden weight) where the vehicle is used in the haulage business (the carriage of goods by road).
All applicants must meet the following conditions as of 01 March 2026:
Be the holder of a road haulage operator licence issued by my Department; or
Where the applicant is not normally required to hold a road haulage operator licence, an operator whose normal commercial activity relates to the carriage of goods by road; or
Be the holder of a passenger operator licence issued by my Department.
In all cases, payments will only be made to operators where the vehicle for which they seek support is registered on the Department's National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) database, with motor tax paid and with a valid Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Testing (CVRT) certificate.
My Department is developing an electronic application and processing system to facilitate payments under the RTSS. The Scheme will open for applications shortly and payments will be backdated to 01 March 2026. Further details will be announced as soon as possible.
308. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the absence of a cost-of-living increase for Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) pensioners; the reason such an increase has not been provided; if any proposals to address this issue are under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35166/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra390. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport if a date has been set for when the increase in payment for those in receipt of the pre-1951 CIÉ employees’ pension scheme will be paid; if this increase will be backdated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34838/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra412. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to provide a detailed progress report on the 2025 pension increases for CIÉ pensioners, (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35035/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 308, 390 and 412 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. As a commercial semi-state body, Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) are responsible for the provision of pension schemes for their employees.
Following on from the constructive and collaborative approach of the Trade Union Group and CIÉ management in reaching agreement on a pathway forward as of May 2025, my Department, alongside our financial and commercial advisors NewERA, are currently engaging with all relevant stakeholders. This includes CIÉ, the Pensions Authority and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation on the next steps in progressing the agreement and bringing CIÉ pensions onto a more stable footing for the benefit of active, and retired scheme members, including review of the relevant statutory instruments and the matter of increases to pension payments.
My Department and all relevant stakeholders are endeavouring to achieve the same at the earliest, keeping in line with the appropriate procedures, compliance with all applicable requirements, and necessary approvals as part of the formal process, which is now well underway.
Given their responsibility in this matter, I have therefore referred the Deputy's questions to CIÉ for further information. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
309. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the reason for the disparity in pension entitlements between CIÉ office/administrative grades and workers/craft grades; the measures in place to ensure equity between these cohorts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35340/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. As a commercial semi-state body, Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) are responsible for the provision of pension schemes for their employees.
Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's questions to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
310. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Transport the current up-to-date position regarding the Clongriffin to city centre core bus corridor scheme; and when will this project progress to the next stage of works [33979/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the BusConnects Dublin programme.
In light of the above, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
Pending this more detailed response, I note that BusConnects is a transformative investment programme in the bus system, providing better bus services across Dublin, Cork, Limerick Galway and Waterford. In Dublin, all 12 Core Bus Corridor Schemes have received planning permission with six subject to legal challenges. Contracts have been awarded to both the Liffey Valley to the City Centre and Ballymun-Finglas to the City Centre schemes, with those two schemes to enter heavy construction by the end of the year.
The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan has allocated funding to the NTA to progress BusConnects in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford. The NTA will publish a more detailed plan later this year setting out the elements of the programme to be advanced within available funding.
311. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to increase capacity on routes through the Clonburris and Adamstown area for both bus and train routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33996/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. As Minister for Transport I continue to engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards on all forms of public transport.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
312. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport whether a commitment can be given to ensure that a timeline be provided for increased capacity on routes through Clonburris and Adamstown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33997/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. As Minister for Transport I continue to engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards on all forms of public transport.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
313. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the current capacity issues surrounding the train lines and bus routes through Clonburris and Adamstown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33998/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. As Minister for Transport I continue to engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards on all forms of public transport.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
314. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport if there have been discussions between his Department and Transport Infrastructure Ireland in relation to the capacity issues on public transport in Clonburris and Adamstown; the progress made towards providing a solution for the residents in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33999/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. As Minister for Transport I continue to engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards on all forms of public transport.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
315. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport for an update on a fuel package; if he is considering the inclusion of the taxi and hackney sector on the fuel package given the essential service they provide and the difficulties being encountered with increased fuel costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34001/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
In response to the increase in fuel prices, the Government has introduced temporary and targeted measures to reduce fuel prices for households and businesses nationwide, with additional supports for key sectors of the Irish economy. A new package of measures on fuel costs was announced on 12 April, in addition to the previously allocated €250 million in targeted supports that included a reduction in the rate of Mineral Oil Tax applying to petrol and auto diesel, and a reduction in Marked Gas Oil. These measures include:
• A reduction in excise on diesel by 10 cent (VAT inclusive), bringing the total reduction on diesel to 32 cent (VAT inclusive), following ongoing engagement with the European Commission.
• A reduction in excise on petrol by 10 cent (VAT inclusive), brining the total reduction on petrol to 27 cent (VAT inclusive).
• The planned increase in carbon tax, that was scheduled for 1 May 2026, will be deferred until October 2026.
The Government is approaching the rise in energy prices from a position of relative economic strength, having conserved the necessary fiscal space to respond as needed to external shocks. The measures taken will allow Government to support those most exposed, whilst maintaining the capacity for further interventions if needed, in the context of a volatile and evolving international situation.
316. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No.199 of 16 April 2026, regarding Ireland's current position (details supplied); whether he has articulated this position either internally with Irish officials or with European counterparts; if so, if he will provide details of what was articulated and through which medium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34010/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the concerns raised by car rental fleet operators regarding the Clean Corporate Vehicles proposal. We engage regularly with representatives from this sector and have met with them several times over the past year, including discussions specifically on this proposal.
It should be noted that the measure remains at proposal stage, with negotiations currently underway at EU level. The Regulation will not be finalised until such time as an agreement is reached between the Council and the European Parliament. This process is expected to run through 2026, which intersects with Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU.
317. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport the amount of public money that has been spent to date on the Cork to Kinsale Greenway, including consultancy, planning, legal and administrative costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34037/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. I note that Cork County Council have been allocated €1,875,000 in 2026.
Under the Roads Act 1993, the planning, design, and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question, on this occasion, to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
318. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if a driving test will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34038/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, including all testing and scheduling matters. Neither I nor my Department hold information on, nor have the have the power to intervene in, individual cases
I understand that the Deputy has engaged with the RSA in relation to this matter and received a direct reply on 5 May.
