Written Answers Nos. 501-522
501. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if there is any progress on the development of a licensing system for saunas at beaches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33988/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Casual Trading Act 1995 (CTA), provides for a control and regulatory system for trading in public. The implementation of the CTA lies with Local Authorities. The Act empowers Local Authorities to grant casual trading licences and make bye-laws as they require on the control, regulation and administration of casual trading in its own functional area.
There is currently no specific national licensing system for the operation of saunas at beaches. A range of existing legislative provisions may apply depending on the individual circumstances, including planning, environmental health, and local authority bye-laws. Neither I as Minister nor my Department have a role in the day-to-day administration of casual trading licences.
My Department has previously examined broader issues relating to trading in public spaces through its review of the Casual Trading Act 1995 and the Occasional Trading Act 1979, which included a public consultation. This work was completed before COVID-19 and, as such, pre-dates possible changes in consumer behaviour and the emergence of new service-based activities, like saunas.
Given this passage of time, in addition to competing work priorities which have to-date included the introduction of a large swathe of consumer protection legislation and indeed Ireland’s forthcoming Chair of the EU Presidency, my Department will in due course consider the current position to determine if any changes are required to the Casual Trading Act.
502. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he has examined the CCPC report which highlighted knowledge gaps, financial pressures and delays in conveyancing as ongoing issues for homebuyers and sellers in Ireland; and the actions he proposes to take on foot of this examination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33993/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the report commissioned by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), published in February, which examines the experiences of homebuyers and sellers and identifies a number of ongoing challenges, including knowledge gaps, financial pressures and delays in conveyancing. The report underscores the CCPC’s work in advocating for home buyers in Ireland.
The report represents a valuable contribution to the evidence base in this area. It highlights the complexity of the housing transaction process and points to a range of factors influencing consumer behaviour, including the impact of different bidding systems, information asymmetries, disconnect between beliefs and behaviours, and transactional stress.
In particular, the report notes that knowledge of rights and responsibilities among buyers and sellers can be limited, and that delays in conveyancing and unexpected costs are commonly experienced. The report also highlights the importance of improved information provision for homebuyers, noting in particular that first-time buyers are significantly more likely to experience stressors compared to those who have previously gone through the process.
In this context, the work of the CCPC is particularly relevant, as it provides practical supports to help address these information gaps. This includes a step-by-step homebuyer’s guide, available on its website, which sets out the key stages of purchasing a property and is designed to assist consumers in navigating what can be a complex and stressful process.
The report also draws attention to behavioural factors that can influence decision-making in the housing market, including the effects of competitive bidding environments and the role of transparency and information in shaping outcomes.
Consumer protections apply to elements of property transactions under the Consumer Protection Act 2007, which include prohibitions on misleading or unfair commercial practices.
The Government recognises the importance of an efficient, transparent, and competitive conveyancing system, particularly in the context of supporting the broader housing market.
503. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will provide a list of all capital projects and programmes including those delivered through IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Fáilte Ireland which have been completed on time and within budget in Fingal in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34055/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has not been possible to compile the requested information from the relevant State Agencies in the time available. The requested information will be forwarded directly to the Deputy once compiled.
504. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will provide a list of all capital projects and programmes including those delivered through IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Fáilte Ireland which have been completed on time and within budget in Longford in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34084/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has not been possible to compile the requested information from the relevant State Agencies in the time available. The requested information will be forwarded directly to the Deputy once compiled.
505. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the supports currently available to tourism businesses experiencing sharp increases in fuel costs; whether marine tourism operators, including boat tour providers operating in rural and coastal areas, are eligible for assistance under the Government's fuel support schemes; if he has given consideration to the introduction of targeted measures for fuel dependent tourism businesses excluded from existing schemes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34110/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises the significant challenges facing enterprises arising from current global energy supply pressures. In response, a comprehensive fuel support package was announced on 12 April, under which targeted measures have been put in place to assist businesses. In addition, over recent years the Government has implemented a broad range of measures to reduce exposure to fossil fuel price volatility through improved energy efficiency, fuel switching and the acceleration of the transition to low-carbon, indigenous energy sources. These measures are designed to mitigate cost pressures across the economy while ensuring the sustainable and responsible use of public resources.
I am aware that increases in fuel costs may present particular challenges for certain tourism-related operators, including marine tourism operators. The Government, through my Department and its agencies, supports the tourism sector through the implementation of A New Era for Irish Tourism – the National Tourism Policy Statement. This policy places a strong emphasis on supporting tourism SMEs, extending the tourism season, and promoting balanced regional development. Both Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland play a central role in delivering this policy on the ground.
In response to recent increases in fuel and energy costs affecting tourism businesses, Fáilte Ireland has put in place a range of practical and immediate supports aimed at helping businesses protect margins and manage rising operating costs. While more structured initiatives, such as Fáilte Ireland’s Climate Action Programme, are designed to operate over a longer timeframe, these supports are informed by the learnings from that programme and focuses on enabling businesses to take practical, short-term actions to improve energy efficiency and achieve fuel savings. This approach allows businesses to realise financial benefits more quickly.
In addition, the Programme for Government sets out an ambitious framework for strengthening and enhancing the tourism sector nationwide. In this context, I secured additional funding in Budget 2026 for Fáilte Ireland to further its work on balanced regional development and domestic marketing.
Government has agreed to establish a support scheme for the road transport sector in response to the recent fuel costs increases. The scheme will support both licenced and own account hauliers, as well as licenced passenger operators, subject to eligibility requirements. It is also being considered whether non-subsidised ferry services to the offshore islands could be supported through a similar mechanism. In this context, my Department, in conjunction with colleagues across Government, including the Department of Transport and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, will continue to keep cost pressures facing affected businesses under review, in line with overall policy objectives and budgetary frameworks.
506. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment regarding short-term lets legislation, the impact it will have on the remaining tourist accommodation stock, given that County Kerry is heavily reliant on the tourism sector for the local economy, that tourist accommodation is key to its success, and that according to Failte Ireland, self catering has accounted for 40% of tourist accommodation in Ireland; if he has any concerns that in County Kerry, a substantial number of holiday homes are already used for Government contracts and long-term rental contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34173/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra508. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to urgently review the short term lets legislation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34242/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra509. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when he will be introducing the Short -Term Lets and Tourism Bill 2025; if the National Short Term Lets Register will be in place on 20 May 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34269/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 506, 508 and 509 together.
In April of last year, I obtained Government approval for the General Scheme of the Short-Term Letting and Tourism (STLT) Bill. Once enacted, this Bill will provide a statutory framework for regulating the short-term letting (STL) sector, including the establishment of a national register.
The new Housing policy, proposed by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne T.D., and also approved by Government on 15 April 2025, proposes to generally preclude new planning permissions for STL in cities and larger towns. Further to this, on 9 February last, the Cabinet Committee on Housing proposed to apply this to towns and cities with populations over 20,000 persons at the latest census.
This agreement provided that, following the introduction of the STL register
• Accommodation providers based in towns with a population of 20,000 or less at the last census based on the census town boundaries defined by CSO will have two years to meet planning compliance requirements.
• Accommodation providers based in towns with a population of more than 20,000 at the last census will need to confirm planning compliance on registration with no further lead-in period if they wish to register with Failte Ireland.
• Existing rights will be recognised, allowing properties used for short-term letting for at least seven years without enforcement action to be eligible for registration.
• It will still be possible to sub-let an entire principal private residence on a short-term basis for a cumulative period of 90 days. Where the 90-day threshold is exceeded, planning permission for a change of use is required.
These policies are part of a broader Government strategy to tackle the housing shortage by ensuring that as many suitable properties as possible are available for long-term rental.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is drafting a National Planning Statement under the Planning and Development Act 2024. This will provide a clear overall policy approach both at national and local authority level to enable planning authorities to determine planning applications for short-term lets across the country.
Failte Ireland estimates that approximately 34,020 STL properties were advertised online in the State in October 2025 based on screen-scraped data from four major booking platforms. Up to 64% were listed as entire houses or apartments. This represents a 26% increase from an estimated 26,960 units in October 2022. In Kerry around 3,910 STL units were listed in October 2025, of which, 70% were advertised as entire properties. This represents a 10.4% increase from an estimated 3,540 listed in October 2022.
The national STL register to be implemented and managed by Failte Ireland will provide full oversight of the short term letting sector and will commence following the enactment of the necessary legislation.
Fáilte Ireland currently maintains tourist accommodation registers under the Tourist Traffic Acts and the National Quality Assurance Framework (NQAF). These registers currently record 227,192 tourism bedplaces nationally, including 22,707 in Kerry, demonstrating the scale of the industry and it's capacity.
In parallel, Fáilte Ireland has developed a Tourist Accommodation Capacity and Pipeline Monitor. This strategic tool tracks existing capacity and monitors development projects as they progress through planning, construction and delivery. The monitor supports early identification of supply pressures, provides insight into regional and sectoral trends, and supports evidence-based decision making by policymakers and industry stakeholders.
Based on Q3 2025 data, the pipeline monitor forecasts that 12,750 new bedplaces under construction will be delivered nationally across 2026 and 2027. In addition, planning permission has been granted for a further 37,550 bedplaces. The monitor will be refreshed with Q1 2026 data early this summer.
In recent years, the use of tourist bedstock has been a feature of State provision of accommodation for humanitarian purposes. However, this use has been reducing since 2023, with significant numbers of bedplaces being returned to their former or private use. Changes in government policy and approach from March 2024 in particular, plus a steady increase in new tourist bedstock coming into the sector, have significantly improved the current position of accommodation capacity and availability for tourism in Ireland.
The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration manages a comprehensive accommodation strategy for people seeking international protection. The most recent Fáilte Ireland analysis (December 2025) of data provided by that Department(at 6 month intervals), indicates that the percentage of bedplaces in registered tourism properties, in use for humanitarian purposes, has reduced nationally from 13% in May 2023 to 5% in November, 2025. The relevant figures for Kerry are 11% in May 2023 reduced to 4% in November, 2025.
There has been a significant shift in the data for all counties, and the sector is benefiting from this increased availability of capacity for tourism use. Governments expectation is that the position will continue to improve incrementally over time, barring any further external shocks. Fáilte Ireland analysis of data harvested this month will be available in June and will be published on www.failteireland.ie.
507. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the funding options available to celebrate in Portmagee the 100th Anniversary of the Spirit of St. Louis, Charles Lindbergh and the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34240/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy and implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland.
€623,250 in funding is being made available to 31 local authorities under the 2026 Regional Festivals Fund, this Fund is implemented by Fáilte Ireland and will support approximately 250 festivals across the country. The 2026 Regional Festivals Fund allocation represents an increase on 2025 levels, ensuring that every local authority now receives a minimum of €10,000 to support local festival activity. In addition, a further €310,000 in funding is available to local authorities in 2026 specifically to support food festivals, and strengthen Ireland’s evolving culinary tourism offering.
I understand that the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport has also previously made funding available to local authorities for the development of community-led commemorative programming. Through this allocation local communities have been supported as they identify and decide how to mark significant historical local events and personalities.
As such, groups wishing to seek funding support for local festivals or events such as the one mentioned, should contact their local authority in the first instance.
510. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the position regarding any mechanism in place within his 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; his views on the merits of such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34421/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises the importance of encouraging Irish civil servants to work within and develop a deep understanding of the EU institutions, so as to strengthen Ireland’s capacity to influence European policy development.
Circular 27/2021, the Secondment Policy for the Civil Service, provides for temporary secondments of civil servants to a range of bodies, including European Union institutions and international organisations. Such arrangements are temporary in nature, typically for periods of between two and four years, and are designed to facilitate the development of skills and experience while maintaining a link with the Irish Civil Service.
The Circular supports mobility and participation in EU institutions, including through Seconded National Expert (SNE) arrangements. Pension and related employment matters are considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the terms of the secondment and the relevant superannuation provisions.
The Government’s wider policy approach, as set out in the “A Career for EU” strategy, encourages Irish citizens and civil servants to pursue career opportunities within EU institutions, while recognising such appointments as separate career paths rather than permanent transfers within the Irish Civil Service framework.
Accordingly, while temporary secondment arrangements are supported and facilitated, there is currently no provision for a permanent transfer to an EU institution with full continuity of Irish Civil Service employment and pension rights.
511. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the estimated number of construction, engineering, electrical, maintenance and long-term operational jobs supported by large-scale renewable energy, grid infrastructure and data centre-related investment projects in the State for each year from 2021 to date in 2026, in tabular form. [34488/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnergy infrastructure projects of the nature set out by the deputy are carried out by bodies and agencies under the remit of other departments, including the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, and accordingly my Department does not hold information with respect to the corresponding number of jobs supported.
However, the Programme for Government 2025 recognised the central role data centres play in contributing to economic growth and the enterprise economy. A study is underway in my Department which when published will outline the value of data centres to Ireland, including it's contribution to employment, and my officials will follow up with the study as soon as it is available.
512. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide a list of capital works projects funded by his Department that also received EU funding in the years of 2025, 2026; and the amount of EU funding received per project if known per year. in tabular form. [34582/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is currently being collated by my Department and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as it is finalised.
513. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the current status and anticipated publication timeline for the Roadmap for the Decarbonisation of Commercial Buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34636/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development of the decarbonisation of commercial buildings roadmap is well progressed. The Commercial Built Environment Decarbonisation Working Group, which sits under the Heat and Built Environment Taskforce (HBET), has already begun implementation of some of the measures to be set out in the roadmap, including actions to support businesses to become more energy efficient and retrofit their buildings.
The Government is already providing support for commercial building retrofitting through the SEAI’s Business Energy Upgrade Scheme (BEUS), which provides rapid approval grants of up to €450,000 per project for a range of common building upgrade measures including pumps, solar thermal, automatic controls, heat pumps, ventilation and walls. In 2025, 186 grants were approved under the Scheme, with funding of €3.36 million.
I would encourage all businesses looking to reduce energy costs to engage with this very accessible financial support and the other supports provided by the Local Enterprise Office and Enterprise Ireland. For information on the full range of supports, the National Enterprise Hub.gov.ie. is a free service that brings together the funding, advice and training offered across Government in one place.
514. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will provide an update on the public consultation on the Irish Furniture Fire Regulations; the timeline for publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34704/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Furniture Fire Regulations (S.I. No. 316/1995), together with Irish Standard I.S. 419:2011, apply to domestic upholstered furniture and are performance-based. They do not prescribe the use of specific chemicals, but instead require furniture to meet flammability standards, including resistance to ignition from sources such as cigarettes and small open flames.
When these regulations were introduced, fires involving upholstered furniture were a significant cause of domestic fire deaths, in a context of higher smoking rates and lower levels of smoke alarm use. Since then, there have been important changes, including improvements in fire safety awareness, reduced smoking prevalence, increased smoke alarm coverage, and emerging scientific evidence regarding the health and environmental impacts of certain flame retardants. These developments prompted my Department to review the continued appropriateness and proportionality of the current regulations.
Accordingly, a formal review was commenced and included a public consultation. The consultation considered two broad options: retaining the existing regulations, or repealing them and aligning Ireland’s approach with the EU General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988. The review has also taken account of updated findings published by the European Chemicals Agency in December 2024 regarding potential risks associated with certain flame retardants.
The review is now at an advanced stage. The outcome of the consultation will be published shortly.
515. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will provide a list of all capital projects and programmes including those delivered through IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Fáilte Ireland 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 he will make a statement on the matter. [34727/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt has not been possible to compile the requested information from the relevant State Agencies in the time available. The requested information will be forwarded directly to the Deputy once compiled.
516. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has engaged with the Departments of Transport and Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding the support gap affecting own account transport operators in the agricultural supply chain; the measures being considered to address the financial pressures on these businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34913/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises that the cost of doing business has been a significant issue for firms in recent years, driven by wider inflationary pressures, particularly energy costs. The Government continues to actively monitor cost developments across all sectors of the economy including agriculture.
The Government is conscious of the pressures this energy market volatility is placing on various businesses. Over March and April, the Government introduced a substantial package of fuel supports, including measures such as reductions in fuel duties and targeted supports for sectors like transport, agriculture and fisheries, aimed at easing cost pressures and mitigating the impact of rising fuel prices on the wider economy. In addition to the NORA levy reduction, these measures include (VAT inclusive) excise changes, that bring total reductions:
• To 32 cent on diesel (VAT inclusive);
• To 27 cent on petrol (VAT inclusive);
• To 7.4 cent on green diesel.
In addition, Government is deferring 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. Apart from excise, additional measures include:
• An increase in the maximum repayment allowable under the Diesel Rebate Scheme, from 7.5 cent up to 12 cent per litre of diesel;
• An extension of the fuel allowance season by an additional four weeks;
• Establishment of a new Road Transporters Support Scheme (RTSS), to support the haulage and coach sector; and,
• A comprehensive €100 million Fuel Subsidy Support Scheme to assist farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers facing unprecedented increases in fuel costs.
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). Licensed road passenger operators, subject to certain criteria, may also be eligible for support under the RTSS.
Support for operators of TFI Local Link Services will be available through the National Transport Authority (NTA), while support for school transport services will be facilitated by the Department of Education and Youth (DEY). Passenger service operators that do not fall under the scope of supports provided by the National Transport Authority (NTA) or Department of Education and Youth (DEY) may be eligible for support under the Road Transport Support Scheme (RTSS). Applications for support will be considered on a case-by-case basis. This will be necessary given the complexity of most passenger service providers business models where the same operator may provide services under local link services, school transport services, and on a commercial basis.
As payments will be backdated to 01 March 2026, all applicants must meet the following conditions as of that date:
be the holder of a road haulage operator licence issued by the Department of Transport; 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 the Department of Transport.
In all cases, payments will only be made to operators where the vehicle for which they seek support is registered on the Department of Transport's National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) database, with motor tax paid and with a valid Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Testing (CVRT) certificate will be eligible for support under this scheme.
The Department of Transport is developing an electronic application and processing system to facilitate payments under the RTSS. The scheme will open for applications in the coming weeks and payments will be backdated to 01 March 2026. Further details will be announced as soon as possible.
The supports outlined above demonstrate a responsive and targeted policy approach to addressing acute cost pressures while supporting broader economic stability. We also recognise the importance of reducing Ireland's exposure to such shocks. This underlines the need to accelerate the transition towards greater energy independence. Significant investment is being made in renewable energy, electricity grid infrastructure, and energy efficiency, with reducing reliance on fossil fuels central to improving resilience against current and future energy price shocks.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers a suite of supports aimed at reducing energy demand and costs. Through the “Easy Wins” campaign, businesses are being encouraged to adopt practical, low-cost measures with rapid payback, including energy management training and energy audits. Financial supports are available through Rapid Approval Grants, such as the Business Energy Upgrade Scheme and the Non-Domestic Microgeneration Grant, as well as Tailored Support Grants including the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat, the Community Energy Grant, and supports for excellence in energy-efficient design.
More broadly, the Government is addressing business costs through the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, published in September 2025, which sets out 85 actions across six themes to strengthen national competitiveness.
My Department will continue to engage with the Departments of Transport and Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and we will continue to monitor developments in the business environment and in particular, developments in energy market volatility and how that affects business costs in considering any future action.
517. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his views on the merits of progressing the Industrial Relations (Provisions in Respect of Pension Entitlements of Retired Workers) Bill 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34998/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra518. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the position regarding any assessment carried out by his Industrial Relations (Provisions in Respect of Pension Entitlements of Retired Workers) Bill 2021 with a view to progressing the substantive aims of this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34999/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 517 and 518 together.
The purpose of the Industrial Relations (Provisions in Respect of Pension Entitlements of Retired Workers) Bill 2021 would be to amend and extend certain rights and protections to retired persons and representative associations in the context of industrial relations and trade disputes. Specifically, it proposes amendments to the Trade Union Acts 1871 to 1990, the Industrial Relations Acts 1946 to 2019, and the Pensions Act 1990. The Bill seeks to enhance the representation of retired workers in the administration of certain pension schemes and to address related matters.
Public Consultations were held by my Department on the Bill between March and April 2022. In assessing the Bill, the then Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment undertook pre-Committee Stage detailed scrutiny, including a public session, and noted that the Department conducted extensive public consultations on the proposals arising from this Bill. My Department's position was clearly articulated in a comprehensive briefing submitted to the Committee following its public scrutiny session held on 25 January 2023. In that regard, Government does not support the Private Members’ Bill in its current form. The proposed amendments are considered to fundamentally undermine the core principles of industrial relations, which are inherently based on the relationship between workers and their employers.
While the policy concerns raised by retired workers are acknowledged and understood, a detailed assessment has indicated that the Bill would give rise to significant legal, structural, operational and financial implications which Government cannot support. In particular, the proposals would have far-reaching consequences for the core architecture of the State’s industrial relations framework. In addition, the current legal structure provides adequate protection for retired workers, particularly concerning the potential reduction of benefits within funded defined benefit schemes. The measures outlined in the Bill could, moreover, severely undermine the existing dispute resolution bodies which are provided to retired workers to vindicate their rights including the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman.
Recently Government has agreed that a money message not be issued in respect of the Industrial Relations (Provisions in Respect of Pension Entitlements of Retired Workers) Bill 2021 and that Government oppose the Private Members’ Bill by way of a "reasoned response". This reasoned response has since been shared by my Department with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and to the sponsors of the Bill.
519. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will provide a list of all capital projects and programmes including those delivered through IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Fáilte Ireland which have been completed on time and within budget in Kildare in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35016/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra520. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the basis on which the current levy arising from public expenditure overruns is being calculated and applied to his Department’s Vote; whether any categories of expenditure, including pay, pensions or staffing-related costs, are exempt from the levy within his Department; and if he will provide a breakdown of the areas against which the levy is being applied. [35079/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that a levy of €8 million will apply to current expenditure in the Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Vote in 2027. Officials in my Department have begun the process of engaging with all Budget Officers to identify efficiency and reform opportunities to inform how the levy may be applied. All areas of current expenditure will be reviewed before a final decision is made.
The Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER) has confirmed that it is a matter for my Department to determine how the levy will be applied across its Vote and there is no explicit requirement to include or exclude salaries and pensions from the levy.
Officials in my Department will continue to work on identifying efficiency and reform proposals and will submit these to DPER by the 17 July deadline.
Responsibility for providing direction on the consistent application of the levy arising from departmental expenditure overruns across Government Departments rests with DPER.
521. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will clarify whether the provisions of the Consumer Protection (Gift Vouchers) Act 2019 apply to benefits such as complimentary green fees provided as part of a paid golf club membership package; whether it is permissible for such benefits to expire within a period of less than 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35130/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Consumer Protection (Gift Vouchers) Act 2019 applies to gift vouchers that are provided as a substitute for money and can be used to pay for goods or services. The Act is intended to protect consumers who pay money upfront for vouchers or credits that hold value over time and can later be exchanged for goods or services.
Complimentary green fees that are provided as part of a paid golf club membership are generally considered a benefit of membership, rather than a gift voucher, where they form part of a wider package of membership entitlements and are not issued as a separate voucher or credit that can be used independently.
The Act does not generally apply to contractual benefits that arise as part of a broader membership agreement, where the benefit is personal to the member, time-limited by the nature of the membership, and does not represent stored monetary value.
In those circumstances, the provisions of the Gift Vouchers Act, including the requirement for a minimum five-year expiry period, do not normally apply. It is therefore permissible for such membership benefits to be subject to time limits linked to the duration of the membership, including expiry periods of less than 12 months.
Where a benefit is provided as a separate gift voucher, rather than as part of a membership package, the Act applies and the expiry rules set out in the legislation must be followed.
522. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to outline Ireland’s current position at EU REACH Committee discussions concerning proposed restrictions on lead ammunition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35148/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra523. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide details of Ireland’s position and contributions at the three most recent meetings of the EU REACH Committee at which proposals relating to restrictions on lead ammunition were discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35149/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra524. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether the Government has assessed the proportion of licensed firearms in Ireland which would be unsuitable or unsafe for use with steel ammunition under proposed EU lead restrictions; if he will provide the findings of any such assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35150/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra525. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether his Department has engaged with representative organisations, farming bodies, clay pigeon shooting organisations and licensed firearms groups regarding proposed EU restrictions on lead ammunition; and if he will detail the engagement undertaken to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35190/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra526. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if the Government has assessed the proportion of licensed firearms in Ireland which would be unsuitable or unsafe for use with steel ammunition under proposed EU lead restrictions; to provide the findings of the assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35225/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 522, 523, 524, 525 and 526 together.
Restrictions made under the REACH Regulation are for the purpose of the protection of human health and the environment from exposure to harmful chemicals. Restrictions can range from outright bans to limits on specific uses. Restriction proposals are presented by the EU Commission based on scientific opinions prepared by the European Chemicals Agency.
Ireland is represented at the REACH Committee meetings for matters within the remit of my Department by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), an agency under the aegis of my Department. Where the policy remit is not within my Department, as in the case of the proposed restriction of lead ammunition for mainly hunting or sports shooting, officials from the lead policy department for that REACH Committee agenda item assist based on their remit and expertise to formulate the Ireland position, as well as attend and vote on behalf of Ireland.
The proposal for a restriction on lead in ammunition is primarily intended to protect wild birds in the environment as well as hunters and their families from the toxic effects of lead pollution from spent ammunition. These matters are not within my Department’s remit. As such, my officials have reached out to relevant bodies, namely the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment; the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; the National Parks and Wildlife Service; Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Justice. It is the responsibility of these bodies to establish the Irish position on this matter.
While my Department has met with stakeholders, the Irish position for this proposal can only be informed by the bodies with responsibility for hunting, firearms and the protection of wildlife. It would also be the responsibility of these bodies to carry out consultations and stakeholder engagement to assess the potential impact of the proposal on Ireland.
Officials in my Department continue to circulate to relevant Departments and Agencies material received for REACH Committee meetings where the agenda includes the draft restriction on lead in ammunition.
To date the drafts of the proposed restriction were discussed at the 2025 February, April, June and December and 2026 February and April confidential REACH Committee meetings. The draft agenda, draft measures to be voted upon and a summary record of the REACH Committee meetings are available to the general public online at [C34200 - Comitology Register].
Discussions on this matter are expected to continue at the June 2026 REACH Committee meeting and potentially for some time into the future until a draft proposal that is acceptable to the majority of EU Member States is arrived at. There has been no call for a Member State vote on the matter to date.
