Written Answers Nos. 3-16
4. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade 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 Galway in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35648/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has not had any capital projects in Galway over the past five years.
5. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline any development aid projects supported by Ireland that assist in building cyber resilience in other territories. [35682/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s international development policy, A Better World, recognises that while digital technologies provide powerful tools for inclusive development, they also create new vulnerabilities including cyber security threats. Developing countries’ institutions are often not adequately equipped to withstand cyber threats. Through our development cooperation, and guided by the National Cyber Security Strategy, we contribute to collective efforts to adapt to the pace and risks of global digital change.
Ireland has supported the participation of delegates from Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States in meetings of the United Nations' open-ended working group on Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs). Working through the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, Ireland's support has delegates to contribute fully in formal negotiations, on strengthening national cyber policy capacities while helping to ensure that emerging global cyber norms reflect the perspectives and needs of the most vulnerable states.
In Ukraine, Ireland has provided €500,000 to support measures to strengthen the Central Election Commission’s Information Technology infrastructure against cyber threats. This support includes funding for targeted technical engagements and upgrades which are essential for conducting future elections securely, safeguarding sensitive electoral data, and ensuring the continuous operation of core systems such as the voter registry.
6. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if passports will issue in time for a family's imminent travel date and the additional supporting documentation that was submitted (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35685/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act, 2008 (“the Act”). The Act provides a legal basis for the various policies and practices that are applied by the Passport Service in the issuing of passports.
To protect the integrity of the Irish passport, when processing a first time application the Passport Service must validate the identity of the applicant and confirm their entitlement to Irish citizenship. Section 8 of the Act provides for the processing of personal data by the Passport Service as required for the issuance of passports.
To comply with its obligations under data protection legislation, the Department will hold data that has been collected for the purposes of processing an application, only as long as there is a business need to do so, in line with the purposes for which the data was collected.
The Passport Service's Data Privacy Notice provides for data to be held by the Passport Service for 15 years after the date of issuance i.e. the validity of an adult's passport plus five years. After this time, the data is due for destruction and will be destroyed in line with internal guidelines and guidelines for destruction received from the National Archives. A minimum amount of personal data can be held beyond this period for the purpose of fraud prevention in order to maintain the integrity of the Passport Service system.
Therefore, if a renewal application is made more than 15 years after the issuance of a passport, the passport application is treated as a first time application and the applicant is requested to submit relevant supporting documentation.
With regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, supporting documents for these applications were received on 20 April 2026. The processing time for a first time passport application is 20 working days. These applications are within the turnaround time and have not yet reached their issue-by date.
7. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will review the passport application of a person (details supplied); if she will provide an update on the status of the application; if the application can be expedited given the urgency of the situation and the imminent travel date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35686/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the application has been approved.
8. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 204 of 12 June 2025, if he has discussed this issue with the CRU since the question was posed; to outline the content of those discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35386/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere have been no discussions with CRU on the matter raised in Question No. 204 of 12 June 2025.
9. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 239 of 10 June 2025, the amount of the revenue from the cap on market revenues that has been allocated and drawn down since this question was answered; and the reasons the remaining revenue has not been spent. [35387/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra10. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for a breakdown of how the revenue generated from the cap on market revenues has been allocated; the breakdown of the amount that has been spent; the breakdown of the amount that has yet to be allocated; the reason this revenue has not been allocated or spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35388/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 10 together.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 239 of 10 June 2025.
The Market Cap Fund was established by the Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Cap on Market Revenues) Act 2023. This Act implemented in Ireland EU Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1854 which sought to address windfall gains in the energy sector by collecting excess revenues from companies that had unexpectedly benefited from the high energy prices arising from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The legislation provides that the excess revenues be used to finance measures in support of final electricity consumers to mitigate the impact of high electricity prices and that measures to be considered for allocation from the fund be clearly defined, transparent, proportionate, targeted, non-discriminatory, verifiable and not counteract the obligation to reduce gross electricity demand.
To date, I have approved the allocation of up to €37m from the Market Cap Fund to the Non-Domestic Micro-generation Grant Scheme, of which €10m has been approved since 10 June 2025, to cover anticipated payments by SEAI under this scheme to the end of 2026. That scheme provides support to the SME and not-for-profit sectors to address energy costs and reduce emissions in their buildings and is open to businesses, public sector bodies, societies and charities. Disbursements to this scheme take place on a regular basis to enable SEAI make payments following completion of installation works by approved applicants. Total disbursements to SEAI to the end of April 2026 for this scheme were €14.805m.
The cash balance in the Market Cap Fund at the end of April 2026 was €178.6m.
I intend that the remaining balances in the Market Cap Fund will be fully deployed, in accordance with the applicable legislation, and subject to consent from the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitisation, to fund suitable measures to support electricity customers. This is expected to include a continuation of funding for the Non-Domestic Micro-generation Grant Scheme as well as consideration of funding for new measures to be brought forward in a new Energy Affordability Action Plan by the National Energy Affordability Taskforce.
11. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on progress on the 2025 Programme for Government commitment to 'explore funding models of the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme and the Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy which would reduce electricity bills for households and businesses'; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35438/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the Public Service Obligation (PSO) is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is an independent regulator, accountable to a Committee of the Oireachtas. Deputies can contact the CRU directly via email at oireachtas@cru.ie.
The PSO is a vital policy support for the development of renewable electricity to enable Ireland to reach energy and climate targets. The PSO protects consumers by supporting investments in renewable energy at predictable prices and reducing reliance on importing fossil fuels. It helps shield consumers from international price volatility.
The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) has been instrumental in providing a supportive policy environment for Ireland’s growing renewables sector since 2020. The scheme aligns closely with the work of the National Energy Affordability Taskforce through the range of consumer protection measures included in the auction design, including the two-way nature of the contract. This means that when market price is above the agreed strike price, the generator must pay back the difference to the PSO, which reduces the cost to consumers.
In this period of higher market prices, the projects contracted under RESS will be returning more savings for consumers through the PSO. The PSO is set annually by the CRU and applies to all electricity customers and can be a charge or a credit depending on wholesale prices. For 2025/26 the CRU has set the monthly PSO charge at €1.46 for domestic customers. In contrast, the PSO was negative in 2022/23, resulting in payments to customers, and set to zero for 2023/24.
Any consideration of changes to the PSO would need to deliver reductions in electricity bills for households and businesses, and ensure that there continues to be a stable investment framework for wind and solar renewable electricity projects so that that Ireland benefits in the long term from its indigenous renewable resources.
12. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Climate; Energy and the Environment if his Department is aware of the current cost of electricity in Ireland relative to other EU member states; the factors contributing to higher prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35463/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnergy affordability is a top priority for government, as evidenced by the Programme for Government commitments in this respect and by the ongoing emphasis on key work streams across the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and in other government departments.
Retail prices are influenced by several factors, including wholesale energy prices, system operation costs and supplier hedging. The latest data from Eurostat shows that, in nominal terms, Ireland ranked highest for electricity prices among European countries in the second half of 2025. When adjusting for purchasing power parity, in terms of energy affordability Ireland has the fifth highest electricity prices and eighth highest gas prices (below the EU average for gas) among European countries.
The Government is deeply aware and concerned about the pressures placed on households and businesses by high energy costs. We are taking action to help households and businesses with these costs. That is why, on 12 April, the Government agreed a €500 million package of fuel supports. This was in addition to the initial €250 million in targeted supports announced in March, which was already among the largest (per capita) intervention of any EU Member State. These packages were announced following significant recent engagement with industry representatives.
The initiatives were also in addition to the range of measures in Budget 2026 aimed at helping households with energy costs which included:
• an extension of the 9% VAT rate currently applied to gas and electricity, saving households up to €100 per year;
• enhanced social protection payments, including an increase to the Fuel Allowance rate to €38 per week and an expansion in the eligibility rules; and
• a record allocation of €640 million for the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland retrofit schemes.
The Government is also making crucial investments in renewable energy, in our electricity grid and, importantly, in energy efficiency. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East underlines, once again, why we must accelerate the deployment of renewables across all sectors, and continue to invest in our grid as well as in retrofitting of homes and businesses across the country.
A range of protections are in place for customers experiencing difficulties in paying their bills. Anyone who is struggling with their bill is strongly encouraged to engage with their supplier. Suppliers will not disconnect customers who engage with them. It is important to note that the Department of Social Protection can also provide support through the Additional Needs Payment to help households meet expenses, including those who face difficulties with fuel bills.
As Minister, I have engaged with the four biggest energy retailers in recent months to ensure that hardship funds and focused measures are in place for any customers who find themselves in difficulty.
Also as Minister, I have recently written to retail electricity and gas suppliers, as well as fuel suppliers, to emphasise the importance of reducing the exposure for Irish consumers from the price shocks that global uncertainty can create.
A cross-Government National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT) was established last June to identify and implement measures to enhance energy affordability for households and businesses. The first report of NEAT, published last November, helped to inform key aspects of Budget 2026. The NEAT is now working intensively to prepare an Energy Affordability Action Plan that will be completed in Q3 of this year.
As Minister, I will continue to engage with international and EU partners on an ongoing basis and voice the Government’s support for coordinated, EU-wide measures to address high energy prices.
13. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will provide a list of all capital projects, including energy and environmental infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of his Department, and bodies under their aegis, which have been completed on time and within budget in Galway in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35650/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, through its agencies and bodies under its aegis, works to deliver climate action, the transformation of our energy systems, the protection and resilience of our environment, and a resource–efficient economy. Capital funding provided by my Department, including through its agencies, supports the delivery of secure and sustainable supplies of energy, a robust system for the regulation of Ireland’s energy markets and infrastructure, and the protection of Ireland’s environment and reducing Ireland’s carbon emissions.
In this context, my Department does not have direct responsibility for the delivery of individual infrastructure projects, with the majority of its capital funding provided via grant programmes administered by agencies of the Department. Such grants are typically provided to recipients in accordance with strictly specified criteria, which avoids the possibility of budget overruns for the Department on individual grant awards.
During the period specified by the Deputy, my Department had responsibility for the National Broadband Plan (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/publications/national-broadband-plan/) which, following a 2025 transfer of functions, now falls within the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport.
The information requested in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency and as such the Deputy may wish to contact those agencies directly. Contact details are set out in the attached document for ease of reference.
14. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to comment on the landslide in Alaska that resulted in one of the largest ever tsunamis globally, the cause and impact on Ireland and Irish waters of such events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35683/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraGeological Survey Ireland (GSI), which is part of my Department, has responsibility in relation to tsunami risk in Ireland. They have studied the recent Alaskan event, which occurred due to a major landslide in a narrow "fjord type" bay, and advise that no similar situation arises in Ireland. Ireland's only fjord is Killary Harbour and it has no record of wave inducing landslides and the area has been mapped as part of the National Landslide Susceptibility Mapping programme by GSI.
Ireland is a member of the North East Atlantic and Mediterranean Tsunami warning System. The most likely scenario for a tsunami to occur in Ireland relates to an Atlantic earthquake or a repeat of the Lisbon 1755 event, which caused a minor tsunami in Ireland. Modelled results indicate that a tsunami event is unlikely to flood above the currently indicated 1:100 year event and therefore is adequately allowed for in current planning maps, developed under the OPW's National Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme.
In summary, tsunami is considered a low risk for Ireland based on present research and modelling and it is believed the current flood planning maps make adequate provision regarding planning.
15. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence for an update on the implementation of long-service increment recommendations contained within the Commission on the Defence Forces report; and the measures being taken to improve recruitment and retention within the Defence Forces. [35390/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission on Defence Forces (CoDF) Report recommended that Long Service Increments be introduced to the pay scales of all ranks of enlisted personnel. This recommendation was identified as requiring Further Evaluation by Government in July 2022.
The further evaluation of this CoDF recommendation has concluded. The outcome of the evaluation is that the introduction of long service increments for enlisted personnel can be considered through the local bargaining process provided for as part of the National Pay Agreements. Discussions are continuing with all the relevant stakeholders in that regard.
The retention of personnel is of great importance. I will continue to keep pay and conditions under review, to ensure that we continue to attract and retain high calibre personnel into the Defence Forces. Significant progress has been made on pay and conditions in recent years.
In October 2020, a newly qualified three-star Private could have expected to earn €29,326 gross per annum, on completion of his/her initial training.
Following the implementation of a number of other pay related Commission on Defence Forces recommendations, coupled with ongoing pay increases being applied as part of national pay agreements, at present a three-star Private, on completion of recruit training (which takes approximately 24 weeks), starts at:
• €42,465 in Year 1.
• €43,890 in Year 2.
• €45,204 in Year 3.
Equally, for the Officer cohort, a 2nd Lieutenant - entry rank for school leaver cadet on commissioning - was paid €37,664 in October 2020. As of 01 February 2026, they are now paid €46,359. After 2 years they are promoted to lieutenant and their pay rises to €51,748.
Where a graduate joins – the pay rate on commissioning begins at €51,748.
These rates all include pensionable military service allowance, which is an allowance that is paid to all ranks up to and including the rank of Colonel, for the unpredictable nature of work in the Defence Forces.
Other key changes introduced to broader conditions include the extension of private medical care to all personnel; increases to mandatory retirement ages and recruitment ages, a doubling of the Patrol Duty Allowance after 10 days at sea, the removal of the blanket exemption from the Organisation of the Working Time Act and the extension of a service commitment scheme for pilots in the Air Corps to their Air Traffic Control colleagues.
16. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence if she will provide an update on outstanding arrears owed to serving and retired members of the Army Ranger Wing and Defence Forces chefs relating to allowances and payments previously withheld; whether retired personnel will be included in any resolution process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35391/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for the question and wish to outline my Department’s position in relation to recommendations made by an Adjudicator under the Conciliation and Arbitration (C&A) Scheme concerning allowances affecting members of the Army Ranger Wing (ARW) and Defence Forces Chefs.
In respect of the ARW allowance, an adjudication process in 2010 recommended an increase in the allowance, backdated to 1 June 2006, with a further upward review in 2014 and periodic reviews thereafter. Implementation of retrospection was not possible, due to the operation of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) legislation between 2009 and 2015, which restricted the payment of pay increases and retrospection across the public service.
Following the conclusion of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018–2020, an offer was made to PDFORRA to implement a number of outstanding adjudications, including the ARW allowance, on a non-retrospective basis with effect from 1 October 2018. This offer was accepted in September 2019, without prejudice to the Association’s right to pursue legal proceedings on behalf of its members. Consequently, there is no sanction in place to pay arrears in respect of the period from 2006 to 2018, and no arrears remain outstanding.
More recently, the ARW allowance was referred to the Defence Sector Arbitration Board, which recommended in 2023 that the allowance be increased by €200 per month, together with an additional 5% increase, with effect from 1 October 2021. This recommendation was sanctioned by the then Minister for Defence and by the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in July 2023. The increase and the associated back pay to 1 October 2021 have been implemented.
Pay and allowance matters affecting Defence Forces Chefs were also addressed through the Conciliation and Arbitration, adjudication and sanction processes that apply across the Defence Forces. As with the ARW allowance, the payment of any arrears arising from historical agreements is subject to formal sanction and the terms under which such agreements were implemented. In line with long-standing practice across the public service, allowances and associated arrears apply to serving personnel only, unless specific sanction or agreement provides otherwise.
I fully recognise the contribution made by both current and former members of the Defence Forces, including those in highly specialised roles. While issues of morale and retention are multifaceted, my Department remains focused on improving pay, conditions and career structures for serving personnel. In this context, the ARW allowance has increased on a number of occasions in recent years and, following the most recent increase on 1 February 2026, now stands at €317.41 per week for post-2013 enlisted personnel, €304.36 per week for pre-2013 enlisted personnel, and €304.37 per week for officers. These measures are intended to support retention and reflect the demanding and specialist nature of these roles.
