Written Answers Nos. 300-320
300. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he plans to increase the maximum fine that local authorities can apply for dog fouling offences under the litter pollution Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36679/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Litter Pollution Act, 1997, the primary responsibility for management and enforcement responses to litter pollution, including dog fouling, lies with local authorities. It is a matter for each local authority to determine the most appropriate public awareness, enforcement, and clean-up actions in relation to litter taking account of local circumstances and priorities. Persons failing to clean up after their dog has fouled may be issued with a fixed payment notice of €150 or on summary conviction to a Class B fine.
In line with commitments given in the Programme for Government, I will shortly introduce legislation to allow for an increase in the fine for littering or dog fouling from €150 to €250, effective from 1st September 2026.
This increased penalty will send a clear message that such anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated, while reinforcing the importance of civic pride and shared responsibility within communities across the country.
301. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the CRU’s review of pricing in Ireland’s energy market; if the Government has received any updates from the CRU, whether through correspondence or in person meetings; the dates on which this correspondence was received and the dates on which the Minister has met the CRU to discuss this review; the dates on which Department officials met with the CRU to discuss the review; the dates on which the Minister requested information/an update from the CRU on the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36710/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 11 May 2026, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published the Interim Review on Competition Assessment and Retail Price Drivers in the Energy Markets. The review was carried out at my request, in order to meet a commitment in the Programme for Government. The review was prepared with input from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission on the competition assessment elements. The report will help to inform the work of the National Energy Affordability Taskforce.
The Review found that elevated energy prices in Ireland are being driven by a number of factors including wholesale costs, Ireland’s network architecture, network investment in support of a secure low carbon transition, and not by any underlying issues or failures in the competition model.
It provides a breakdown of each cost component that makes up a domestic tariff for electricity and natural gas customers. These components were tracked over time, illustrating their changing impact on customer bills.
The CRU assessed key indicators of competition in the energy retail market including barriers to market entry/exit, market share, market concentration, switching and renegotiation rates and margins.
The analysis found that retail prices follow wholesale market prices but with a time lag, stating that while hedging can provide greater certainty on retail prices and protect customers from immediate price shocks, it does not guarantee lower prices for customers, and any changes in wholesale market prices will eventually feed through to customer bills.
The interim report also found that competition in the Irish retail electricity and gas markets is working and is generating meaningful rivalry as:
• consumers can choose from a range of suppliers;
• switching rates of domestic consumers are high and above the EU average;
• margins do not indicate that suppliers are making excessive returns; and
• there is no evidence of significant barriers to entry.
Further work will follow in examining this area, with access to more granular data, including consideration of profitability in particular segments within the market.
Other findings include that switching rates are reasonably high, compare well to other European countries in the domestic electricity and gas sector, and that customers who engage in the market can secure significant savings. The switching rates for businesses did not compare as favourably and reasons for this lower level require further assessment.
At this point of the review process, data gathered to date from several suppliers indicates that margins remain relatively low and that supplier margins do not point to excessive profitability. Data shows that as costs and bills increased following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, supplier margins moved into negative territory, impacted by large increases in the costs of operating their business.
My officials engaged with the CRU on number of occasions in recent months to emphasise the importance of the review. Officials met with the CRU on 3 March 2026 and 30 April 2026 to discuss work carried out and progress on the review. My Department also received a number of emails during the process of developing the report. The CRU will now conduct further work over the coming months following which a final report will be published.
302. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he is aware of the recent fuel surcharge introduced by a company (details supplied) on customers; whether any oversight or regulatory approval is required before private waste operators impose additional surcharges on domestic consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36887/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCharges applied by waste collection companies are matters for those companies and their customers, subject to compliance with all applicable environmental and other relevant legislation, including contract, competition and consumer legislation. The Minister has no role in relation to pricing in a competitive market.
Waste Management is a statutory executive function of individual local authorities. Private waste collectors operate under a waste collection permit issued by the National Waste Collection Permit Office (NWCPO). These permits include a requirement that waste collection charging systems should incentivise customers to source segregate their waste, therefore the fees charged for the collection of the brown bin or mixed dry recyclables bin should be lower than the fees for the collection of the residual general waste bin. Under section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act, the Minister is precluded from exercising any power or control, in particular circumstance, over the statutory functions of a local authority.
The terms and conditions of individual waste collection contracts, including pricing plans for the provision of bins, are matters between the waste collection companies and their customers, subject to compliance with the terms of their NWCPO permit. All such permits can be viewed in full on: nwcpo.ie
303. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if Electric Ireland remains part of the solar PV scheme for medically vulnerable customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36919/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra304. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of homes that will benefit from the solar PV scheme for medically vulnerable customers in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36920/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 303 and 304 together.
The Solar PV for the Medically Vulnerable Scheme is a targeted scheme for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels for customers/households who are registered on the life support category of the Priority Services Register. These homes have a dependence on electrically powered equipment, including medical equipment, life protecting devices and assistive technologies such as dialysis machines and respirators. As such, these households may have a higher energy demand than the average user and this scheme is designed to go some way towards helping to reduce those energy costs.
Over 470 systems were installed last year with expenditure of €2.4 million. This year will see a major expansion of delivery with an allocation of €11.7 million to support over 1,900 homes.
The scheme is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in conjunction with energy suppliers, with each energy supplier contacting their own eligible customers directly, in line with the work plans for their solar PV installers. Eligible households can avail of a fully funded 2kWp solar PV system, including survey/design, supply, installation, and the post works BER. Electric Ireland remains one of the energy suppliers involved in the scheme.
It is important to note that suppliers, who manage the administrative aspects of the scheme under the SEAI, issue offers to eligible homeowners. Each participating supplier received an allocated amount of funding under their Memorandum of Understanding with the SEAI and contacts eligible households in batches, based on operational capacity. The administrative aspects of the scheme are a matter for the energy suppliers under their Memorandum of Understanding with the SEAI. I understand that feedback regarding the need for clarity regarding eligibility and the selection process has been outlined by the SEAI to the energy suppliers.
305. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 19 and 20 of 25 March 2026 that the TEGOS report indicates that the Boyne salmon stock is achieving only 10% of its conservation limit, if he will activate an action plan for the Boyne salmon stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36943/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe continued decline in salmon stocks is indeed a matter of grave concern. In February, I wrote to the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) seeking their views on the operation of the current salmon management framework and whether any refinements or changes should be considered for future fishing seasons. IFI are to report back to me in early summer and this review will take into account the management of all salmon fisheries, including the Boyne.
IFI has advised that they have carried out extensive work on the River Boyne catchment to restore salmon stocks, and plan to continue doing so over the coming years.
Habitat restoration work on the Boyne system includes gravel raking and gravel installation to improve salmon spawning habitat, the installation of woody features to improve habitat diversity, riparian tree planting along riverbanks to provide shade and lower water temperatures, and both the erection of fencing and installation of solar drinkers to restrict livestock access and buffer against diffuse pollution. Works also include the removal of barriers within the catchment, to improve overall salmon migration and improve access for adult fish to upstream nursery areas.
Projects also planned by IFI for the River Boyne and its tributaries throughout 2026 include barrier mitigation and habitat enhancement works on the Kells Blackwater, Knightsbrook, Newtown, Skane and Trimblestown Rivers.
These works are typically carried out by IFI, in conjunction with other stakeholders including local interest/angling groups and public bodies like the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Coillte.
306. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department has any usage policy on, or if it sanctions for official purposes, the use of messaging apps (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37196/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe use of messaging apps within the Department is in line with Departmental policies and procedures.
All staff undergo mandatory cyber awareness training where they are provided with advice and guidance on the use of messaging apps.
307. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the reason the radon risk assessment and mitigation are not explicitly included within the National Residential Retrofit Plan or associated grant schemes, despite evidence that energy efficiency retrofitting can alter indoor radon levels, and given his Department's responsibility for both retrofit policy and the National Radon Control Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37265/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraInternational research has shown that retrofit measures can alter radon levels depending on ventilation. Schedule 14 of the Radiological Protection Act 1991 (Ionising Radiation) Regulations 2019 (S.I. No. 30 of 2019) lists items to be considered in preparing the National Radon Control Strategy (NRCS). This matter has been identified as a knowledge gap under the NRCS and the EPA has funded two research projects to date to understand how radon levels in homes vary before and after energy upgrades in an Irish context:
• the UNVEIL Project aimed to understand ventilation and radon in energy-efficient buildings in Ireland and was published in 2019; and
• the INFORM Project aims to understand the impacts of energy-efficient retrofit measures on radon concentrations in the national housing stock and is expected to be completed in 2026.
My Department is developing Phase 3 of the NRCS which will include actions to ensure that the complexity of embedding radon in retrofit policy without creating unintended indoor air-quality problems is considered and addressed, if required.
In terms of the National Residential Retrofit Plan and upgrades funded under Government schemes administered by the SEAI, a home energy upgrade or retrofit enhances the energy performance of a home but must also meet all the requirements of the Building Regulations and applicable NSAI Standards. The provision of works in compliance with these standards will ensure healthy and safe buildings.
All of the SEAI approaches, including those regarding ventilation, are determined by the Building Regulations, incorporating NSAI S.R.54: 2014 - Code of Practice for the energy efficient retrofit of dwellings. This ensures that homes are only provided with measures suitable for their construction type and with the appropriate ventilation. This avoids problems, which can arise when works are not carried out to these standards.
In 2019, amendments to Part F of the Building Regulations were signed into law, which relate to ventilation. Further information regarding these amendments and the importance of ventilation can be found at the following links:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/home-ventilation/
www.seai.ie/plan-your-energy-journey/for-your-home/guide-to-upgrades/ventilation-systems
308. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment for an update on the Celtic Interconnector; the timeline for completion; the planned routes through international and territorial waters; and funding allocated by the Irish and French Governments for completion. [37296/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Celtic Interconnector is a major infrastructure initiative that will connect the electricity systems of Ireland and France, developed jointly by Eirgrid and its French equivalent, Réseau de Transport d’Electricité (RTÉ). It will enhance energy diversification, security of supply and market integration between Ireland and continental Europe. EirGrid has responsibility for the delivery of this project in collaboration with RTÉ.
Construction began in December 2023, with strong progress made on converter stations and cable installations. I am advised that terrestrial works including the completion of the converter station are scheduled for end 2026, while marine cable installation began in 2025 with a second campaign already underway in 2026.
However, the project does face challenges such as complex marine conditions, including weather delays and difficult seabed terrain. As a result, the timeline has been revised, with commissioning now expected at the end of 2028.
The subsea route goes from East Cork, passing about 30 km west of the Isles of Scilly and 75 km west of the UK mainland before reaching North Brittany. The route is set out by Eirgrid online here: www.cms.eirgrid.ie/sites/default/files/publications/Celtic-Interconnector-Map-UK.pdf
The Cross Border Cost Allocation Decision conducted by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) and their French counterparts Commission de Régulation de l'Énergie (CRÉ) determined a cost allocation of 65% to Ireland and 35% to France. Any costs above the project’s estimated investment costs should be split equally (i.e. 50% each) between EirGrid and RTÉ.
EirGrid and RTÉ are separately responsible for funding their respective portions of the project and I can only comment on the Irish aspects.
The Celtic Interconnector is not in receipt of Exchequer funding. The CRU established a fully regulated cost recovery model for the project.
EirGrid secured financing for the Irish element of the project with costs to be recovered through the operational revenues generated by the Interconnector. Eirgird is also permitted to recover the costs of servicing its debt during the construction phase.
The CRU considers the interests of final customers to be met by allowing only efficient costs to be recovered and providing sufficient protections for customers while allowing EirGrid to finance and progress the project. EirGrid’s efficiently incurred expenditure will be determined by the CRU at the Post Construction Review.
Further specifics on the regulatory arrangements are available on the CRU website.
The Celtic Interconnector achieved Project of Common Interest Status and was successful in securing more than €530 million in capital funding from the Connecting Europe Facility significantly mitigating financing requirements.
Eirgrid are happy to provide detail more directly to Deputies at any time upon request and in this regard can be contacted at oireachtas@eirgrid.com. Eirgrid also issue a quarterly newsletter on progress and these can be found at: www.eirgrid.ie/celticinterconnector#project-updates
309. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will consider extending the eligible categories for persons to receive the warmer homes grant through the SEAI to those in receipt of the bereaved partner's pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37304/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Warmer Homes Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people at risk of energy poverty by providing fully-funded retrofits. The scheme is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department and is funded through the carbon tax revenues and the European Regional Development Fund.
The Warmer Homes Scheme is available to owner-occupied properties, based on the householder being in receipt of certain Department of Social Protection (DSP) income supports. The scheme targets support to those on the lowest incomes who are living in the least efficient homes so that the resources available can have the greatest impact in addressing energy poverty.
The eligible DSP payments are:
• Fuel Allowance;
• Job Seeker’s Allowance for more than 6 months with a child under 7;
• Working Family Payment (previously the Family Income Supplement).
• One Parent Family Payment;
• Domiciliary Care Allowance;
• Carer’s Allowance (where you live with the person you are caring for);
• Disability Allowance for more than 6 months with a child under 7.
The Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension is not a qualifying payment for the Warmer Homes Scheme. However, households where someone is in receipt of the Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension may also qualify for one of the DSP payments that are eligible payments for the Warmer Homes Scheme, such as the Fuel Allowance. This would be subject to the household meeting the relevant DSP operational guidelines and means test where required for the respective payment.
The scheme eligibility criteria are kept under ongoing review by my Department, together with the DSP, to ensure they are consistent with, and complementary to, the income support schemes offered.
The Government also has other schemes and supports in place which may be of assistance where there is an urgent need:
• the DSP's Additional Needs Payment is a payment available to people who have essential expenses that they cannot pay from their weekly income. Additional Needs Payments are paid under Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is administered by the Community Welfare Service or the Department of Social Protection. Details are available at: www.gov.ie/en/service/4eb45-additional-needs-payment/; and
• the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme is available to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out. The scheme is administered by Local Authorities. Details are available at: www.gov.ie/en/service/1ca60-housing-aid-for-older-people-grant/
310. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the safeguards currently required by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland for homeowners making substantial upfront payments to SEAI one-stop-shop retrofit providers before works commence; whether additional consumer protection measures are under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37416/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra311. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he has examined the potential financial exposure faced by homeowners participating in retrofit schemes who may be required to pay significant deposits in advance of works being completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37417/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 310 and 311 together.
My Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), an Agency under the aegis of my Department.
In line with the Programme for Government commitments, the Government is taking decisive action to provide warmer, more comfortable homes, as part of our drive to support energy affordability, security, and sustainability.
Following Government approval in January, a new National Residential Retrofit Plan (NRRP) 2026 was published with an enhanced set of measures to increase the delivery of home energy upgrades.
The NNRP 2026, including its new and enhanced set of measures, will continue to make home energy upgrades more accessible and affordable so that it is easier for homeowners to undertake deep retrofits on a phased basis as suits their respective budgets.
For homeowners seeking a whole home energy upgrade, the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme is the primary route. This scheme is delivered through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) 31 currently registered One Stop Shops (OSS) which manage the entire start-to-finish service for the homeowner.
It is, therefore, essential that companies delivering this service can meet the high technical standards required under the scheme and are also able to cover the grant costs upfront (prior to their reimbursement by the SEAI). For this reason, the SEAI has set a very high bar for companies to register as a OSS, in order to ensure the quality of the retrofit.
The SEAI operate their schemes within a specified governance framework with a set of rules determining eligibility for grant support. Accordingly, these schemes have terms and conditions in place to ensure the transparent administration of public monies. Achieving this requires that the processes and systems are clear and efficient and operate in a manner which is fair to all applicants. This includes ensuring that the contractor is registered for the type of work that they are carrying out and have grant approval in place before works commence.
In order to avail of the SEAI grants, scheme applicants are required to have a contract in place with their chosen company which provides appropriate levels of consumer protection. Any agreement, contract or payment schedules agreed that may have been entered into, is a private contractual matter between those two parties, as is the case for any goods, works and services contracts.
Furthermore, it is critically important that works supported by the SEAI schemes are completed in line with the respective scheme’s terms and conditions including in line with the SEAI’s Contractor Code of Practice and Domestic Technical Standards and Specifications, as well as best practice and technical guidance documents.
312. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment his views on the wait times for the warmer home scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37442/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Warmer Homes Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people at risk of energy poverty by providing fully funded retrofits. The scheme is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department and is funded through the carbon tax revenues and the European Regional Development Fund.
The Warmer Homes Scheme is available to owner-occupied properties, based on the householder being in receipt of certain Department of Social Protection (DSP) income supports. The scheme targets support to those on the lowest incomes who are living in the least efficient homes so that the resources available can have the greatest impact in addressing energy poverty.
The average waiting time under the Warmer Homes Scheme, from application to completion of upgrade works, in 2025 was 22 months.
The breakdown of average waiting times under the scheme in 2025 was as follows:
• Application to Pre-BER Published - 6.5 months
• Application to Survey Completed - 13.5 months
• Application to Contractor Allocation - 14.8 months
• Application to Works Completed - 22 months
This represents a decrease from an average waiting time of 26 months for homes completed in 2022. In parallel with this decrease in the average waiting time, the number of homes upgraded in a year has almost doubled over the same period, increasing from over 4,200 in 2022 to over 8,100 in 2025.
The SEAI publish indicative wait times on their website for each stage of the process. This is available here: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/fully-funded-upgrades-for-certain-homeowners
The reduction in waiting times and increase in number of homes upgraded follows a range of measures introduced by my Department and the SEAI. These include:
• the allocation of additional staff to the Warmer Homes Scheme;
• a significantly increased budget allocation;
• active contract engagement and management by the SEAI to increase contractor output; and
• actions to address ongoing supply chain pressures.
The SEAI are currently establishing a new €1.2 billion contractor panel to be in place in Q2 this year. This will support continued growth with a focus on scale, quality and output under the scheme.
To help maximise delivery and continue to improve waiting times, Budget 2026 provided record funding of €340 million for the Warmer Homes Scheme, with a target of 11,500 fully funded home upgrades for 2026.
313. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of additional staff employed or who will be employed by his Department directly or under contract for the purposes of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026. [37447/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not employed additional staff directly for the purposes of Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026. Staff have been re-assigned within my Department in anticipation of workloads associated with the presidency, including the assignment of 4 additional staff on secondment to the Permanent Representation of the European Union in Brussels.
In addition to this, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have locally engaged 2 staff based in Brussels on behalf of my Department and for which my Department will pay the associated costs.
314. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to address concerns raised in relation to wind farms (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37584/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland currently has over 8 GW of renewable electricity generation capacity connected to the network. Approximately 5 GW of new renewable electricity generation capacity has been added in just ten years, including doubling our wind capacity and establishing solar energy as a major pillar of our energy supply.
Investment in and operation of electricity generation in Ireland, including wind energy, takes place within the legal framework of the EU internal energy market which requires competition in the generation and supply of electricity. A competitive and open investment climate in the energy sector is essential for Ireland to attract companies that can deliver and support long-term energy security and price stability for Irish households and businesses.
At this time of global energy uncertainty, it is now more important than ever to continue to develop our indigenous renewable with a competitive pipeline of projects to deliver real benefits to homes and businesses.
Government is committed to accelerating Ireland’s twin digital and green transitions. In January, Government launched the Large Energy User Action Plan to enable Ireland to attract the next generation of investment in energy intensive sectors over the coming decades including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, precision engineering and data centres. Businesses in these sectors provide economic growth, long-term employment and support communities across Ireland’s regions.
In 2025 the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a Large Energy Users Connection Policy. Under this policy, new data centres will be required to meet at least 80% of their annual electricity demand with additional renewable electricity generated in Ireland. This will ensure that such connections align with and contribute to Ireland's target of meeting 80% of electricity demand with renewables in the near term.
315. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the planned public event and timelines for both the submission of Ireland's social climate plan and the subsequent draw-down of funding from the EU. [37839/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is continuing to prepare Ireland's Social Climate Plan in close consultation with the European Commission and relevant Departmental stakeholders.
In line with the requirements of the Regulation, a public event on the draft Plan, co-hosted by my Department and the European Commission, will be held later this year. At this event, information will be shared on the contents of the draft Plan as well as detail on how the consultation process completed last year fed into the design of the draft. This draft will include a summary of submissions received on the Plan. Following the event, a final draft Plan will be submitted to Government for approval. It will then be submitted to the European Commission for final approval.
The Plan will begin operation in 2027 after it has been submitted and approved by the European Commission. Drawdowns from the fund can start after the Plan has been accepted by the Commission and milestones set in the Plan for included measures have been reached.
316. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Defence the spend by her Department in upgrading security infrastructure at Shannon Airport in 2026, 2025, 2024 and 2023; and the additional security measures put in place, and cost of each, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36623/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not own or operate any military installations in Shannon Airport and, as a result, has not undertaken any infrastructure projects within the period referenced.
317. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Defence the amount spent, including overtime to Army personnel, in providing security at Shannon Airport in 2026 to date, 2025 and 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36625/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Forces, in line with long-standing Government policy, provide support to An Garda Síochána under the Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) mechanism when requested to do so.
There is ongoing and close liaison between both An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces, and between the Department of Defence and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration regarding security matters generally, including the Defence Forces Aid to Civil Power roles.
The costs associated with Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) duties at Shannon Airport for 2024 to end April 2026 are set out in the table below:
|
Year |
Annual Cost Associated with ATCP support at Shannon Airport |
|
2024 |
€244,798 |
|
2025 |
€289,274 |
|
2026 [up to end April 2026] |
€95,696 |
With regard to overtime, unlike other areas of the public service and due to the nature of the duties performed, overtime or shift allowance payments are not available to members of the Defence Forces.
Remuneration for individual members of the Permanent Defence Force is dependent on a range of factors relating to the role and duties they perform. The minimum for trained personnel is comprised of Basic Pay and Military Service Allowance.
Military Service Allowance (MSA) is paid up to and including the rank of Colonel. It is designed to compensate for the special conditions associated with military life including unsocial hours of duty; exposure to danger, and the restrictions inherent in military discipline.
While there are a number of different factors considered in the payment of Military Service Allowance, with effect from 1st February 2026 the enlisted personnel allowance rate ranges from €166.98 to €177.76 per week and the Officer allowance rate ranges from €6501 - €7020 per annum.
318. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 357 of 21 April 2026, if she is now in a position to supply the data requested; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36789/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra319. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 358 of 21 April 2026, if she is now in a position to supply the data requested; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36790/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 318 and 319 together.
In response to Parliamentary Questions 357 & 358 of 21 April, 2026 on Army, Air Corps & Naval Service outsourcing costs related to 2023, 2024 & 2025 and estimated costs for 2026, the Defence Forces have provided the following information to my Department relating to delegated subhead expenditure.
Defence Forces - Outsourcing Costs
|
Service |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Air Corps |
€12,961,693 |
€13,283,620 |
€13,132,796 |
|
Army |
€8,414,267 |
€10,892,251 |
€14,148,645 |
|
Naval Service |
€5,487,295 |
€8,211,947 |
€7,758,847 |
|
Total |
€26,863,255 |
€32,387,818 |
€35,040,288 |
Decisions to outsource services are considered within robust internal planning frameworks and, at all times, seek to strike the optimum balance between security, capability, cost and operational effectiveness. In that regard ongoing 2026 outsourcing costs, which are embedded across all subheads are not yet available but are projected to be broadly in line with 2025.
Where duties and services have been outsourced on a short-term basis, the Defence Forces have engaged external service providers to enhance capacity or to perform the duty or service due to temporary personnel or skills shortages. The intention would be to revert to the duty or service being performed in-house when feasible. With regard to services that have been outsourced on a long-term basis, there are no immediate plans to have these functions undertaken by the Defence Forces as it would not represent value for money to deliver these services in house.
These approaches and structures are further complemented and strengthened by ongoing reviews undertaken by an independent Internal Audit Unit and robust external scrutiny, both ongoing and periodic, from, inter alia, the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Public Accounts Committee and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform & Digitisation. Collectively, this comprehensive approach to governance enhances transparency, safeguards public funding, and ensures that all Defence spending is well-managed and compliant with applicable public financial and procurement procedures.
320. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 362 of 21 April 2026, if she is now in a position to supply the data requested; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36793/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is not feasible to calculate savings that might be achieved by the Defence Forces providing the specific services which are among those currently outsourced.
As I have indicated previously, it is important to distinguish between instances where a function has been outsourced on a long-term basis and instances where external resources have been engaged to undertake a function on a short-term basis due to staffing or skills shortages.
Indeed, there are many factors that can influence the decision to outsource the provision of particular services for the Defence Forces, and, in some cases, it may be the only practicable option.
As with all defence expenditure, decisions to outsource are considered within robust internal planning frameworks and, at all times, seek to strike the optimum balance between security, capability, cost and operational effectiveness.
Where duties and services have been outsourced on a short-term basis, the Defence Forces have engaged external service providers to enhance capacity or to perform the duty or service due to temporary personnel or skills shortages. The intention would be to revert to the duty or service being performed in-house when feasible.
At least some of the functions identified by the Deputy are outsourced on a long-term basis and there are no immediate plans to have these functions undertaken by the Defence Forces as it would not represent value for money to deliver these services in house.
There are also some services, for example generic ICT requirements, which, in common with many civil and public service bodies, are routinely provided by external service providers.
It cannot be assumed that having these functions taken back into the Defence Forces will result in any significant savings as there will be an obvious cost to the Defence Forces in building back the capability necessary to have such functions undertaken by the Defence Forces in the future.
I would also make the point that my department has a broad range of audit and assurance arrangements in place that provide financial regularity and probity and ensure ongoing adherence to core Value for Money (VFM) principles.
These arrangements encompass strong internal controls such as financial delegation and accountability, clear segregation of duties, monthly Management Board scrutiny and an embedded risk management system.
These structures are further complemented and strengthened by ongoing reviews undertaken by an independent Internal Audit Unit and robust external scrutiny, both ongoing and periodic, from, inter alia, the Comptroller and Auditor General, the Public Accounts Committee and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform & Digitisation. Collectively, this comprehensive approach to governance enhances transparency, safeguards public funding, and ensures that all Defence spending is well-managed and compliant with applicable public financial and procurement procedures.
