Written Answers Nos. 503-523
503. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he has considered establishing a central Government delivery unit or implementation office with responsibility for monitoring major State projects, procurement performance and European Union directive transposition timelines across Departments and agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39465/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitisation I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments and for monitoring monthly expenditure at Departmental level.
Individual Ministers have responsibility for prioritisation, governance and delivery of the projects under their remit. Following the publication of the 2025 National Development Plan, Departments published sectoral investment plans setting out the capital projects to be prioritised from 2026 to 2030. These plans provide visibility of the delivery pipeline, giving construction firms the certainty they need to invest in hiring, training, and scaling their operations. My Department has strengthened its functions in monitoring the delivery of the projects identified by the relevant Ministers.
In particular, the Infrastructure Division within my Department was formed in April 2025 in line with commitments made in the Programme for Government, with the goal of accelerating the delivery of critical infrastructure in Ireland.
The Infrastructure Division’s role is to carry out work established in the Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan, deliver on ongoing functions in Votes, construction procurement, delivery and monitoring of infrastructure projects, and drive infrastructure regulatory simplification and legislative reform.
The Division supports improved outcomes across the public capital programme by driving simplification, enhancing delivery capability, and ensuring that infrastructure investment is efficient, transparent and aligned with national priorities.
The work of the Infrastructure Division includes:
• Implementing the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan to speed up delivery and remove systemic barriers
• Overseeing capital expenditure and providing evidence-based advice across key Vote Groups, including Housing, Local Government and Heritage; Transport; and Climate, Energy and the Environment
• Developing construction procurement policy, enhancing sector capability, and advancing digital tools and standards such as eWorks, Building Information Modelling (BIM), International Cost Management Standard (ICMS), and the Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF) website
• Driving legislative and regulatory reform for infrastructure, including reforms to judicial review, critical infrastructure designation and setting out principles for better regulation
• Monitoring major public investment projects, supporting the Major Projects Advisory Group, and providing improved data, insights and communications to strengthen public confidence in infrastructure delivery
As set out under Pillar 3 of the Accelerating Infrastructure Report, greater coordination and monitoring on project delivery is now in place with a particular focus on updating the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure on the current status of the highest priority projects within the NDP. This work continues across 2026.
My Department has implemented several safeguards and strategic frameworks to ensure that large-scale public infrastructure contracts are completed on time and within budget.
The Infrastructure Guidelines, published in 2023 set the key requirements for project governance over a project’s lifecycle. The Guidelines cover the evaluation of projects and their proper planning and management once approval in principle is obtained.
The Guidelines have replaced the Public Spending Code and significantly, have reduced the number of approval stages and have streamlined the requirements for major projects, while retaining the international best practice governance and oversight arrangements already in place.
These arrangements sharpen the focus on risk and cost management and reduces the compliance burden on low-risk projects, which brings Ireland into line with leading international approaches to major project delivery.
Standard procurement and contract templates are published under the Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF) which apply to projects that are majority Exchequer-funded. There are several cost control review points set out within key stages of a project’s design evolution which utilise standard reporting templates.
It is a general principle that projects to which the CWMF applies are put out to tender on the basis of a comprehensively defined set of project requirements so that tenderers can provide a lump sum price for the completion of the project. However major infrastructure projects, due to their scale, duration and risk profile often require bespoke contractual strategies not catered for under the CWMF. Typically these projects use standard forms of contracts which are used internationally in order to attract as wide a field as possible to tender.
These contracts bear many similarities with the standard form of public works contract with clearly defined circumstances where the price and the date for completion may be adjusted. They typically employ comprehensive change management procedures which must be adhered to by both parties. Where they differ from the CWMF contracts is in the pricing structure and the inclusion of incentives to deliver the project on time and within budget.
My Department actively engages with the European Commission regarding the Public Procurement Data Space and the development of procurement policy at the European level, while working closely with the Office of the Attorney General.
In relation to the aspect of European Union directive transposition timelines across Departments and agencies, as the Deputy will be aware, the transposition of EU legal Acts issued in the form of Directives is the responsibility of the relevant Minister depending on the subject matter.
Many EU Directives provide for timelines within the legal text to guide the transposition obligations of Member States. It is a matter for each Minister to provide for the appropriate mechanism and timing for such transposing legislation. This can include consultation with the Office of the Attorney General.
My obligations in such matters extend only to the areas of my remit as Minister.
Public procurement is reported on nationally every three years in line with Regulation 84, SI 284/2016 and Article 84, Directive EU/24/2014. Reporting is aggregated and based on information drawn from eTenders, the national etendering platform. Separately, my department utilises eTenders data to interrogate public procurement across a range of topics. eTenders data largely derives from procurement notices published on the platform. Each contracting authority is responsible for the publication of competition and results notices. Accurate and timely publication of notices directly impacts national reporting and our analysis of the public procurement landscape. My department actively encourages the publication of notices, particularly contract award notices. Recent upgrades made to eTenders platform now makes this task easier for all public sector buyers.
Separately, the European Commission reports on public procurement performance across the EU annually via the Single Market and Competitiveness Scoreboard. For each EEA country, eight performance indicators serve to rank access to public procurement. The data used to measure performance is drawn from the Public Procurement Data Space based on data collected via Tenders Electronic daily (TED). This public data space is a flagship initiative for the Commission and IE has secured Technical Support Funding (TSI) funding to enable onboarding to the PPDS in the coming 18-24 months. This will result in automatic national reporting, reducing the administration burden nationally, and allow Ireland greater access to EEA-wide procurement data essential for benchmarking performance, developing public procurement policy and increasing transparency and accountability nationally.
505. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if the increased use of scramblers in the Phoenix Park has been flagged with the OPW; the actions that are being taken to address this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39575/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Traffic (Control of Certain Vehicles) Regulations 2026 ("Grace's Law"), a blanket ban applies to all off-road motorcycles—including scramblers, quad bikes, dirt bikes, and pit bikes—across all public spaces.
The Office of Public Works Park Ranger Service and An Garda Síochána have been actively engaging with individuals using off-road motorcycles within the Phoenix Park and have conducted several patrols in the Park to deter the use of off-road motorcycles etc.
We encourage any member of the public who witnesses dangerous driving to contact An Garda Síochána immediately. Additionally, the Park Ranger Service is available at 087 2289688 between 6:30 am and 11:00 pm, seven days a week, to assist with the management and reporting of anti-social behaviour.
506. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the steps being taken to ensure adequate multi-annual capital investment in key infrastructure given persistent supply constraints and rising construction costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39686/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitisation I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments and for monitoring monthly expenditure at Departmental level.
As part of the budgetary process each year, my Department sets overall expenditure ceilings for each Ministerial Vote Group. These are laid out at Vote level in the Budget Day Expenditure Report published in October with further detail provided in the Revised Estimates for Public Services published in December.
The Programme for Government set out the clear prioritisation for the NDP Review to ensure that investment can be maximised in the coming five years for strategic infrastructure. This includes the key energy, water and transport networks on which all future development relies. This is critical to allow Government to meet the additional 300,000 homes target and to support competitiveness.
The NDP Review 2025 was published on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, in line with the Programme for Government commitment. The Review set out planned total public investment of €275.4 billion from 2026-2025, and an additional €10 billion in equity release up to 2030. This included €3.5 billion for energy grid capacity, €4.5 billion for water and €2 billion for low-carbon transport including Metrolink.
Departments then published sectoral investment plans setting out the capital projects to be prioritised from 2026 to 2030. These plans provide visibility of the delivery pipeline, giving construction firms the certainty they need to invest in hiring, training, and scaling their operations. This multi-year approach is designed to support industry planning and ensure that regional capacity can grow in line with demand. The plans include planned investment and projects across the country, including a range of projects and critical infrastructure works.
These sectoral plans are available on each Departmental webpage on the gov.ie website and will provide the Deputy with further detail on annual capital investment on a sectoral basis.
The key infrastructure across, electricity, water and transport, were further defined as critical infrastructure in the Accelerating Infrastructure Actions Report published last December.
To support the necessary reform, ongoing delivery and to mitigate against the wider economic context, I established a new Infrastructure Division last year to lead on the National Development Plan (NDP) review and the Accelerating Infrastructure work. Ensuring the Action Plan actions get delivered is the key work priority for 2026, in addition to ensuring critical NDP projects get progressed.
The Action Plan sets out 30 targeted actions grouped under four pillars, each addressing a key area of reform, with legal reform noted as a core element for accelerating critical infrastructure projects across the country. This work will, among other measures, include increasing exemption thresholds for critical infrastructure, reform processes with agencies and regulators, advocating for a new approach to legislation at EU level and creating a duty for state bodies to co-operate in making land available and accessible for critical infrastructure.
The delivery of these 30 actions under the four pillars is on track at the end of Q1 2026. The Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure is updated regularly on progress of Plan delivery. The Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce (AIT) meet regularly to support the work on the Plan.
507. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation his plans to deliver the National Children’s Science Centre, Earlsfort Terrace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39912/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra508. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation when he and the Minister for the OPW most recently discussed the National Children’s Science Centre, Earlsfort Terrace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39913/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra509. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will commit to completing the building of the National Children’s Science Centre, Earlsfort Terrace as per the Departments legal obligation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39914/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra510. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will commit to funding the development of the National Children’s Science Centre, Earlsfort Terrace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39915/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 507 to 510, inclusive, together.
As part of the arbitration between Irish Children's Museum Limited (ICML) and the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland (Office of Public Works), a Final Award was issued to both parties in mid-December 2025.
Among the terms of the Final Award, it is set out that the Office of Public Works shall carry out and complete all of the Landlord’s (OPW) Works consistent with the Irish Children's Museum Limited's objectives of operating a national interactive science museum for children in accordance with a prior Agreement for Lease between ICML and the Office of Public Works. Such works shall be carried out and completed on or before the end of December 2029, where such period includes the time needed for any tender processes and agreements with contractors and subcontractors. Planning permission for the development has been obtained and the next steps include the preparation of the tender documentation.
The OPW's capital envelope under the National Development Plan(NDP) is fully committed across its core statutory programme areas — principally flood risk management, the provision and maintenance of Government office accommodation, and the protection and conservation of the State's built heritage. The project has no identified funding stream in the current NDP, and to date no Government Department has come forward as a sponsoring body to bring a business case through the Infrastructure Guidelines appraisal process in the normal way.
The Office of Public Works is the Contracting Authority for this project, with an Approving Authority, Sponsoring Agency and funding yet to be identified.
511. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of public servants currently enduring pension abatement due to their re-employed status within the public sector; the full saving to the Exchequer as a result of this level of pension abatement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40093/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department would not hold the relevant information in relation to the number of public servants currently enduring pension abatement due to their re-employed status within the public sector. Instead individual Pension Paying Authorities hold the appropriate records.
However, in respect of retired civil servants subject to abatement, the NSSO would hold relevant records, and I have provided a response to this PQ based on civil servants rather than public servants.
As of 22 May 2026, 42 retired civil servants are subject to pension abatement, with the total annual value of abatements amounting to €260,108.
512. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of bicycle shelters installed across the State by the OPW on behalf of Government Departments, local authorities, and State agencies in each of the past five years; the total expenditure incurred in each year; the average cost per unit; and if he will provide a breakdown by Department, local authority and agency. [40175/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) manages and maintains a substantial portfolio of State properties and, within that remit, has undertaken a small number of bicycle shelter installations at a number of properties under its direct management during the period in question.
However, the OPW does not hold centralised data in respect of bicycle shelter installations across the State. Each Department, local authority, and agency manages its own estate and associated capital and maintenance expenditure independently, and such information is not compiled or reported centrally to the OPW. Accordingly, a comprehensive State-wide breakdown of the kind sought is not available to this Office.
In relation to installations procured by the OPW, a breakdown by location and year for the period 2022 to date is set out in the table attached.
It is not possible to provide a reliable average cost per unit across the period, as costs vary considerably depending on the type of shelter, number of spaces, site-specific civil works requirements, and prevailing market conditions at the time of procurement. Providing a single average figure would not be a meaningful or accurate reflection of the expenditure involved.
For information specific to other Departments, State bodies, local authorities, or other agencies, the most efficient approach is to contact the relevant body directly.
|
Location |
Year |
Number of bicycles (where available) |
Details |
Cost ex VAT |
|
Santry Garda Station and complex warehouse |
2026 |
n/a |
Supply & Install Bike Shed |
€10,472.36 |
|
Dept Foreign Affairs, Iveagh House, St Stephens Green |
2025 |
12 |
Installation of Bicycle shelter |
€7,000 |
|
Birr Garda Station |
2025 |
n/a |
Installation of secure bike storage shed |
€6,242.50 |
|
Ashbourne Garda Station |
2025 |
n/a |
Installation of Bike Shelter |
€8,354.74 |
|
Waterford Government Buildings, The Glen |
2024 |
n/a |
Bike Shelter |
€4,800.00 |
|
Leinster House, Merrion Square West. |
2024 |
34 |
Consisted of the installation of a covered bicycle parking shelter structure with eighteen cycle stands to accommodate thirty six bicycles and associated e-bike charging points. |
€ 336,051 |
|
Garda HQ, Phoenix Park |
2024 |
30 |
3 no. bike sheds. Proprietary shelter in galvanised mild steel with Perspex cover, accommodating 10 no. bicycle stands in each. Works included associated ground works- new concrete slab, reinstating bollards, making good and reinstating ground finishes. |
€34,091.22 |
|
Garda HQ, Phoenix Park Tech B |
2023 |
12 |
Extension to existing bike shed, 12 bicycles and seating area. Galvanised steel supports to existing enclosure, with box profile cladding to back and roof, and flashing to front. |
€6,938.81 |
|
Anglesea Street Garda Station, Cork |
2022 |
6 |
6 bike curved shelter. Assemble bike shelter on site. Lift shelter into position and concrete legs into the ground. Heavy duty galvanized tubular steel framework. Clear Polycarbonate Glazing (sides,rear wall & roof). Galvanized high security Toastracks for bicycle frame to be securely locked. |
€3,774.88 |
|
Government Buildings, Merrion Street Upper |
2022 |
10 |
The bicycle shelters are constructed from galvanised steel with painted finish and clear polycarbonate roof, bolted down to concrete slab with re-instated granite paving. Each bicycle shelter contains 5 stainless steel bicycle stands which allow parking for 10 bicycles. |
€34,850.00 |
513. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the position regarding the Nenagh flood relief scheme; if the tender documents have yet issued, given it was expected they would issue before the end of Q2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38698/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra514. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to explore all possible funding avenues in respect of Killarney Innovation Centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38745/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that, since 2017, my Department has approved over €150 million in regional enterprise development funding through Enterprise Ireland schemes, supporting enterprise ecosystems and regional job creation across all parts of the country.
With regards to enterprise centres specifically, it should be noted that this funding has contributed to more than 60 pieces of infrastructure across the country in the same period, a clear indication of this Government’s commitment to the development of the sector.
I am aware of the Deputy’s interest in the Killarney Innovation Centre project, and as previously advised, I can confirm that the project is in contact with Enterprise Ireland with regards to accessing funding under the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme, though I do not know at this stage whether an application will be made.
Enterprise Ireland assign funding based on a specific set of criteria developed together with the Department, aimed at ensuring that such funding is utilized in the best way possible. While I am aware that obtaining funding can be challenging, more than 40 projects have been announced under this scheme, and I anticipate further announcements soon.
Decisions on which specific projects should be funded are driven by a series of assessments by Enterprise Ireland, and are carried out to ensure that the projects that represent the most appropriate use of funding in line with Enterprise Development goals are pushed forward and approved.
Should an application for this or any other project be submitted, it would not be appropriate that I commit to funding a project in advance of the outcome of a competitive process, however the Deputy can rest assured that appropriate consideration will be given.
In addition to current discussions, in 2022 Enterprise Ireland approved funding of €75,600 under the Community Enterprise Scheme for the Killarney Innovation Centre in support of the operation of the location.
I would also note this government’s commitment, under the Programme for Government document ‘Securing Ireland’s Future’, to the reform of the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme. In line with this, a review of the national enterprise hub landscape and its needs, aimed at informing future funding policy direction, is expected to get underway later this year.
I wish the Killarney Innovation Centre the very best of luck with their important work.
515. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the mechanisms in place in his Department to ensure delivery on the commitments in the programme for Government; the civil servant specifically responsible for overseeing such delivery; the measures that are used to assess progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38811/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department ensures the effective delivery of Programme for Government commitments through strong governance and oversight arrangements. The Programme for Government has informed the development of the Department’s Statement of Strategy 2025–2028 and is embedded within annual business planning processes, supported by ongoing monitoring through structured performance reporting to the Secretary General and the Department’s Management Board.
In January 2026 my Department reported to the Department of An Taoiseach our progress on delivering approximately 110 commitments for which we have lead responsibility. Progress on Programme for Government commitments is also a standing agenda item at all Ministerial Management Board meetings in my Department, ensuring regular oversight and review at Ministerial level. Coordination and progress tracking are managed by the Department’s Management Support Unit.
516. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if an employee working as a live-in carer may have a deduction made from their wages in respect of bed and board; and if so, what constitutes a reasonable deduction; if there is a prescribed limit or cap; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39321/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEmployees employed in other people’s homes have an equal entitlement to the employment rights and protections available to any other employee including the right to receive at least the national minimum wage, along with appropriate working conditions and protections. These measures are designed to ensure fairness and to prevent any risk of exploitation in private homes.
The Payment of Wages Act 1991 establishes a range of rights for all employees in relation to payment of wages. The Act regulates how wages and salaries are paid and what deductions may be made from same. Under this Act, an employer is not permitted to make deductions from an employee's wages unless the deduction is authorised under the contract of employment, required by statute or is made with the prior written consent of the employee.
An employer employing someone in their home may make deductions from wages where the employee is provided with meals and/or lives in the place of employment to amounts specified in the National Minimum Wage Act 2000, as amended. With effect from 1 January 2026, the National Minimum Wage Order 2025 amended these amounts to the following:
• Board rates: €1.27 an hour
• Lodging rates: €33.42 a week or €4.77 a day.
If an employee believes that their employer has made an unlawful deduction from their pay, then they may refer a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission. Complaints should be made using the online complaint form available on www.workplacerelations.ie.
A complaint must be brought within 6 months of the date of the deduction. The time limit may be extended for up to a further 6 months, but only where there is a reasonable cause which prevented the person from bringing the complaint in the normal time limit.
517. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if a non-EEA national, specifically a carer from India, may be granted an employment permit where the employer is a private individual; the criteria for such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39322/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe employment permits system is administered in accordance with the Employment Permits Act 2024, under which all applications are assessed against the relevant statutory criteria.
In general, a non-EEA national may only be granted an employment permit where they are employed by a registered business in the State. Accordingly, private individuals are not typically eligible to act as employers under the employment permits system.
A quota of 1,000 General Employment Permits for the roles of care worker and home carer was introduced in December 2022 to help address labour shortages in this sector. A further 1,500 permits have since been added via a further quota.
The role of care worker or home carer is eligible for a General Employment Permit, subject to a minimum annual remuneration of €32,691. Employers must be registered with the Revenue Commissioners and must satisfy all standard requirements of the employment permits system, including, where applicable, conduct a Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT).
In addition, in certain circumstances, an employment permit may be granted in respect of a carer for persons with exceptional medical needs in private homes. These cases are subject to specific criteria. While the usual requirement to undertake a Labour Market Needs Test in respect of a General Employment Permit in not required under these circumstances, applicants must provide evidence that the foreign national is a trained medical professional (doctor or nurse) specialising in the area of illness of the person for whom they will be caring, or documentation confirming the foreign national in respect of whom the application is made, has a long history of caring for the person concerned.
Full details of the eligibility criteria for are available on my Department’s website - https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/publications/publication-files/care-workers-and-home-carers-employment-permit-checklist.pdf
518. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the position regarding development plans (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39337/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2017, Government designated the lands around the Ireland West Airport (IWA) as a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ). The airport is a critical piece of enabling infrastructure for the region, and there is potential to further enhance its role as a driver of economic development in the region.
The SDZ offers a degree of planning certainty to those looking to carry out appropriate development within the designated area. The Planning Scheme for the SDZ sets out an overall set of guiding principles for the area, which serve as a design framework for the land around the airport.
As you may be aware, my Department has also funded a programme manager working to develop a roadmap for the delivery of the IWA SDZ since August 2024. This work has included the identification of specific infrastructure issues that may affect the proposed development of the site in line with the Planning Scheme set out, and explorations of how best to address these issues.
Work on the roadmap for the delivery of the SDZ is overseen by a steering committee, which is chaired by the Chief Executive of Mayo County Council and includes officials of my Department, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, the Western Development Commission, the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, the Atlantic Technological University, and the Ireland West Airport Itself.
The most recent meeting of the Steering Committee took place on 30 April, and the next meeting is scheduled for late July. Work on the roadmap is advancing well and it is anticipated the final document will be delivered in line with its original two-year timeline, in August 2026.
519. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to report on the application renewal of a work permit (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39530/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe employment permits system is administered in accordance with the Employment Permits Act 2024, under which all applications are assessed against the relevant statutory criteria.
I am advised that an application for the renewal of an employment permit in respect of the person concerned was received by the Department on 5 August 2025, in advance of the expiry of the previous permit on 22 August 2025.
The processing of this application was impacted by broader compliance considerations relating to the employer at the time. I am advised that this application is currently under consideration, and a decision will issue in due course once the review process has been completed.
Applicants who have submitted a valid application to renew an existing employment permit may continue to work while that application is being processed, including where the current permit has expired. This provision is intended to ensure continuity for both employees and employers.
Current employment permit processing dates are published and updated regularly on my Department’s website - https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/current-application-processing-dates/
To further support applicants and reduce the need for individual status queries, my Department has introduced a Self-Service Portal, which allows both employers and applicants to check the real-time status of their applications.
In addition, a dedicated mailbox is available to Oireachtas members for employment permit-related queries at tdepqueries@enterprise.gov.ie.
520. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to report on the application renewal of a work permit (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39531/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment Permits Section of my Department continues to operate with a strong focus on efficiency and on improving overall processing timelines.
The application for the renewal of the employment permit referenced was received on 3 October 2025 prior to the expiry of the existing permit on 15 October 2025. Further information was required to complete assessment of the application. In this regard, the applicant was contacted by the Department on 19 May and again on 22 May 2026 seeking the relevant information required to progress the application. Once all the information required has been provided, processing of the application can be completed and a decision reached.
Importantly, applicants who have submitted a valid application to renew an existing employment permit may continue to work while that application is being processed, including where the current permit has expired. This provision is intended to ensure continuity for both employees and employers.
Current employment permit processing dates are published and updated regularly on my Department’s website - https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/current-application-processing-dates/
To further support applicants and reduce the need for individual status queries, my Department has introduced a Self-Service Portal, which allows both employers and applicants to check the real-time status of their applications.
In addition, a dedicated mailbox is available to Oireachtas members for employment permit-related queries at tdepqueries@enterprise.gov.ie
521. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in instances where the approval an application for the renewal of a work permit is significantly delayed through no fault of the permit holder but eventually approved and where the successful renewal is accompanied by a higher minimum annual remuneration and if that higher minimum annual remuneration be back dated to the time of the prior permit's expiration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39576/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment Permits System is administered in accordance with the Employment Permits Act 2024, which provides the statutory framework governing the processing of employment permit applications, including the setting of Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR) thresholds.
Revised MAR thresholds were introduced under the Employment Permits Regulations 2025 (S.I. No. 643 of 2025) and came into effect on 1 March 2026. These changes apply to all employment permit applications, including renewals, received on or after that date.
In accordance with established practice, employment permit applications are assessed against the legislative and policy criteria in place at the time the application is received by the Department. Accordingly, renewal applications submitted prior to 1 March 2026 are considered against the MAR thresholds that applied at that time, while applications received on or after 1 March 2026 must meet the updated thresholds.
522. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether his Department has examined the adequacy of existing redundancy and income-support protections for workers displaced as a result of artificial intelligence, automation or restructuring within the technology sector; whether international approaches, including measures used in Germany and Sweden relating to employment transition and retraining supports, have been considered by his Department; whether consideration is being given to additional retraining, job-matching or income-support measures for affected workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40318/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraProtections for employees facing redundancy.
There are a range of protections under employment law for employees facing redundancy. Redundancy can occur where an employee loses their job because their employer is closing their business, reducing the number of staff or restructuring their business. It occurs when a job no longer exists, an employee is let go and they are not replaced.
Under the Redundancy Payments Act 1967, an employee with more than 2 years’ service who is made redundant may be entitled to a redundancy payment.
The Protection of Employment Act 1977 places obligations on employers proposing collective redundancies, which arise when certain thresholds are met. Employers must carry out a 30-day consultation with employees’ representatives and notify the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment at least 30 days before the redundancies take effect.
These protections for employees apply generally and are not specific to any one particular reason for redundancy or for any particular sector.
If an employee believes their employment rights have been breached, they can make a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission under the relevant legislation. In general, complaints to the WRC must be made within 6 months of the alleged breach.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence is a transformative technology with major potential for Ireland’s economy and society. While AI will undoubtedly create new opportunities, it also carries the risk of job displacement, and it is likely that new types of roles will emerge. As a result, the development of new skills and capacities within the workforce is essential.
This is precisely why Government’s recently published National Digital and AI Strategy, Digital Ireland - Digital Ireland – Connecting our People, Securing our Future, commits to supporting workers in managing the impacts of potential job displacement by ensuring access to agile, fit-for-purpose and high-quality upskilling and reskilling opportunities.
The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is advancing a range of initiatives. Actions include enhanced upskilling opportunities with SOLAS and Skillnet, a new online one-stop-shop AI Skilling Platform for employers and individuals, a nationwide Digital and AI skilling campaign and a Roadmap for Technology Skills of the Future. In addition, a new National Skills Observatory will be established to analyse labour market dynamics and skills needs.
It will be important to closely monitor AI developments across the labour market. My Department is actively doing this by funding and co-funding forward-looking research, including Skills for Digital Specialists 2030, a new Working in Ireland Survey led by UCD, alongside ongoing collaboration with the OECD. Finally, it is important to note that current labour-market conditions remain strong. Employment stands at 2.83 million, up 56,700 year-on-year to Q4 2025, with record participation and near-record low unemployment.
Broader issues around income supports for workers who lose their job are a matter for the Department of Social Protection.
523. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of NEPs appointments per county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40294/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to take this opportunity to outline the work of NEPS. All schools have access to:
• General support and advice from a NEPS psychologist, either through the school’s assigned psychologist or through the NEPS Advisory Support Line.
• Support from a NEPS psychologist in the event of a Critical Incident.
• National and Regional Support and Development service for school staff which covers areas such as trauma informed practice, cluster group support for post-primary special education teachers and special class teachers, training for Student Support Teams and supporting reluctant school attendance/school avoidance behaviour.
• Access for individual casework where a priority need is established to either a NEPS psychologist or a private educational psychologist on the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA) panel.
NEPS does not operate waiting lists. In common with other psychological services and best international practice, NEPS operates on a consultative model of service. Assessments are only one aspect of the NEPS service.
NEPS encourages schools to support children and young people using the Continuum of Support, whereby school staff use a problem-solving approach, including school screening (assessment) and evidence-based intervention, for children and young people experiencing difficulties in the school context. The response to intervention is monitored and recorded in the Student Support File. The teachers, parents and child are involved in this process. This model means that children and young people do not need a diagnosis of a disability in order to access additional support in school.
If a school has concerns that a child or young person is not making reasonable progress following evidence informed support and intervention, the school may prioritise the involvement of NEPS to support the identification of need process.
NEPS psychologists provide a casework service for approximately 9000 children per annum nationwide. The psychologists may work directly with a child or young person, known as Direct Casework and this includes assessment, or the psychologist may work through teachers or teachers/parents to provide a psychological service for a child/young person, known as Indirect Casework.
