Written Answers Nos. 166-186
166. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport his plans to extend platforms at railway stations along the Dublin to Rosslare line, in order to accommodate longer trains to reduce overcrowding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44773/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including any proposed works to extend platforms at stations on the Dublin to Rosslare train line, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
Given Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
167. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport his plans to provide for rolling stock on the Dublin to Rosslare rail line to have doors that do not open where trains are longer than platforms at the stations. [44774/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The deployment of rolling stock on the rail network is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in consultation with the National Transport Authority (NTA).
Noting the NATA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct, detailed response in respect of the provision of specific rolling stock. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
On the general subject of provision of rolling stock to Rosslare, a number of investment programmes are underway which will benefit the route.
Additionally, Iarnród Éireann has placed three orders of 285 electric and battery-electric carriages as part of the DART+ Fleet project. As these begin entering service in significant numbers in 2027, it will give an opportunity to use Intercity and Commuter Railcars freed up to be de deployed elsewhere on the network, including potentially on the Dublin to Rosslare rail line. Deployment decisions will be made by Iarnród Éireann in consultation with the National Transport Authority.
168. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to proposals to amend a bus route (details supplied) in a manner that would bypass Castledermot County Kildare; if he will engage with the National Transport Authority and the operator to ensure that adequate morning and evening services are maintained for commuters who rely on this route for access to employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44786/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
Further, The route mentioned by the Deputy is a commercial bus service operated by JJ Kavanagh and responsibility for the operation of the service is a matter for the company.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area as the licensing authority for the commercial bus sector, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
169. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to introduce a financial incentive for rural commuters to switch to public transport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44793/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
The 2026 PSO funding allocation of €940m, provides a significant 43% uplift in the PSO allocation from 2025 to further support subsidised bus and rail services across Ireland, as well as maintaining targeted fares initiatives such as the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of 9 and the Young Adult Card for those aged 19-25, as part of the NTA's National Fares Strategy.
Accordingly public transport fares in Ireland remain comparatively low due to a range of these targeted measures, and in addition the provision of free travel for those aged above 66 plus their companion, or those under in receipt of qualifying payments. These measures have been maintained despite rising operational costs, reflecting the Programme for Government commitment to keeping fares low and affordable.
Any future changes to fare structures, such as the introduction of new commuter fare products, greater integration with other public transport services, or alignment with wider fares reform initiatives, would be considered as part of the national fares policy process and subject to appropriate assessment and approval.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
170. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport to consider using the means available within his Department to commence a direct bus service between Galway city and Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44797/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving the accessibility, reliability, and affordability of public transport, while ensuring the system remains well-funded and responsive to passenger needs, is a core priority under the Programme for Government. While my Department sets the overall policy direction and funding framework for the delivery of public transport services nationwide, it is the NTA that have the statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally.
In this context, we secured an unprecedented allocation of €940 million for PSO services in Budget 2026, a significant 43% uplift in the allocation from Budget 2025. This allocation will ensure that existing public transport services can operate reliably and sustainably throughout the year in the face of growing passenger demand and increased operational costs.
With over 363.5 million journeys undertaken in 2025, Ireland’s public transport system is at a pivotal point. Growing passenger demand, urban congestion, and increasing reliance on public transport for commuting and essential travel highlight the need for reliable and sustainable services.
The focus for 2026 is on stabilising and strengthening the PSO position, ensuring services already in place can operate reliably and sustainably, and progressing improvements that are already in train. We are therefore focused on consolidating and strengthening the current network, while progressing improvements already underway, including Phase 7 BusConnects route adjustments and the new Mullingar town service. Within its allocated resources, the NTA will continue to prioritise operational improvements, where possible, taking account of available funding, operational readiness, and driver availability.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
171. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to engage with all major energy suppliers as a matter of urgency to insist on a cap on energy prices (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44806/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis question does not fall under the remit of the Department of Transport and I suggest the Deputy re-direct his question to Department of Climate Energy and Environment for answering.
172. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for a solution for electric vehicle drivers or potential drivers who want to home charge, but who live in properties fronting onto public footpaths (details supplied). [44824/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to the significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network in the coming years. A reliable and accessible charging network is essential to enabling drivers to make the transition to electric mobility.
Home charging is, and is expected to remain, the primary means by which most drivers charge their vehicles. Public charging infrastructure plays a critical complementary role, not only in supporting enroute journeys, but also in ensuring that those who cannot charge at home are not disadvantaged and can participate fully in the transition to electric vehicles.
As such, a range of charging options will be required to support drivers without access to off-street parking. These include neighbourhood charging hubs and destination charge points, en-route charging along the National Roads Network, and fast-charging hubs for taxis. Neighbourhood charging, in particular, can provide households without private driveways with access to charge points within their local area.
In parallel, the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan sets out a pathway for the accelerated delivery of public destination and neighbourhood charging infrastructure, led by Local Authorities. This process will identify the number and type of charge points required in each area, including provision specifically for residents without access to private off-street parking. While these strategies are being finalised, ZEVI is supporting pilot projects across a number of Local Authorities to deliver charging infrastructure at locations that meet multiple user needs.
The Government recognises that the absence of off-street parking presents a particular challenge for some households. Addressing this barrier is a key priority, and there remains a need to address multiple considerations in this regard, including planning consents, road / pavement opening, and the laying of electrical cables across public thoroughfares. Work is underway to introduce new legislation establishing a regulated private wires regime. This will enable appropriate charging solutions to be deployed safely in residential settings where direct home charging is not currently possible.
The introduction of a private wires regime remains a priority for the Government. The General Scheme of the Private Wires Bill was approved by Government on 16 December 2025, and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment has since been engaging with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to progress drafting of the legislation. Pre-legislative scrutiny has been completed by the Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy, with its report published on 22 April. It is intended that the Bill will complete its passage through the Oireachtas in due course.
173. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the longstanding CIÉ pensions issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44842/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. As a commercial semi-state body, Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) are responsible for the provision of pension schemes for their employees.
Following on from the constructive and collaborative approach of the Trade Union Group and CIÉ management in reaching agreement on a pathway forward as of May 2025, my Department are currently engaging with CIÉ as well as financial advisors at NewERA, the Pensions Authority and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation on the next steps in progressing the agreement and bringing CIÉ pensions onto a more stable footing for the benefit of active, and retired scheme members.
My Department and all relevant stakeholders are endeavouring to achieve the same at the earliest, keeping in line with the appropriate processes, compliance with all applicable requirements, and necessary approvals, which is now well underway.
174. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the cost for the first and full year of installing a camera at a traffic light for the purpose of detection of a road traffic offence at a signalised junction, broken down by cap ex and op ex. [44856/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnforcement of road traffic offences, such as speeding, is the primary responsibility of An Garda Síochána. This includes enforcement of speeding laws through the use of cameras. In relation to costs associated with installing cameras at a traffic light this is a matter for the National Transport Authority. Given the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
The Deputy may wish to note that I published the National Safety Camera Strategy on 29 April. The Strategy provides the framework for the increased deployment of cameras across the network, in both urban and rural locations, to assist with the enforcement of a wide range of road traffic offences. It focuses on speeding, red light running, and bus lane infringements, with flexibility for the enforcement of other types of offence in future.
The Strategy sets out a partnership approach for camera deployment and enforcement between An Garda Síochána, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the National Transport Authority (NTA). It proposes that TII takes responsibility for the management of fixed and average speed cameras, in partnership with An Garda Síochána, who will continue to be responsible for the enforcement of camera-detected speed offences. The NTA will assume the primary responsibility - both management and enforcement functions - for urban traffic management offences. This approach provides an effective structure through which the most progress can be made on the deployment of road safety camera systems in the near-term and was developed by an inter-agency working group led by TII.
A delivery focused Camera Enforcement Oversight Group (CEOG) is being established, comprising senior leaders from AGS, NTA, TII, RSA, the Courts Service and the Local Authority sector. The Group will be responsible for progressing the Strategy. This Group will report to the Road Safety Leadership Group on its progress. The Strategy aligns with Programme for Government Commitments to expand the use of safety cameras across the road network. It also delivers on part one of Action 6 of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy Phase 2 Action Plan.
It should be noted that camera enforcement has been increasing. Since late 2024, An Garda Síochána with the assistance of TII and local authorities has installed three additional average speed camera zones and nine static camera locations. This means that there are now five average safety cameras and nine static safety cameras in operation across the network. In addition, there are also 9,000 hours of AGS GoSafe monitoring carried out on our roads each month.
175. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the cost of the planning of the original route of the Lucan Luas; the estimated cost of the anticipated emerging preferred route that will be that will be identified in Q3 of 2026; the total cost of this project to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44880/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including light rail.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the development of public transport infrastructure in the GDA, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
176. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of people who applied and qualified for a tax incentive of €400 on the income generated from selling electricity back to the electricity grid under the Clean Export Guarantee in 2024 and 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44713/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra177. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to increase the tax incentive for persons who generate electricity in their own homes and sell it back to clean energy under the Clean Export Guarantee System, to the grid at €2,000 per annum given infrastructure is already in place and can lead to energy on the national grid from renewable sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44734/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 177 together.
Micro-generation of electricity is the small-scale production of electricity by consumers who generate electricity at their own homes for their own consumption and sell the excess electricity produced to the grid.
Section 216D of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides that profits of up to €400 per year arising to an individual from the generation of electricity from renewable, sustainable or alternative sources of energy at the individual’s sole or main residence for the individual’s own consumption (referred to as the micro-generation of electricity) is exempt from Income Tax, USC and PRSI.
The exempt amount was increased from €200 to €400 per year by section 28 of Finance (No.2) Act 2023. The profits which are exempted are those profits arising from the domestic generation of electricity which is supplied to the national grid. The tax exemption was due to expire on 31 December 2025. Finance Bill 2025 extended the exemption from Income Tax, USC and PRSI for householders for certain profits of up to €400 per annum from the microgeneration of electricity, for a further three years, to 31 December 2028.
There is no requirement to include the exempt profits in an income tax return (Form 11 or Form 12). Therefore, where an individual is not already required to file an income tax return, the fact that they have exempt profits from the microgeneration of electricity does not necessitate the filing of a tax return.
However, should an individual have profits exceeding €400 from the microgeneration of electricity in a year of assessment, the excess is taxable and must be declared on a tax return and will be subject to income tax, USC and PRSI in the usual manner.
I am informed by Revenue that, as there is no obligation to include the exempt profits in an income tax return, there is no data available from which to estimate the number of claimants.
The Deputy may wish to note that in advance of last year's Budget, a review of the tax exemption for the micro-generation of electricity was undertaken and included in Chapter 9 of the Tax Strategy Group 25/01 paper on Income Tax - www.assets.gov.ie/static/documents/TSG_25-01_Income_Tax.pdf.
In designing tax reliefs, there is always a balance to be struck between providing support to as many people as possible, consistent with the overall policy intention behind the measure, and ensuring that there is an appropriate degree of control in the management of limited Exchequer resources.
Decisions regarding taxation measures are usually made in the context of the annual Budget and Finance Bill process. Such decisions must have regard to the sound management of the public finances and my Department's Tax Expenditure Guidelines.
178. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to provide an update for farmers operating on land zoned for residential use in relation to the residential zoned land tax; the analysis which has been conducted since the Finance Bill 2025; and his plans to bring forward a permanent solution. [44751/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) was introduced in Finance Act 2021 and first charged in 2025. It seeks to increase housing supply by encouraging the activation of residential development on lands which are suitably zoned and appropriately serviced.
It is important to note that, to come within the scope of RZLT, farmland must be both zoned for residential use and serviced. Farmland that is zoned for residential use, but which is not currently serviced is not within the scope of the tax and will only come within the scope of the tax should the land become serviced in the future.
The legislation also provides that farmland which is zoned for mixed use, including residential use, and which is integral to the operation of a farming trade carried out on or beside it, is excluded from the tax, even where such land is serviced, and should not be included on the RZLT maps prepared and published by local authorities identifying land within the scope of the tax.
Finance Bill 2025 provided an opportunity for landowners whose land appeared on the revised map for 2026 published on 31 January 2026 to request the relevant local authority to change the zoning of the land, including a request to change the zoning to reflect the current economic use of the land. The application must have been made between 1 February and 1 April 2026 to the relevant local authority. Where certain conditions are met, a landowner could have claimed an exemption from RZLT for 2026 on foot of making such a rezoning request. This claim must have been made as part of the 2026 RZLT return which had to be filed by 23 May 2026.
Local Authorities will consider these requests, having regard to the proposed planning and sustainable development of the area, along with any relevant Section 28 guidelines issued by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Landowners will be notified of the decision to proceed or not to proceed with a process to amend the land zoning by 30 June 2026.
Where the landowner's application for the rezoning of land is successful, this land will not be subject to RZLT going forward. Where the application is unsuccessful, the landowner becomes subject to RZLT in the following year. As the landowner may claim an exemption from RZLT on foot of making such a rezoning request and the local authority has made decisions on foot of those rezoning applications it is not possible to grant the exemption for more than one year.
The Deputy should also be aware that as much as possible, it is important to treat all landowners in a similar way in relation to the application of RZLT. Consequently, if we were to exempt one group of landowners such as farmers, other than in the circumstances already mentioned, whilst applying the tax to others who may have equally compelling reasons from an economic activity perspective to seek an exemption, there is a risk of a legal challenge to the legislation.
As with all taxes, RZLT is kept under regular review by officials in my Department.
179. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of rental properties that have availed of the tax incentive for small-scale landlords who undertake retrofitting works in respect of 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44831/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 97B Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 (TCA), inserted by Finance Act 2022, provides for a tax incentive for landlords of rented residential property to undertake retrofitting works while the tenant remains in situ. It is a tax deduction against rental income for certain retrofitting expenses incurred by landlords on rented residential properties. The maximum amount of tax deduction that can be claimed is the lesser of the qualifying expenditure incurred or €10,000. The expenses that qualify for deduction are those for which the landlord has received a home energy grant from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The tax deduction is conditional on the landlord having received a grant from the SEAI for the retrofitting works.
The tax deduction of up to €10,000 per property in respect of retrofitting works is available, with landlords being able to claim for up to two properties for years 2023, 2024 and 2025. The measure was extended in Finance Act 2025 to 31 December 2028 and gives greater certainty to landlords over the coming years so they can invest in their properties. To improve the potential reach of this measure, Finance Act 2025 increased the entitlement of a landlord to claim the relief from a maximum of two qualifying rental properties to three qualifying rental properties in the years 2026, 2027 and 2028.
As I advised the Deputy in my reply to question 298 of 26 February last, up to 31 December 2025, retrofitting works carried out in a year can only be claimed against Case V rental income for the following year. For example, expenses on retrofitting works undertaken in 2023, the first year for which the relief was available, can be claimed as a tax deduction against Case V rental income for 2024, and that data in relation to 2024 will be available in mid-2026, once the returns have been processed and data is prepared for statistical analysis. To further enhance the attractiveness of the relief, the Finance Act 2025 also provided for claims in respect of retrofitting expenses are now allowed in the year in which they occur.
I am advised by Revenue that the data for 2024 (i.e. expenses relating to 2023) is not currently available for statistical analysis. It will be outlined, once available, on the Revenue website in the ‘Cost of Tax Expenditures’ publication, which can be accessed on the Revenue website at :
www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/tax-expenditures/cost/index.aspx .
180. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to Parliamentary Question No. 212 of 15 May 2025, if he will provide a progress update on issues addressed in his reply regarding the Clonmacnoise monastic site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44719/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) recognises the importance of Clonmacnoise Monastic Site as one of Ireland’s most significant early Christian heritage sites.
As set out in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 212 of 15 May 2025, the closure of the on-site shop arose in the context of the wider redevelopment of the Clonmacnoise Visitor Centre, which is being delivered under the EU Just Transition Fund in partnership with Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This major capital investment is now in delivery phase, following contract award to Kelbuild Ltd, and will significantly enhance conservation, interpretation, accessibility, and visitor facilities at the site.
In relation to interim visitor services, the OPW can confirm that procurement for a mobile catering unit was completed, and on-site refreshment services are available during the construction period. This provision is intended to support visitors while maintaining sensitivity to the heritage context of the monastic site.
In parallel, the former Fáilte Ireland building, previously utilised for retail purposes, will provide a temporary facility to support visitor services and community engagement during the redevelopment works. Initial works to make the building suitable for interim public use, including cleaning, repainting, and installation of interpretative materials, are being advanced. This will ensure that, in the short term, visitors will continue to have access to appropriate amenities and interpretive content while works on the main visitor centre progress.
Looking ahead, this building will form part of the long-term visitor and education infrastructure at Clonmacnoise, incorporating enhanced interpretation, accessibility improvements including a Changing Places facility, and dedicated space for education and engagement.
The OPW acknowledges the disruption caused by the temporary closure of retail services and continues to work to ensure that alternative provisions are delivered in a timely manner. The overarching objective remains to protect and enhance the heritage significance of Clonmacnoise while delivering a modern, accessible, and sustainable visitor experience.
181. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the continued basis for pension abatement for public servants with pension entitlements who have been re-employed in alternative roles within the public sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44798/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe principle of abatement of a public service pension is longstanding within the rules of various public service pension schemes and is an important aspect of Public Service Pensions.
Where previously abatement applied to the pension of a retired public servant returning to work in the sector from which they retired, the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 (the “2012 Act”) extended abatement to retired public servants returning to any part of the public service.
The 2012 Act provides for the abatement of a public service pension where a retired public servant, whose pension is in payment, is re-employed in the public service such that no more of the pension when combined with the remuneration in the new position shall exceed the pensionable remuneration of the old position.
Abatement policy is a key component of Public Service pension policy and addresses valid concerns about simultaneous payment of both pension and salary in the Public service. It should be noted that it is the pension which is abated and not the salary in the new position.
182. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether his Department has undertaken an assessment of Ireland’s capacity to develop domestic manufacturing in clean technology sectors, including renewable energy technologies, battery storage, energy innovation and circular economy products; the opportunities and barriers identified through such assessments; the measures being taken to support growth in these sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44704/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently developing a new green growth industrial strategy, which will build on the successful delivery of actions under Powering Prosperity - Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy and respond to a clear demand within the green technology sector for a broader industrial policy covering the wider renewable energy system. This strategy is earmarked for publication later this year.
The new strategy will take a holistic view of the renewable energy system and will have a core focus on supporting companies developing certain green technologies linked to the renewable energy system, including innovation and in-company research and development, and building the required supply chain for their deployment.
A public consultation to inform the development of the new strategy concluded in March 2026 and officials in my Department are analysing the submissions and conducting further targeted consultation, with insights from this process informing the ongoing development of the green growth industrial strategy. The consultation invited views on a broad suite of green and emerging technologies that could potentially benefit from strategic-level intervention, focused on renewable energy technologies, including generation technologies such as wind and solar, and wider network technologies such as energy storage and grid.
My Department is continuing to consult with industry on the development of the green growth industrial strategy, with discussions focusing on potential measures to address perceived barriers to the developed of green technologies in Ireland including access to research and innovation funding, and supply-chain constraints.
Key stakeholders in the development of the new strategy will include the enterprise development agencies – Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland – both of whom are working to capture the enterprise development opportunities for Ireland associated with green technologies.
IDA Ireland’s 2025-29 strategy, Adapt Intelligently, includes a focus on new growth opportunities. The strategy targets 1,000 investments to drive new R&D spend of €7 billion, new job creation of 75,000, the upskilling of 40,000 people, and a 35% reduction in IDA client carbon emissions. IDA Ireland’s existing grant supports aim to attract investment to Ireland and to drive productivity and competitiveness. Among these are Green Capital grants to promote competitiveness enhancing investments in decarbonisation and energy efficiency, as well as RD&I grants, training grants, and employment and capital grants for clients in eligible regional locations to support investment in new job creation and expansion of activities.
Enterprise Ireland supports many Irish owned companies across the renewable energy value chain through productivity to build scale, innovation, digitalisation and export focused supports. As more companies in the sector deliver scale, build international market presence and deepen technical capability, the business case for higher value domestic manufacturing opportunities—such as advanced assembly, component production and niche manufacturing with export potential—becomes increasingly realistic in response to evolving technology and market requirements.
At EU level the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA) and the proposed Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) include measures to support the development of a variety of technologies/industries. The NZIA establishes a framework of measures to strengthen Europe's net-zero technology manufacturing ecosystem. There are 19 technologies in scope, including renewable energy technologies, and the Act aims to facilitate investments in manufacturing these green technologies. My Department continues to progress implementation of the Act.
The IAA, while still under negotiation at EU level, aims to de-risk private investment by reducing regulatory uncertainty through faster, more predictable permitting while creating lead markets that provide early, reliable demand for EU-made green technologies through tools such as public procurement.
Together, the NZIA and the IAA aim to strengthen Europe’s green industrial base by aligning supply-side manufacturing support with demand-side market creation.
183. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will consider opening a trade office in Taipei, Taiwan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44782/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may know, The European Union established the European Economic and Trade Office in Taipei in 2003 to represent and strengthen the trading and economic links with Taiwan on behalf of all EU Member States, including Ireland. There has also been a Taipei Representative Office in Dublin since 1988.
There are no current plans for Ireland to open an office in Taipei. Enterprise Ireland is the Government agency responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets. Services for Irish companies targeting Taiwan are provided through Enterprise Ireland's office in Hong Kong.
IDA Ireland, the agency responsible for attracting foreign direct investment to Ireland, previously had an office in Taipei but it was closed on 31 December 2011 solely based on business reasons. IDA Ireland now manages the Taiwanese market from its Singapore office.
The opening of new offices is kept under review by the Government, with consideration given to the economic and business benefits , the costs involved and policy issues. Such decisions are evaluated on the basis of a number of factors, including whether existing offices can adequately cover a country or regional area.
184. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education and Youth the age of eligibility for a pension (details supplied); the person's entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44694/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra190. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education and Youth the age of eligibility for a pension for a person (details supplied); what they are entitled to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44696/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 190 together.
In response to the Deputy, I can confirm that the minimum pension age in the public service is generally determined by the date of initial recruitment and is provided for in primary legislation and/or the terms of the relevant pension scheme.
The preserved pension age is 60 in the case of a person whose public service employment commenced prior to 1 April 2004, 65 for those who are “new entrants”, and 66 for members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.
In the case referred to by the Deputy, Departmental records indicate that the individual concerned commenced employment on 24 February 2004 and has no break in service exceeding 26 weeks. Accordingly, the individual is a member of a pre-2004 scheme and may retire from age 60.
In addition, teachers appointed prior to 1 April 2004 (“non-new entrants”) and serving on or after 1 September 1996 may be eligible to retire on pension, without actuarial reduction, from age 55, provided they have at least 35 years of qualifying service. For the purpose of meeting this requirement, limited credit may be granted in respect of pre-service training, in line with scheme rules: 2 years’ credit where pre-service training is of 4 years or more, and 1 year’s credit where pre-service training is at least 3 years but less than 4 years.
A Cost Neutral Early Retirement option may also be available, subject to the conditions of the scheme. This allows a member to retire up to ten years before preserved pension age, with retirement benefits actuarially reduced to reflect early payment.
The Department can provide a Statement of Benefits for the individual concerned upon receipt of a request submitted through the Customer Management System, which is available at: https://cs.education.gov.ie/. This ensures that the request is recorded, prioritised and processed based on expected retirement dates.
Pending receipt of a formal statement, the Pension Modeller, available at www.gov.ie/en/service/school-staff-pension-modeller/, may be used to obtain an indicative estimate of pension entitlements.
185. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether her Department has had engagement with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding collocating a youth centre with a new library building at Mahon, Cork city. [44707/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department is dedicated to enhancing the delivery and development of youth work services and opportunities for young people across the country.
The provision of library services, including the provision of library buildings, is primarily a matter for local authorities, in their capacity as library authorities, under the Local Government Act 2001. Accordingly, the design and delivery of a library building in Mahon, Blackrock, including any potential for considering colocation proposals, is primarily a matter for Cork City Council.
I am aware that there has been some engagement at local level between Cork City Council and Cork ETB in relation to the proposed co-location of a youth centre with the new library building in Mahon.
Where proposals arise to co-locate youth centres with other community infrastructure, it is important that such developments are considered in conjunction with the relevant Education and Training Board (ETB), which has a mid-level governance role in the administration and oversight of youth services.
186. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps she will take to address serious financial problems facing a cohort of students (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44752/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2022, as an immediate short-term measure, my department were delighted to introduce a bursary to provide financial support to Trainee Educational Psychologists for their professional doctoral training programme.
Since January 2023, the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) has supported bursaries for Trainee Educational Psychologists who are enrolled in the University College Dublin Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology and Mary Immaculate College Limerick’s Professional Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology and extended the bursary scheme to the newly established Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology (D.Ed.Psych.) at Maynooth University commenced in September 2025.
The Bursary Award is paid in respect of course tuition fees, and as a contribution toward maintenance/living expenses only.
Workforce planning and the support of trainee educational psychologists are matters taken seriously by the department. To this end a review of the bursary scheme has been initiated in the last 6 months. This review remains ongoing. Any changes to the current scheme will be considered in the context of the Department's budgetary commitments.
