Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:209. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on a passport application for a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46424/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPassport Services
Ceisteanna (209)
Freagraí scríofa
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued the passport to the applicant.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (210)
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:210. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on a passport application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46441/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Passport Service is successfully responding to demand, and has issued over 460,000 passports to date this year.
All passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act, 2008, as amended (“the Act”). Under Section 14(1) of the Act, the consent of a child’s guardian(s) must be given before the Passport Service can issue them a passport.
In order to protect the integrity of the Irish passport and the rights of the child and their guardian(s), it is important that the Child Identity and Consent form is correctly completed, witnessed and validated by the Passport Service for both first time and renewal applications for children. Guardians must be present to the person acting as a witness.
The Passport Service continually works to enhance the service and support customers in submitting a correct application. A number of improvements have been made to the Passport Online platform over the past three years, including a bespoke list of the supporting documents required for passport applicants. When using Passport Online, the information provided by applicants is used to generate a custom coversheet that will provide the applicant with a bespoke list, in plain English, of the documents that they must submit as part of their application.
The Passport Service also has public education materials, including video tutorials and detailed instructions on the application process, available online: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/how-to-apply-for-a-passport/.
Should assistance be required with an application, Customer Service agents are available by phone and webchat services from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. The Customer Service Hub can be contacted at +353 1 671 1633, or via the WebChat service: www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/passports/contact-us/.
In cases where further supporting documents are required from the applicant, every effort is made to let the applicant know as soon as possible. The Passport Service operates a document management system whereby incomplete applications that require further supporting documents are prioritised once the additional documents are received by the Passport Service. These applications are then processed within 15 working days.
With regard to the Deputy's query, to date this year the Passport Service has received 124,221 child applications. Of these child passport applications received, 15,323 (12%) had at least one request for a replacement Guardian consent form.
I would ask the Deputy to encourage their constituents to apply for their passports through Passport Online. In particular, those who are travelling this year, especially families with young children, should apply online for their passports and in plenty of time.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (211)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:211. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to urgently examine a significant delay with a child's first-time Irish passport application (details supplied); if this application will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46545/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
All passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act, 2008, as amended (“the 2008 Act”). Section 7(1)(a) of that Act provides that a person must be an Irish citizen in order for a passport to be issued. Accordingly, every applicant for a passport must submit evidence that they are an Irish citizen and, as such, are entitled to a passport. Section 12(1)(a) of the 2008 Act states that the Minister shall refuse to issue a passport to a person if the Minister is not satisfied that the person is an Irish citizen.
Entitlement to Irish citizenship is determined by the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 ("the 1956 Act"), as amended, under which Irish citizenship may be obtained by birth, by descent, or by naturalisation. The 1956 Act is under the remit of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration.
When processing a first time passport application, the Passport Service must validate the identity of the applicant and confirm their entitlement to Irish citizenship. It is the responsibility of the Passport Service to protect the integrity of the Irish passport process. As such, a rigorous process is in place to validate the identity of applicants and to confirm their citizenship status.
Passport applications that involve the calculation of reckonable residence can be complex. The Passport Service has a dedicated team of highly skilled and experienced entitlement officers who review these applications and engage directly with the applicant to ensure that all required supporting documentation is submitted.
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service is actively reviewing the application and will provide the applicant with an update once available.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (212)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:212. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 246 of 9 June 2026, to urgently intervene and take into consideration additional information in a passport application for a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46558/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued the passport to the applicant.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (213)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:213. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will urgently review and expedite a passport application for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46568/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, this application is within the turnaround time and has not yet reached its issue by date.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (214)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:214. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of staff in the passport service, by role in each of the years 2020 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46737/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Adequate staffing of the Passport Service remains a priority for my Department and is an issue that is kept under constant review.
The Passport Service is meeting high demand for passports and has issued over 460,000 passports to date in 2026.
The number of full time equivalent civil servants employed by my department by role, in the years 2020 to date in the Passport Service is provided in tabular form below.
Each figure provided is as of 31 December in the year in question with the exception of 2026 in respect of which staff numbers are provided are as of 08 June 2026.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (215)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:215. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the expenditure on staffing of the Passport Service in each of the years 2020 to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46738/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The total expenditure on staffing of the Passport Service in each of the years 2020 to date are shown in tabular form below.
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (216)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:216. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the estimated cost associated with increasing staffing levels in the Passport Service by 10, 50 and 100 WTE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46739/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My department engages in comprehensive workforce planning and workload management processes, based on forecasted demand for passports. Due to this ongoing monitoring of passport applications and proactive management of resources, the Passport Service is in an excellent position to meet forecasted demand for 2026.
The estimated cost associated with increasing staffing levels in the Passport Service by 10, 50 or 100 full time equivalent staff at Clerical Officer level is shown in tabular form below.
|
Number of additional Clerical Officers |
Salary & PRSI Costs |
|
10 |
€455,035 |
|
50 |
€2,275,173 |
|
100 |
€4,550,346 |
Passport Services
Ceisteanna (217)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:217. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the WTE equivalent within the Passport Service, by location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46740/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The current number of full time equivalent civil servants employed by my department within the Passport Service, by location, as at 08 June 2026, is shown in tabular form below.
|
Location |
Cork |
Dublin City |
Balbriggan |
|
Total |
111.10 |
243.00 |
456.53 |
Diplomatic Representation
Ceisteanna (218)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:218. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of embassies and consulates operated by her Department; the total WTE and cost of each, by state; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46741/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland has a global network of diplomatic missions that includes Embassies, Consulates and missions to multilateral organisations such as the European Union and the United Nations. These missions are staffed by posted Irish civil servants and locally recruited staff.
As it has not been possible to compile the information requested in the time provided, my Department will provide this information to the Deputy directly in due course.
Fisheries Protection
Ceisteanna (219)
Seán Kyne
Ceist:219. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he is aware of the concerns raised by organising committees of small regattas regarding the proposed three fish bag limit for pollock fishing; the possible impact of such limits on the participants of such regattas; the negative impact it may have on the success of such regattas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46488/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Article 12 of Council Regulation (EU) 2026/249 (EU Fishing Opportunities 2026) provides for a daily recreational bag limit of three pollack per fisher. This measure has been implemented in Ireland through the Pollack Fishing Conservation Bye-Law No. 1028 of 2026, which came into effect on 1 June 2026.
This bag limit has been introduced as a conservation measure to support the long-term sustainability of pollack stocks and was adopted by the EU following scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), which indicated that the levels of pollack stocks are low and catches should be restricted.
I am aware of the concerns of the recreational angling sector in relation the potential impact of this measure and I recognise the important contribution that events, such as regattas and angling competitions, make to local communities and tourism. While I appreciate the challenges this measure may present, I hope that these events can continue within the conservation framework now in place.
The overarching objective here, both at EU and national level, is to ensure that the species numbers are sustained for future years.
Employment Rights
Ceisteanna (220, 221, 222)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:220. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence the estimated cost to the Exchequer of the full implementation of welfare provisions in the working time directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46742/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDonnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:221. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence whether it is her intention to require the Defence Forces to pay for welfare provisions from existing resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46743/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDonnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:222. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence whether it is the intention to pay for the implementation of welfare provisions from pay deductions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46744/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 220, 221 and 222 together.
The Deputy will be aware that as part of the agreed implementation of the Working Time Directive, a number of existing and additional health and safety protections, other than compensatory rest periods, were agreed for those activities deemed outside the scope of the Act.
Those protections for exempted activities formed part of 'Strand 2' and are encompassed in a letter to the Representative Associations.
This letter is clear that recreation and welfare facilities deemed necessary and approved by military authorities, where personnel are on duty for an out of scope activity or are on-call in barracks with respect to such activity, will be funded from central funds. This is in addition to gym and training equipment approved by Military Authorities which it also states will be acquired from central funds.
Another significant measure includes funding a home reunion flight to Ireland for personnel on a 6 month deployment, in circumstances where it is determined by the military authorities that annual leave cannot be taken in the mission area due to the security environment assessment. In addition, enhanced WIFI services in UNP 2-45 in UNIFIL have been put in place.
Military Management are continuing to progress the implementation of a number of these welfare provisions and a Defence Forces Working Group has been convened for this purpose. Funding requests from the military authorities beyond existing resources, for approved measures, will be sought in line with normal estimates process.
Question No. 221 answered with Question No. 220.
Question No. 222 answered with Question No. 220.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (223)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:223. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence the cost of rebuilding Defence Force numbers, based on meeting LOA2 requirement of 11,500 DF personnel within a single term, on a pro-rata basis given current numbers of 7,500 against funds allocated for 9,500 allow for increase without cost in first few years, thereafter incurring allocation per CODF. [46745/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Defence, I am fully committed to supporting and strengthening recruitment and retention in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF).
The strength of the PDF stood at 7,741 personnel on the 30 April 2026, the latest date for which this figure is available. This represents a year-on-year increase of more than 200 personnel.
2025 saw growth in the overall strength of the PDF with a total of 790 inductions achieved - the highest in twenty years - and the number of personnel who discharged was at its lowest level in more than five years. The aim is to continue to build on the expansion in PDF numbers achieved to date and I have set a target of 850 inductions for 2026.
A draft Strategic Workforce Plan prepared by the Defence Forces has recently been submitted to me, as Minister for Defence, for consideration. The draft plan, recommendations, and modelling tool will be considered over the coming weeks.
The aim of this process is to provide a pathway to the achievement of a strength of 11,500, inclusive of civilian personnel, commensurate with Level of Ambition 2.
Resourcing of the salary costs associated with increasing numbers as they arise will be a matter for the annual estimates process of Vote 36 Defence.
Defence Forces
Ceisteanna (224)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:224. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Defence the progress made to date on the Joint Cyber Defence Command Strategy agreed in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46755/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In 2024, following the establishment of the Joint Cyber Defence Command the Defence Forces Cyber-Defence Strategy 2024 to 2027 was published. This Strategy sets out a comprehensive road map to ensure that the Defence Forces achieve operational capability in this domain.
There are 16 strategic priorities contained in the Defence Forces Cyber Defence Strategy. The top 4 of which are:
To prevent and defend against cyber-attacks on Defence Forces’ networks.
To develop a comprehensive programme of training, in cyber related subjects.
To identify and protect critical defence infrastructure and increase resilience to cyber-attacks.
To conduct ongoing risk assessments to evaluate the potential impact and likelihood of cyber-attacks on Defence Forces’ networks.
The Joint Cyber Defence Command is designed to conduct full-spectrum cyber operations, enabling the Defence Forces to defend robustly against cyber threats, support their operations both at home and overseas, and enhance resilience in the cyber domain.
My department is currently working with the Public Appointments Service to recruit civilian cyber specialists who will be integrated into this Cyber Unit, with plans to fill these positions as soon as possible. So far, the Public Appointments Service has launched a campaign to recruit for the role of Principal Officer and Cyber Lead. Additionally, competitions have been initiated to fill roles at the Engineer Grade 1 level. These roles will focus on cyber threat intelligence and cyber resilience.
Additionally, officials from my department and the Defence Forces work closely with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, as well as the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which serves as the lead government department for cyber security in Ireland, to support measures aimed at assess the risks and addressing challenges in the cyber domain.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (225)
Jennifer Whitmore
Ceist:225. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the introduction of the 199 local link service, connecting Glendalough to Bray; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46561/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing and monitoring the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, including the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and TFI Local Link services. In light of the NTA responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Public Transport
Ceisteanna (226)
Barry Heneghan
Ceist:226. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport whether consideration is being given to the phased introduction of a 24-hour public transport network in Dublin, including overnight DART, commuter rail, Luas and bus services, in recognition of the city’s growing population and the need to support workers, the night time economy and tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46293/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Both Government and the NTA do see merit in extending 24 hour coverage further, and this is kept under ongoing review. However it is essential that future planning considerations for the NTA are both operationally justified and financially sustainable within resource allocations.
The continued rollout of the BusConnects Network Redesign has given passengers across the Greater Dublin Area more late night options than ever before. There are now 15 24-hour bus services operating seven days a week across the city, meaning the vast majority of suburbs have access to a bus service around the clock, seven days a week - a significant change from 5 years ago when 24 hour routes did not exist.
In addition, Dublin Bus operates 12 Nitelink services between midnight and 4am on Friday and Saturday nights, linking the city centre to suburban areas, during peak late-night demand. Most other Dublin Bus routes run until around 11:30pm daily, while GoAhead operates 35 routes across Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow, most running to midnight. On rail and Luas, services already run at capacity, with additional late-night trains provided during peak periods where possible.
These services bring clear benefits. They provide reliable transport options for shift and late-night workers, support the night-time economy by making it easier for people to get out and home safely, and supports tourism by giving visitors confidence to enjoy the city both at day and night.
We have seen huge growth in public transport usage in recent years, and the Government remains committed to the ongoing enhancement of the TFI network, ensuring that public transport continues to be an affordable, reliable, and attractive option for all passengers. This is evident in the Programme for Government commitment to ensuring that public transport is as accessible as possible, supports the delivery of services, and incentivises off-peak travel.
Question No. 227 answered with Question No. 161.
Electric Vehicles
Ceisteanna (228)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:228. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport the new measures available as part of the ICE2EV scheme. [44486/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The ICE2EV Scheme will launch on 1 July and be administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). It is a targeted measure to reduce emissions, by removing ICE vehicles aged over 13 years from Ireland’s private car fleet and replacing them with new battery EVs.
The initiative is backed by €10 million in funding from the Climate Action Fund under the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment. To ensure balanced access, 65% of the funding will be allocated to rural applicants and 35% to urban applicants, based on Central Statistics Office Census 2022 definitions.
Eligible applicants can receive €5,000 for the permanent removal of a qualifying ICE vehicle registered in 2013 or earlier. The payment must be used towards the purchase of a new battery electric vehicle. It is additional to the existing €3,500 EV grant administered by the SEAI, bringing total available support up to €8,500 per vehicle.
Applicants must demonstrate on the date of application that the ICE vehicle:
• has been registered in their name within the State for at least 12 months prior to the application;
• holds a valid NCT certificate, or one expired by no more than six months;
• has been taxed and insured for road use during the six months prior to the application.
Further details on ICE2EV, including application processes, will be made available by the SEAI ahead of the launch date.