Pearse Doherty
Ceist:249. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to provide the average and median inheritance tax paid each year since 2020. [46419/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTax Yield
Ceisteanna (249)
Freagraí scríofa
I am advised by Revenue that, due to the way in which capital acquisition tax (CAT) data are currently captured for statistical purposes, it is not possible to provide the average and median inheritance tax paid.
Banking Sector
Ceisteanna (250)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:250. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to provide a full list of all credit institutions authorised to carry out banking business in the State under Irish legislation. [46420/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Central Bank of Ireland maintains Registers, which contain individual registers for all financial service providers and collective investment schemes (CIS) that are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Section 1 of the Register for Credit Institutions lists firms that are authorised to carry on banking business in the State under Irish Legislation.
The registers can be found at the following link: [https://registers.centralbank.ie/Home.aspx]
Banking Sector
Ceisteanna (251)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:251. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to provide a full list of all European credit institutions authorised in another Member State of the European economic area and operating in the State as a branch. [46421/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Central Bank of Ireland maintains Registers, which contain individual registers for all financial service providers and collective investment schemes (CIS) that are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Section 2(a) of the Register for Credit Institutions covers European Credit Institutions authorised in another Member State of the European Economic Area (EEA) and are operating in the State on a branch basis.
The registers can be found at the following link: [https://registers.centralbank.ie/Home.aspx]
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (252)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:252. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 595 of 9 of June 2026, to clarify if the investment benchmarks against which each fund’s investment performance is measured over time includes projected rates of return. [46422/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the NTMA has developed long-term investment strategies for both the Future Ireland Fund (FIF) and the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund (ICNF), in accordance with the Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Act 2024 ('the Act').
As required under Section 7 and Section 16 of the Act, each fund’s investment strategy includes an applicable benchmark, against which each fund’s investment performance is measured over time.
The benchmarks are market indices, or a combination of market indices, and were selected having regard to a number of considerations, including the need to closely reflect the investable opportunity set, transparency and availability, and alignment with legislation. They are used to assess actual performance over time, and do not incorporate projected or target rates of return.
The benchmark for the Future Ireland Fund Long Term Investment Strategy is:
Equity (80% Weight) - All-Country World Paris-Aligned Total Return Index (75% Euro Hedged ex. Emerging Markets)
Fixed Income (20% Weight) - Global Aggregate Bond Total Return Index (100% Euro Hedged)
The benchmark for the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Long Term Investment Strategy is:
Fixed Income (100% Weight) – 1-3 Year Global Aggregate Bond Total Return Index (100% Euro Hedged)
Tax Credits
Ceisteanna (253)
John Connolly
Ceist:253. Deputy John Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether the residential solar tax credit is available in respect of solar PV installations in new-build dwellings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46449/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to clarify to the Deputy that there is no tax credit available in respect of solar PV installations for new-build or second-hand dwellings.
There is however a tax exemption for micro-generation of electricity. 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 in 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.
In addition, as the Deputy is aware following amendments to Annex III of the VAT Directive, agreed in April 2022, the Government introduced a zero rate for the supply and installation of solar panels on private dwellings. This was subsequently extended to the supply and installation of solar panels on schools.
The only other area where Annex III applies some latitude in relation to reduced rates for home energy upgrades is in relation to heat pumps. Whilst a zero rate of VAT cannot be applied there is scope to reduce the VAT rate on highly efficient low emissions heating systems to a reduced VAT rate. In Ireland the reduced VAT rate of 9% was introduced with effect from 1 January 2025 on the supply and installation of heat pumps systems.
Tax Code
Ceisteanna (254)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:254. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the estimated annual impact on revenue of restoring the full 5% regional uplift, as it was previously constituted, for the Section 481 tax credit for film; the estimated annual impact on revenue of establishing a 5% uplift to the Section 481 tax credit for films produced in Gaeltacht areas and/or in the Irish language; the estimated revenue which would be accrued in the first year by adopting a levy at a rate of 0.5% on ad revenue and 0.5% on subscription revenue earned by on-demand sound streaming services, such as a service (details supplied); the estimated annual impact on revenue of exempting ticket admissions for dance venues from VAT; and the estimated annual impact on revenue of exempting residential properties sold in Gaeltacht areas from stamp duty. [46574/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, Finance Act 2018 introduced a short-term, tapered regional uplift under the Section 481 Film tax credit for productions being made in areas designated under the State aid regional guidelines (among other criteria). The purpose of the regional uplift was to support the development of new, local pools of talent in areas outside the main production hubs, to support the geographic spread of the audio-visual sector. The uplift provided for an increased level of credit for five years, with 5% available in years 1 to 3 (2019, 2020 and 2021), 3% available in year 4 (2022), and 2% available in year 5 (2023).
As the regional uplift was an approved State aid, any restoration of the uplift would require approval from the European Commission.
It is worth noting that the Section 481 Film tax credit is explicitly linked to the promotion of Irish or European culture, of which the Irish language is a key aspect, both as a matter of policy intent and as a requirement under EU State aid rules.
In respect of the annual impact of restoring the 5% regional uplift as it as previously constituted and of establishing a 5% uplift for films produced in Gaeltacht areas and/or in the Irish language, the Exchequer cost of such measures would be dependent on the number of qualifying films, as well as the timing and value of claims made for the relief into the future. As information on future expenditure in this sector is unknown, there is no basis available to provide an accurate estimate of the information requested by the Deputy.
The Deputy will be aware that Government supports for audio-visual productions have been considerably enhanced and broadened in recent years, and these supports are available to productions nationwide. The Scéal Uplift, an amendment to the Section 481 Film tax credit, was introduced as part of Finance Act 2024 to provide for an uplift of 8% to the existing rate of 32% for small to medium sized productions with a maximum qualifying expenditure of €20 million where certain additional cultural criteria are also met. Finance Act 2025 also introduced an 8% uplift for VFX work under the Section 481 film tax credit, which is set to commence shortly following completion of regulations.
In relation to VAT, I am advised by Revenue that traders are not required to separately identify the yield generated from a particular activity or product type on their VAT3 return. Therefore, it is not possible to provide an estimate of the estimated annual impact on revenue of exempting ticket admissions for dance venues from VAT.
I am advised by Revenue that it is unable to provide the estimated revenue which would be accrued in the first year by adopting a levy on advertising or subscription revenue earned by on-demand sound streaming services as it has no data on which to base such an estimate.
I am further advised by Revenue that it cannot provide any information in relation to the estimated annual impact of exempting residential properties sold in Gaeltacht areas from stamp duty, as the most granular geographic level at which the requested costing can be produced by Revenue is at the county level.
To address the specific issue of a Stamp Duty exemption for Gaeltacht areas, I would stress that such a measure, if introduced, would be extremely difficult, to administer and control. There could also be potential legal issues in seeking to apply such a measure that is selective on the grounds of region and/or cohort of persons. Both Údarás na Gaeltachta and approved housing bodies already enjoy stamp duty exemptions under section 25 of the Údarás na Gaeltachta Act 1979 and section 93A of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999, respectively.
Tax Code
Ceisteanna (255)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:255. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to respond to reports that consultants on public only consultant contracts (POCC) are being routinely gifted fees for the delivery of babies of private patients in the Rotunda Maternity Hospital (details supplied); if this practice will be investigated given the issues surrounding the taxation of these gifts; to clarify matters related to tax treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46728/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The tax treatment of fees for the delivery of babies of private patients by medical consultants will depend on the facts and circumstances of the case. The label given to a receipt does not determine its character nor whether it is chargeable to tax.
The Supreme Court judgement in the Karshan case (The Revenue Commissioners v. Karshan (Midlands) Ltd. t/a Domino’s Pizza) provides an extensive review of relevant caselaw and succinctly summarises it through the provision of a five-step decision-making framework. The decision-making framework consists of five questions that are to be used to resolve the question of whether a contract is one of service (employee) or for service (self-employed) for taxation purposes. Revenue developed a detailed Tax and Duty Manual (TDM) to provide guidance in relation to the application of the judgment and to assist businesses who engage individuals to carry out work. The Tax and Duty Manual is available at www.revenue.ie/en/tax-professionals/tdm/income-tax-capital-gains-tax-corporation-tax/part-05/05-01-30.pdf.
Where a consultant receives a fee for a service that is provided under or in connection with a contract of service, they will be taxable as an employee under Schedule E and the employer will be required to operate the PAYE system, and to deduct income tax, Universal Social Charge, and Pay Related Social Insurance and make a return to Revenue.
Where a consultant receives a fee for the provision of a service under a contract for services, they will be subject to Income Tax under either Case II or Case IV of Schedule D. Profits arising from the carrying on of a profession are chargeable to tax under Case II, whereas profits derived from activities carried out on a once-off, casual or occasional basis such that it does not amount to the exercise of a trade/profession are chargeable to tax under Case IV. Where medical consultants have Case II or Case IV income, they are generally required to register and account for Income Tax on their taxable profits under the self-assessment system.
Chargeable persons are required to account for taxes in accordance with the law. Revenue has a comprehensive framework in place to support taxpayers to voluntarily comply with their tax obligations, as well as to challenge non-compliance.
Fiscal Policy
Ceisteanna (256)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:256. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance for an update on plans to reform and enhance Ireland’s regulatory framework for Retail Investor Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46749/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Savings and Investments Union aims to create better financial opportunities across the EU, providing people with more opportunities to invest and provide for their current and future prosperity.
Ireland is committed to support initiatives that enhance retail investor participation in capital markets. In considering any reforms to Ireland’s regulatory framework for Retail Investor Alternative Investment Funds, it is important that the deployment of retail savings into capital markets is undertaken in a manner that is commensurate with the knowledge, experience and risk tolerance of the investor.
The regulatory framework should support access to investment opportunities while ensuring that products are designed, distributed and governed in a way that meets the needs of investors at different stages of their financial lives and protects them from risks they may not be well placed to assess or manage.
The Central Bank has recently concluded a significant programme of work to implement the requirements arising from the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive II 2024 (AIFMD II). This has resulted in substantial amendments to both the Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) AIF Rulebook and the Central Bank UCITS Regulations, including the establishment of a harmonised European framework for loan-originating funds.
Importantly, the revised AIF Rulebook was published only last month (May 2026), with the updated UCITS Regulations expected to be finalised shortly. Against this backdrop, the sequencing and prioritisation of any further reforms to the regulatory framework, particularly those affecting retail investors, will require careful consideration. Market participants are currently adapting to the significant changes introduced through AIFMD II implementation, while further legislative and regulatory developments are anticipated through the European Commission’s Markets Integration and Supervision Package (MISP) which is currently the subject of consideration by Council and Parliament separately with the view to achieving agreement later this year.
It will therefore be important to ensure that any future enhancements to the retail AIF framework are considered in the context of this broader regulatory agenda, allowing sufficient time for implementation and ensuring that reforms are coherent, proportionate and aligned with evolving European policy objectives.
We continue to engage with the Central Bank and other stakeholders on how the retail investment framework can continue to evolve in a manner that supports investor outcomes, market development and the competitiveness of Ireland’s funds sector, while maintaining high standards of investor protection and market integrity.
Vacant Properties
Ceisteanna (257)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:257. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of properties which have been liable for the vacant property tax in each taxable year since its introduction and to date in 2026; and the total amount raised in each tax year it has been operational and to date in 2026. [46776/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by Revenue that the chargeable period for the Vacant Homes Tax (“VHT”) is November to October. I am further advised that the latest available chargeable period for which the requested statistics are available is November 2024 to October 2025. Data for 2026 is not yet available for statistical analysis.
The table below outlines, for each chargeable period, the number of properties liable for VHT. The data is taken from Revenue’s Property Tax Statistics reports which are available on the Revenue website at https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/property-taxes/yearly-stats/2026/index.aspx
VHT returns are open to amendment by the filer and as such the underlying numbers may fluctuate. The information provided in the table is provisional and may be revised.
|
Chargeable Period |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Dates |
November 2022 to October 2023 |
November 2023 to October 2024 |
November 2024 to October 2025 |
|
Properties liable for Vacant Homes Tax |
3,932 |
2,301 |
1,454 |
The table below presents net collections for the calendar year for VHT from 2023 to 2025 and presents the net collections for VHT to June 2026.
|
Year |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
Jan – June 2026 |
|
Net collections (€M) |
1.15 |
2.36 |
2.05 |
1.25 |
International Agreements
Ceisteanna (258, 259)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:258. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will consider the development of a procurement pact or outline joint procurement measures with the European Union or with other EU member states. [46432/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMalcolm Byrne
Ceist:259. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will consider the development of a procurement pact or outline joint procurement measures with Canada. [46433/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 258 and 259 together.
S.I. 284/2016, transposing EU Directive 2014/24, provides that a contracting authority in the State may act jointly with a contracting authority from another Member State in the award of public contracts, provided that the necessary elements have been regulated by an international agreement concluded between either the Member States themselves, or the contracting authorities directly.
This international agreement must contain provisions setting out the relevant national law provisions, which may be the law of either of the participating countries or a combination of both, provided that the agreement aligns with the requirements of EU Directive 2014/24 and its transposing national instruments.
The international agreement must also set out the internal organisation of the procurement procedure of the Member State concerned, including—
(i) the management of the procedure,
(ii) the distribution of the works, supplies or services to be procured, and
(iii) the conclusion of contracts
Centralised procurement by the European Commission on behalf of Member States is provided for in specific, limited circumstances in a number of pieces of sectoral legislation. These market areas include the procurement of necessary medical countermeasures, critical raw materials and defence materials. Before the Commission can procure on behalf of Member States, a Member State must agree to be party to this centralised procurement.
Concerning Canada: Under the General Procurement Agreement (GPA) economic operators from signatory countries must receive ‘treatment no less favourable than the treatment accorded to…economic operators of the European Union.’
Joint procurement between Irish and Canadian contracting authorities, any attendant agreements and any pact between the countries, is a trade matter and thus better addressed to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Question No. 259 answered with Question No. 258.
Architectural Heritage
Ceisteanna (260)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:260. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the current condition of Rathfarnham Castle, County Dublin (details supplied); whether any deterioration at the site has been linked to conservation or renovation works carried out as part of the 2014-2018 programme; the interim maintenance or remedial works planned for the site; when the facade render works previously announced will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46461/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Rathfarnham Castle, built in 1583, is one of Ireland's oldest Elizabethan houses. Throughout its long history, it has been owned by Archbishop Adam Loftus (the founder of Trinity College), Speaker Conolly, and the Jesuit Order. For most of the 20th century the Castle was owned and occupied by the Jesuits. The Castle was declared a National Monument and purchased by the State in 1987.
The OPW is responsible for the care and management of Rathfarnham Castle while the lands are managed by South Dublin County County Council.
Since 1987 the OPW has undertaken an extensive programme of conservation and restoration to secure the historic fabric of the building and also has undertaken works to improve access to the building with the installation of a lift and ramps. The 2014-2018 programme of works included the provision of a new lift and staircase in the south-west tower, new toilet facilities, upgrading of doors and floors for fire resistance, provision of ramps and steps externally to allow level access to a new entrance point resulting in all historic rooms, exhibition spaces and event spaces were being fully accessible. Additional accessible Basement Exhibition spaces were also created. No deterioration at the site has been linked to these conservation or renovation works. Additional interim maintenance works at the site have encompassed general gutter/valley clearance, weed control, drainage clearance, painting and localised cleaning. It is not possible to provide a date for the façade works at this time as it is a complex project that requires detailed planning prior to dates being determined.
In the meantime, Rathfarnham Castle continues to welcome visitors daily throughout the year. The Castle's exhibition and events programme is ongoing, with a full Cultural Programme taking place this year.
Heritage Sites
Ceisteanna (261)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:261. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the total annual revenue resulting from charges on admission to monuments and heritage sites by the Office of Public Works in each of the past ten years. [46585/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for conserving, maintaining and operating Ireland's most important heritage sites. The mission of the OPW Heritage Services is to conserve and protect the built and natural heritage in our care whilst providing public access, interpretation and encouraging the public to visit and engage with our National heritage. The annual income from admission charges to OPW- operated heritage sites from 2016 to 2025 inclusive is set out in tabular form below. Please note that a reduced admissions model was in place in 2020 and 2021 arising from the prevailing Covid 19 restrictions at the time.
|
Year |
Income |
|
2025 |
€13,643,338 |
|
2024 |
€13,381,366 |
|
2023 |
€13,138,821 |
|
2022 |
€10,047,900 |
|
2021 |
€59,513* |
|
2020 |
€1,600,573* |
|
2019 |
€12,456,608 |
|
2018 |
€13,517,353 |
|
2017 |
€13,315,440 |
|
2016 |
€9,610,520 |
Departmental Contracts
Ceisteanna (262)
Albert Dolan
Ceist:262. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to Parliamentary Question No. 13 of 28 May 2026, and his statement that the publication of purchase order data over €20,000 has been Government policy since 2011, whether his Department monitored compliance with that requirement across Departments, agencies and public bodies between 2011 and 2025; if so, the mechanism used; if not, the reason; and whether his Department has identified the number of bodies not publishing purchase order data in accordance with Government policy prior to the recent correspondence issued to Secretaries General. [46638/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I thank the Deputy for the question.
Section 8 of the Freedom of Information Act (2014) requires that public bodies prepare and publish a scheme concerning the publication of information in conformity with the Model Publication Scheme guidelines issued by my Department. This supports the principles of openness, transparency, and accountability which underpin our work and allows for the routine publication of materials such as information about the FOI body, services provided or to be provided to the public, financial information (including, as the Deputy notes, purchase order data over €20,000), and so on, outside of FOI.
My Department has issued guidance on the implementation and interpretation of the Model Publication Scheme and has reached out to remind bodies of their obligations under the Act. Earlier this year, we issued a letter reminding all Departments of their obligation to prepare and publish a scheme in line with the Model Publication Scheme. For example, my own Department has an effective process in place to ensure that we routinely publish information on any purchase orders over €20,000. However, while my Department has published such guidance, it has no function in monitoring compliance with it, nor in overseeing the publication schemes of other Departments or bodies under their aegis.
Flood Relief Schemes
Ceisteanna (263)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:263. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the total allocation in Budget 2026 towards the Office of Public Work's flood defence and coastal erosion projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46732/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Office of Public Works' allocations for 2026, as announced in the Budget, are published in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) under Vote 13. Subhead A.5 in the amount of €120.505m relates to the flood risk management programme. Further details are available at the following web link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-public-expenditure-infrastructure-public-service-reform-and-digitalisation/collections/the-revised-estimates-volumes-for-the-public-service/#2026
This Subhead supports the management of significant flood risk in Ireland. In particular, it provides for the development, design, and construction of major flood relief schemes in partnership with local authorities. Intended impacts are the protection of communities at river and coastal flood risk and the achievement of economic benefits to the State in damages and losses avoided. The Subhead supports a range of related initiatives, including minor flood mitigation and coastal protection works or studies led by local authorities and a cyclical programme of analysis and planning in compliance with the EU 'Floods' Directive.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (264)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:264. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the estimated cost savings to the State in the year 2027 from a reduction in the salary top up of politicians including an Taoiseach, an Tánaiste, Ministers and Ministers of State, by 25%, 50% and 75%, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46733/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Using the current salary, relevant to the below named positions, the table lists the estimated annual reduction in costs arising from reducing salaries by 25%, 50% and 75% of the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Ministers and Ministers of State, whilst leaving the current rate of the salary for Deputies in place.
Salary Figures with effect from 1 June 2026
|
Office |
Current salary (per individual) |
25% Reduction |
50% Reduction |
75% Reduction |
|
Taoiseach |
€136,844.00 |
€34,211.00 |
€68,422.00 |
€102,633.00 |
|
Tánaiste |
€116,960.00 |
€29,240.00 |
€58,480.00 |
€87,720.00 |
|
Minister (15) |
€97,669.00 |
€366,258.75 |
€732,517.50 |
€1,098,776.25 |
|
Minister of State (23) |
€48,292.00 |
€277,679.00 |
€555,358.00 |
€833,037.00 |
Section 8 of the Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices Act 1938, as amended, provides that whenever remuneration in the Civil Service is increased the salaries of TDs and Officeholders also increased by the same proportion. In this context, any successor to Public Service Agreement 2024 – 2026 will impact the figures set out above for the year 2027.
Departmental Budgets
Ceisteanna (265, 266)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:265. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the total 2026 budget allocation for the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46734/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMairéad Farrell
Ceist:266. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the estimated cost of increasing the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service budget by 5%, 10 % and 20% respectively, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46735/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 265 and 266 together.
The Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES) is a cross-Government network of economists and policy analysts operating within the Irish civil service. IGEES members are assigned to 18 Government Departments and six State Agencies.
The IGEES budget is managed by the IGEES Central Unit, which has responsibility for IGEES corporate functions, and is based in the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER).
The IGEES budget relates to annual allocations to the IGEES Central Unit in order to fund the corporate functions of the Network. These activities include recruitment, learning and development, research and other corporate support activities for the Network of over 350 IGEES members. Decisions in respect of the IGEES budget form part of the annual estimates process.
The IGEES budget for 2026 is €300,000.
It is relevant to note that the IGEES budget does not include staff remuneration, as this is accounted for under general staffing costs in respective Departments.
The estimated cost of increasing the IGEES budget by various amounts is outlined in the table below.
|
% of 2026 IGEES Budget |
€ Cost |
|
5% |
€15,000 |
|
10% |
€30,000 |
|
20% |
€60,000 |
Question No. 266 answered with Question No. 265.
Irish Language
Ceisteanna (267)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:267. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the annual expenditure on courses for employees of public bodies to learn Irish, from an organisation (details supplied) or any other provider, in each of the past ten years; and the analysis that has been conducted by his Department on ways to increase the provision of such courses across the public sector. [46828/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department does not have data on annual expenditure on courses for employees of all public bodies to learn Irish, so this answer relates to my Department only. The Deputy may wish to submit separate Questions to other Ministers in respect of their Departments.
My Department promotes the Irish language among its staff through ongoing internal communications highlighting Irish language training opportunities provided via the IPA's OneLearning Programme, including the circulation of course details and associated webinars for each course iteration. The OneLearning course offers a Certificate in Professional Irish and is delivered by Gaelchultúr with TEG examination and accreditation. The Department has also supported the development and promotion of a suite of micro-credentials, including Irish language programmes delivered by the University of Galway.
A breakdown of the Department's expenditure in each of the past 10 years on Gaelchultúr services is provided below:
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2026 (to-date) |
€24,870 |
|
2025 |
€20,860 |
|
2024 |
€11,630 |
|
2023 |
€14,155 |
|
2022 |
€11,175 |
|
2021 |
€8,121 |
|
2020 |
€4,670 |
|
2019 |
€4,670 |
|
2018 |
€4,105 |
|
2017 |
€4,123 |
|
2016 |
€745 |
Work Permits
Ceisteanna (268, 269)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:268. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if all required documentation for employment permit application (details supplied) has been received by his Department; the current status of application; the expected timeline for the processing of this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46460/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Cahill
Ceist:269. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to expedite an employment permit application in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46553/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 268 and 269 together.
The Employment Permits Section of my Department continues to operate with a strong focus on efficiency and on improving overall processing timelines across all permit types. Ongoing measures are in place to streamline processes and ensure that applications are dealt with as quickly as possible.
In this instance, I am informed that, due to a technical issue at the time of submission, the required supporting documentation was not received by the Department. Officials in the Employment Permits Section are engaging directly with the applicant regarding this issue and to request the outstanding documentation. On receipt, the application will be prioritised for processing, having regard to the circumstances outlined.
While it is not possible to provide a definitive processing timeline until all required documentation has been received and validated, every effort will be made to ensure that the application is processed as quickly as possible.
Question No. 269 answered with Question No. 268.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (270)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:270. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the estimated yearly cost of establishing a new annual public holiday. [46581/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An assessment of the annual cost of a new public holiday was conducted by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in conjunction with the Department of Social Protection as part of a broader report on the ‘Cumulative Impact of Changes to Working Conditions’ published in 2024. As there is limited historical information on the impact of an extra public holiday within an Irish context, data from other jurisdictions was also studied to guide any additional estimates within an Irish context.
The 2024 report estimated that the total cost of an additional public holiday would be €355m at the time of publication. It should be noted that an additional public holiday would not have a uniform impact across all sectors of the economy, with some sectors likely to incur greater cost shares.
Utilising sectoral elasticities applied to Gross Value Added the report estimated the cost of €355m to the Irish economy, which corresponds to a decline of 0.06% in GDP or 0.11% on a GNI* basis based on the most recently available full year data for 2024. This is indicative of the fact that the Irish economy is highly dependent on service and high-value manufacturing activities.
EU Regulations
Ceisteanna (271)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:271. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Ireland’s position on an EU proposal to phase out the use of lead in shotgun cartridges (details supplied) given the views of a national organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46724/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The proposed restriction on lead ammunition is being developed at EU level under the REACH Regulation, which aims to protect human health and the environment from harmful chemical exposure. The proposal is based on scientific advice provided by the European Chemicals Agency and seeks to reduce lead pollution and associated risks to wildlife and human health.
Responsibility for this proposal falls outside the remit of my Department. While my Department participates in REACH processes through the Health and Safety Authority for matters within the remit of my Department, policy responsibility for matters relating to hunting, firearms, wildlife protection and environmental impacts rests with other Government Departments and agencies.
The proposed restriction remains under consideration at EU level. A vote on the proposal is scheduled to take place at a meeting of the REACH Committee on 25 June 2026.
Ireland's position on the proposal has not yet been finalised. Responsibility for developing that position rests with the relevant lead Departments and agencies, which are assessing the proposal and its implications for Ireland.
My Department has not undertaken an impact assessment in relation to the potential effects of the proposal on licensed shotgun owners, as this matter falls outside its policy remit. Consideration of impacts on hunting, conservation, vermin control and affected stakeholders is a matter for the Departments and agencies with responsibility for those policy areas.
I am aware that stakeholders have raised concerns regarding aspects of the proposal. Such views are a matter for consideration by the relevant lead Departments and agencies as part of their ongoing assessment of the proposal.