Written Answers Nos. 258-278
258. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he is considering aligning the current rate of investment undertaking tax with capital gains tax in Budget 2027 as an affordable and effective means of increasing retail investment participation, and to ensure existing investors are not left behind in any planned new tax measures to incentivise retail investment. [47514/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the need to encourage and support retail investment.
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is chargeable on a gain arising on the disposal of an asset, at the rate of 33%. The first €1,270 of chargeable gains of an individual in any year are exempt from CGT. The existence of a 33% rate of CGT can help to maintain a balance between the rate of taxation of capital assets and the higher rate of income tax. There are a number of targeted reliefs, including principal private residence relief, retirement relief and revised entrepreneur relief.
Irish resident investors investing through investment funds and life assurance policies are subject to tax through the gross roll-up regime. Under the gross roll-up regime, no annual tax on income or gains arising to a fund is charged but the fund is responsible for deducting Investment Undertaking Tax (IUT) on the triggering of a chargeable event. Generally, chargeable events occur when value passes from the fund to the investor or on a deemed disposal every 8 years.
I am committed to taking the necessary action to support retail investment in Ireland. Budget 2026 introduced a reduction in the taxation rate that applies to Irish and equivalent offshore funds and Irish and certain foreign life assurance products, from 41% to 38%.
Budget 2026 also included a commitment to publish a roadmap for the taxation of retail investment, setting out an approach to simplify and adapt the tax framework to further support retail investment while retaining necessary and important anti-avoidance protections, in a proportionate manner. The roadmap will take the Commissions Savings and Investment Account recommendation, and the Funds Review in to consideration. The roadmap is expected to be published in summer 2026.
As I announced at the first annual Savings and Investment Forum, on 31 March, another key aspect of the roadmap is the development of a new investment account that aims to reduce the complexities related to retail investment taxation and which allow individuals to grow their savings more efficiently. The key guiding principles underlying the design of the new investment account are simplicity for the investor, a beneficial tax treatment for a range of investments, preserving individual funding of pensions and a focus on encouraging new retail investors.
259. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will share the list of members (by official title) of the executive board of the Department of Finance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47516/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe membership of the Department of Finance Executive Board is as follows:
|
John Hogan |
Secretary General and Accounting Officer |
- |
|
Oliver Gilvarry |
Assistant Secretary General |
Banking Policy Division |
|
Sinéad Ryan |
Assistant Secretary General |
Business and International Tax Division |
|
Scline Scott |
Assistant Secretary General |
Corporate Services Division |
|
Clare Costello |
Assistant Secretary General |
Domestic and Indirect Tax Division |
|
John McCarthy |
Assistant Secretary General |
Economic Policy Division |
|
Emma Cunningham |
Assistant Secretary General |
EU and International Division |
|
Michael J. McGrath |
Assistant Secretary General |
Financial Services Division |
|
Paul Ryan |
Director |
International Finance Division |
|
Des Carville |
Lead Specialist |
Shareholding and Financial Advisory Division |
|
Jennifer Billings |
Principal Officer |
Ex-officio member of the Executive Board as head of Human Resources |
260. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the total landholding of his Department, broken down by county, including the amount currently unused or vacant, the portion zoned for development, and the number of sites that include vacant or derelict properties. [47624/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department does not own any properties and is provided with accommodation by the OPW.
261. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance for an update on the disposal of the MV Matthew by the Revenue Commissioners; the full costs to date for the storage and upkeep of this vessel; the timeline for the completion of its disposal; and if the vessel is likely to be scrapped or sold for reuse. [47746/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that it has entered into an agreement with a proposed acquirer to facilitate the departure of the vessel from the Port of Cork.
Revenue has applied to the Panamanian authorities, as the flag State, to provide clearance for the vessel to depart. The timeline for completion of the disposal will depend on receipt of the clearance from the Panamanian Authorities. It is Revenue’s understanding that further works may be carried out by the acquirer that will enable the vessel to resume trading in due course.
The table below shows a breakdown of cost of maintenance and management of the MV Matthew up to end May 2026.
|
Payments made by the Revenue Commissioners in respect of maintenance and management of MV Matthew from Sept 2023 to end May 2026 |
Total (€) |
|
Berthing |
3,727,998 |
|
includes all costs associated with berthing, unberthing and movement of the vessel |
|
|
Maintenance |
6,996,878 |
|
Includes all costs (other than berthing or crewing) of maintaining the ship alongside in Port such as ship’s stores and provisions, bunkering fuel, waste removal, misc repairs and maintenance, agent & professional fees, insurance, etc |
|
|
Crewing |
5,287,939 |
|
TOTAL |
16,012,815 |
262. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to give support to pre-Budget 2027 proposals by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47866/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Finance receives pre-Budget submissions from a wide range of stakeholders in advance of each Budget and all are given consideration as part of the annual policy cycle.
Proposals for new tax expenditures are examined by reference to the Department of Finance Tax Expenditure Guidelines, which outline the Government’s approach to when tax expenditures are best used, noting that these narrow the tax base, and how they should be evaluated.
In the case of a proposal for a targeted tax incentive, such as an On-Trade Sustainability Scheme as suggested by the Vintners Federation of Ireland, consideration of European State aid approval would also be required.
The Government is conscious of the challenges facing all businesses in the current economic climate, including the pub sector, and the Cost of Business Advisory Forum is working to look at the structural issues that are driving up costs and the steps that could be taken to mitigate them. A range of direct expenditure supports are also available to businesses, and details can be found online on the National Enterprise Hub.
There are a number of existing tax supports available to all businesses, including the on-trade. These are intended to encourage investment in the economy and in particular in indigenous SMEs. These measures provided for by Part 16 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 include the Employment Investment Incentive the Start-Up Relief for Entrepreneurs and the Start-Up Capital Investment.
In addition, the Government announced two energy support packages earlier this year which included temporary excise rate reductions for auto fuels and Marked Gas Oil and an enhancement to the Diesel Rebate Scheme. Government also announced the deferral of the planned 1 May carbon tax rate increase until 14 October 2026. While no Government can fully insulate against energy price shocks, these measures provide support to households and the broader economy by alleviating some of the financial pressures arising from fuel price increases.
It is also worth noting that there has been no general increase in excise duty rates for alcohol since in 2014. While the retail price of beer has risen over that period, the excise duty has remained unchanged and, therefore, the total tax as a percentage of the retail price of each pint is now lower than it was more than a decade ago.
Notwithstanding the above, the matters raised in the submission will continue to inform ongoing policy considerations in the context of the budgetary process.
263. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the timeline for the relocation of the Cork Passport Office; the overall cost of this relocation process, including the terms of the lease, the fit out costs and other related costs such as professional fees; and the amount that has been spent to date on the project. [47680/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW), in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs, is progressing the development of new office accommodation for the Passport Service in Cork.
The project is currently at an advanced stage of design. It is anticipated that construction and fit-out works will be completed in Q2 2027. This is based on the current anticipated timelines on procurement and business environment.
Following the completion of the fit-out, a further period will be required for client-specific installations, including ICT and furniture, prior to occupation.
While it is not possible to provide fitout cost due to commercial sensitivity as the project is due to proceed to tender in the coming weeks, the expenditure to date is €42,870.30 incl. Vat. These costs relates to design fees, statutory planning costs and surveying reports.
The lease terms is for 20 years, beginning in January 2025. The current annual rent is €653,000 per annum.
The OPW and the Department of Foreign Affairs will continue to working collaboratively to deliver new office accommodation for the Passport Service in Cork.
264. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the cost of his Department’s annual grant towards a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46812/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) is a private company limited by guarantee which receives a grant-in-aid from the Exchequer through my Department's Vote. The funding is to enable the ESRI to meet its requirements in economic and social research that informs public policy and civil society. The goal for all ESRI research is to produce results leading to policy recommendations.
In 2026, the amount committed to the ESRI is €3,900,000. This information is publicly available through the Revised Estimates Volume 2026, which lists each Vote and the amount allocated to each subhead. The ESRI funding is Subhead A4 in my Department's Vote (Vote 11).
265. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will report on the on-going public sector discussions with regard to a reversal of the previous financial decision to reduce the daily rate of payment for former members of the public service appointed for their expertise and experience to public sector interview boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46818/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe rates payable to retired Public Servants or others for serving on Interview Boards are in place since 1 July 2013. The rate payable is determined by the grade an individual served at the time of retirement. The Table below sets out the rates which are under review by my Department.
|
Secretary General |
€377 per day |
|
Deputy Secretary |
€295 per day |
|
Assistant Secretary |
€200 per day |
|
Principal Officer |
€150 per day |
|
Assistant Principal |
€130 per day |
|
Higher Executive Officer and below |
€110 per day |
266. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on the next public sector pay deal; when talks are scheduled to commence; the engagements his Department has had with stakeholders around the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46819/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic service pay has been governed by a system of collective agreements for many years. These multi-annual agreements have contributed to ongoing stability in our economy by facilitating the delivery of quality public services, the maintenance of industrial peace in the public service, and ongoing reforms, whilst also allowing for the sustainable management of pay costs to the exchequer.
The current agreement, the Public Service Agreement (PSA) 2024 – 2026 is a two and half year agreement. The Agreement provides for 9.25% in general pay increases as well as a provision for a Local Bargaining mechanism equivalent to 1% of the basic pay cost. This agreement expires at the end of June 2026.
In that context, my officials met with ICTU and staff representative associations to commence exploratory discussions on a successor agreement last week and these ongoing discussions remain in their early stages. My officials are available for intensive engagement over the coming weeks with a view to reaching a successor agreement.
The Government would like to reach a new agreement. However, these will be challenging discussions and there are limits to what is possible and sustainable given the competing demands that this Government faces.
Recent agreements have provided certainty and stability for public servants and for Government. They have succeeded in ensuring that Public Service pay remained broadly in line with inflation and, in the case of pay for lower paid groups, significantly ahead. The most recent pay increase for public servants was on the 1st of June last.
As the deputy will appreciate, given the confidential nature of this process, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
267. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of WTE staff, by job title currently working in each heritage site under the remit of OPW as of 15 June 2026, in tabular form. [46837/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease find attached spreadsheet outlining total number of WTE staff by job title, employed in each Heritage site under the remit of OPW as at 15th June 2026. Please note recruitment is ongoing for 2026 where there are any vacancies.
268. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on the work his Department is doing to progress 'Circular 03-2026 Application of 1 September 2025 Local Bargaining Clause under Public Service Agreement 2024 to 2026'; the timeline for when these payments will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46903/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that the National Shared Services Office (NSSO) have identified the officers who are due an incremental step and are continuing to process all payments in relation to the grades encompassed within Circular 03/2026. At this stage, the fortnightly paid officers have been processed and the NSSO are currently processing the weekly paid officers. It is anticipated that these officers will be processed by the end of July.
269. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the estimated cost to the State in the year 2027 from a public sector pay agreement of 1%, 2%,3%,4% 5% or 10%, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46964/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraBased on the Revised Estimates Volume 2026 full time equivalent public service numbers revised upward for additional staff for the Department of Education and Youth, the estimated costs, inclusive of pay and pensions, to the state in the year 2027 from a public service pay agreement of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5% or 10% are displayed in the table below.
|
Pay Agreement Increase |
€ Million |
|
1% |
420 |
|
2% |
840 |
|
3% |
1,260 |
|
4% |
1,680 |
|
5% |
2,100 |
|
10% |
4,200 |
270. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on progress by the Office of Public Works in relation to the proposed development of a new Garda headquarters in north Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47151/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Garda Síochána’s Capital Programme is agreed between An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
In December 2025, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration published its Sectoral Investment Plan for the Justice Sector.
The Sectoral Investment Plan for the Justice Sector includes a proposal for a new Divisional Headquarter campus in Dublin Metropolitan Region North Division, as part of a wider Construction and Estate Refurbishment Programme.
An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration are now engaged in a process to refine the Brief of Requirements for this Divisional Headquarter campus.
Once this process is complete, the Office of Public Works will engage with An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to support them in identifying and appraising the most suitable site/ sites to support their objectives.
Consistent with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines, the Office of Public Works will be the project Contracting Authority.
The Office of Public Works will manage and deliver the project subject to the approval of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, as the Approving Authority, and in accordance with subsequent direction from An Garda Síochána, as Sponsoring Agency.
271. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the position regarding the new national fund aimed at removing river blockages; the €90,000 allocated to Wicklow County Council; the criteria used in determining the removal of river blockages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47208/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 25th May 2026, I announced the allocation of €3 million in funding to support local authorities to remove blockages that are a source of restriction to river conveyance and are causing an increase in flood risk to properties. This once-off allocation can be used to fund the immediate removal of blockages from locations such as river crossings, bridges or culverts and that are causing a restriction to rivers which pose an immediate risk to flooding of properties. Each local authority is responsible for undertaking the works to remove the river conveyance blockages, which must not cause flood risk elsewhere. The allocation must be used in accordance with the purpose of the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme to mitigate fluvial and coastal flooding.
The funding amount allocated for Wicklow County Council under the scheme is €90,000 which represents up to 90% contribution by the OPW to the overall funding amount required for the removal of conveyance restrictions that have been identified by the Council. The calculation of each local authority’s funding amount employed a combination of criteria and included, the local authority’s administrative area, population and length of river channels.
Further information is available at: www.gov.ie/en/office-of-public-works/press-releases/minister-moran-announces-details-of-3-million-funding-to-remove-river-conveyance-blockages-and-details-of-changes-to-the-minor-works-scheme-to-broaden-the-scale-and-scope-of-addressing-localised-flood-and-coastal-erosion-risk/.
272. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the position regarding maintenance of the river Dargle flood relief scheme; the position regarding issues with debris being deposited on a flood overflow area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47209/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development, planning and construction of the Bray (River Dargle) Flood Relief Scheme was undertaken under local authority powers, with funding provided by the OPW. Works on the scheme were completed in November 2017, with maintenance commencing in 2018. The scheme provides protection against a 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (1-in-100 years) fluvial flooding event and a 0.5% Annual Exceedance Probability (1-in-200 years) tidal flooding event for some 660 properties.
Wicklow County Council, as the scheme’s lead authority, maintains and upkeeps the scheme. Maintenance activities include the clearance of silt and debris from the river channel, clearance of trash and debris screens, control of invasive species, and routine maintenance of outfall valves, culverts and demountables. The OPW reimburses Wicklow County Council for all eligible, valid and vouched expenditure and costs incurred in the maintenance of the scheme. Payments made to Wicklow County Council in respect of recouped maintenance costs are indicated below.
|
Year |
Recoupment Cost |
|
2021* |
€70,023.74 |
|
2022 |
€16,995.57 |
|
2023 |
€48,161.47 |
|
2024 |
€41,061.20 |
|
2025 |
€9,953.75 |
|
Total |
€186,195.73 |
The OPW has discussed the deposition of material removed from the river channel during maintenance of the Bray (River Dargle) Flood Relief Scheme with Wicklow County Council. The OPW has received assurances from the Council that this material is deposited in an area that is above the design flood level, and outside the design flood extent, of the Flood Relief Scheme.
*This payment relates to the recoupment of maintenance costs incurred since completion of the scheme.
273. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the plans the Office of Public Works has to expand ancillary and visitor activities at a castle (details supplied); whether consideration has been given, or will be given, to facilitating craft fairs, markets or stalls in the environs of the castle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47324/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraBarryscourt Castle, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork, is a National Monument in the care of the Office of Public Works (OPW). The Castle reopened to the public on 24 April 2025 following the completion of a major conservation project and upgrading of the visitor experience.
The conservation and redevelopment project included extensive structural conservation works, reroofing, masonry repairs, fire safety improvements, upgraded mechanical and electrical services, accessibility improvements and enhanced visitor facilities. The total expenditure on the refurbishment and redevelopment of Barryscourt Castle to date is €1.75 million.
The number of visitor admissions recorded since the site reopened in 2025 is 22,726.
Barryscourt Castle has re-established itself as an important heritage and tourism destination in East Cork. The OPW continues to develop the visitor experience through guided tours, educational engagement, interpretation and appropriate cultural programming.
A seasonal catering concession has operated successfully at the site and the OPW will continue to consider appropriate ancillary visitor services and activities which complement the visitor experience and are compatible with the character, conservation requirements and operational needs of this National Monument.
In addition, the OPW is progressing further landscape enhancement works, including the restoration of the historic, orchard, herb gardens and the knot gardens, these improvements will further enhance the setting and visitor experience at Barryscourt Castle.
274. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the oversight there is of public tenders to ensure they are fair and do not drive existing commercial companies out of business (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47392/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic procurement in Ireland is governed by both EU and national rules designed to ensure that all procedures are carried out in a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory manner. These rules are set out in EU Directives.
EU Directive 2014/24/EU on public procurement (goods, services and works) has been transposed into Irish Law in the form of corresponding Regulations - S.I. No. 284/2016 - European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts).
The Office of Government Procurement, a Division of my Department, has published the Public Procurement Guidelines for Goods and Services to provide a comprehensive interpretation of this legal code, to serve as national rules, and to improve consistency and promote best practice in the application of these rules.
My Department is responsible for the development of public procurement policy, while individual contracting authorities are responsible for conducting their own procurement processes in line with these rules. Individual Accounting Officers are responsible for ensuring that their public procurement functions are discharged in line with the standard accounting and procurement rules and procedures and are publicly accountable for expenditure incurred. Individual contracting authorities are responsible for establishing arrangements for ensuring the proper conduct of their affairs, including conformance to standards of good governance and accountability regarding procurement.
Award decisions are similarly the responsibility of the awarding body, and they may be challenged under the national Remedies regime. The national Remedies regime in public procurement is the system that allows bidders to challenge procurement decisions and obtain redress where rules have been breached. It is derived from the EU Remedies Directives and implemented primarily through Irish regulations (e.g. S.I. No. 130/2010, as amended, and equivalent regulations for utilities and concessions).
My Department continues to keep procurement policy under review to ensure it remains aligned with best practice and supports a competitive, sustainable supplier base.
275. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to outline the quantum of unclaimed prizes at the National Lottery annually for each of the years 2023, 2024 and 2025; and the percentage that was used to further advertise the National Lottery's products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47444/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe amount of National Lottery prizes that expired unclaimed in 2023 and in 2024 is published in the notes to the audited accounts of the National Lottery Fund 2023 and 2024, respectively. These accounts have been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and the relevant figures are:
2023: €19.6 million.
2024: €15.1 million.
The amount of National Lottery prizes that expired unclaimed in 2025 will be in the notes to the audited accounts of the National Lottery Fund 2025. These accounts will be submitted to the Minister and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas in the coming months, in line with the National Lottery Act 2013.
Under the terms of the Licence to operate the National Lottery, the Operator is obliged to spend all expired unclaimed prize money on promoting the National Lottery and its games, and promptly (within 365 days). The independent statutory Regulator of the National Lottery monitors the Operator’s compliance with its obligations in this regard. The percentage of the expired unclaimed prize money that is used for each form of promotion is confidential and commercially sensitive and the Regulator is obliged by the Licence not to disclose such information to any third party.
276. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation his plans to conduct a review of the Arterial Drainage Act 1945. [47611/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Arterial Drainage Bill was enacted in 1945 and was aimed at improving land for agricultural purposes and mitigating flooding. The legislation was amended in 1995 to extend the powers of the Commissioners of Public Works to undertake drainage works on a more localised level rather than the previous focus on large-scale, catchment-wide schemes. The legislation was most recently amended in 2019 through S.I. No. 472/2019 which transposed the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive for the purposes of the Act.
As part of ongoing work in my Department in the context of accelerating infrastructure my officials have reviewed elements of the Arterial Drainage Act in order to ensure the proper and timely functioning of the relevant consent processes. I received Government approval earlier this year to commence drafting of the Arterial Drainage (Amendment) Bill and this work is underway. The intention of the bill will be to shorten the timelines for consent decisions by transferring responsibility for the consent process to An Coimisiún Pleanála and through the introduction of statutory timelines for the completion of assessments.
Officials from my Department have briefed the Joint Committee on Infrastructure and National Development Plan Delivery on 13th May 2026 to allow for engagement with elected representatives on the subject. Work on the draft legislation is ongoing including the necessary engagement with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel.
277. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the total landholding of his Department, broken down by county, including the amount currently unused or vacant, the portion zoned for development, and the number of sites that include vacant or derelict properties. [47630/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility on behalf of the State for managing and maintaining a substantial and complex estate.
This extensive and diverse portfolio of State properties includes office accommodation for all Government Departments, the property estate for An Garda Síochána and numerous properties for many State Agencies. The portfolio also encompasses specialised spaces such as public offices, laboratories, and cultural institutions, in addition to warehouses, heritage properties, visitor centres, and sites.
The 1657 properties owned and managed by The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland together with 55 surplus vacant properties, categorised by county is attached at Appendix 1. Please note that a property may contain more than one building.
The zoning of land, including land zoned for development is the responsibility for individual Local Authorities. The determination of whether a property is considered to be derelict is a matter for the relevant Local Authority.
278. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether consideration is being given to the establishment of a national procurement directory or centralised supplier portal to assist social enterprises, SMEs and innovative enterprises in identifying and accessing public procurement opportunities across the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47769/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe eTenders website, http://www.etenders.gov.ie/ (eTenders) is a central facility for all public sector contracting authorities to advertise procurement opportunities. It is essential that suppliers interested in supplying goods, services or works to the public sector should register on eTenders.
eTenders is where suppliers will be able see procurement opportunities and award notices. It also facilitates the electronic submission of supplier bids and communications between bidders and contracting authorities with regards to tenders published on the site.
The Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV) is a detailed EU standard system of codes for describing goods, services and works to be advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) and is also supported on eTenders. Suppliers should ensure that they are registered on eTenders with the CPV Codes relevant to their sectors in order to be notified of relevant business opportunities.
In recent years, my department has implemented several initiatives to encourage SMEs, including social enterprises, to sell to government. In 2023, my department provided guidance to public bodies on measures they can take to promote the participation of SMEs in public procurement. The Department has published a suite of information for public bodies promoting the use of socially responsible public procurement which includes measures to promote the participation of social enterprises. The Department has also published information for suppliers, which includes a dedicated section on social enterprises, which is aimed at promoting public procurement as a business opportunity through the provision of accessible guidance and resources.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to review the public procurement process to make it more transparent and encourage greater participation from SMEs. Working towards this aim, and to set out the strategic direction of public procurement for the next five years, my department is developing a first National Public Procurement Strategy.
The National Public Procurement Strategy has been subject to a comprehensive consultation process to ensure it is informed by the views and experiences of a broad spectrum of Irish business, particularly SMEs and social enterprises, as well as public buyers and policymakers across the public sector. This level of engagement has been critical to identifying the key challenges facing both buyers and suppliers and in shaping practical actions for inclusion in the Strategy. The Strategy is now in its final stages of development, with a central policy objective focused on making participation in public procurement more accessible for suppliers, particularly micro and small businesses and social enterprises.
