Written Answers Nos. 279-300
279. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the engagement his Department has had at European Union level regarding copyright protections for creators whose works may be used to train artificial intelligence systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47768/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s legislative approach to copyright, AI and digital regulation, is closely aligned with developments at European Union level. To this end, my Department is actively engaging in discussions in these areas, in particular at present, as Ireland will shortly assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU.
The AI Act requires providers of generative AI services available in the EU to demonstrate compliance with EU copyright law, specifically Article 4(3) of the Copyright in the DSM Directive (the Text and Data Mining (TDM) exception). The general-purpose AI (GPAI) Code of Practice developed under the AI Act?helps industry comply with the legal obligations on copyright and providers are required to complete a ‘Transparency Template’ providing a high-level overview of data used to train models. The AI Act will require generative AI systems to digitally watermark AI-generated content to ensure that it is clearly identifiable as such. This obligation will take effect from August, and from December for certain models. The European Commission’s AI Office will directly enforce these provisions of the AI Act, starting from August 2026. The European Commission is also engaged in a number of initiatives to try to improve practical operation of the opt-out from the TDM exception.
At present, the European Commission is reviewing the 2019 Copyright in the DSM Directive, including the TDM exception under Article 4. A consultation was held with the relevant stakeholders which was circulated by DETE to stakeholders in Ireland, and a national submission has been made by DETE. A final report will be published by the European Commission early in 2027.
In parallel, the European Commission has issued a call for evidence on possible future measures to strengthen the position of creators and creative industries in the online and AI environment and to provide them with better means to control the use of their works, enforce their rights and protect and recoup their investments, while enabling generative AI providers to benefit from high quality copyright protected content for the development of AI models and the deployment of innovative services. A public consultation will open shortly, and new measures are expected to be proposed early in 2027.
During Ireland’s Presidency, my Department will facilitate discussions in the Council Working Party on Copyright on issues as they arise in the review of the Copyright in the DSM Directive, and matters identified in the European Commission’s call for evidence. A Presidency Conference on Copyright and AI will be hosted by rightholder organisations in association with DETE on 14 October in Dublin.
My Department remains committed to ensuring that AI technologies are developed and used in a manner that is ethical, transparent, and aligned with both national, EU and international law.
280. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the additional measures Tourism Ireland will take to increase the number of visitors coming to Ireland from Asian countries during the second half of 2026; and the budget allocation for same. [46841/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2025, my Department published A New Era for Irish Tourism, a new National Tourism Policy Statement setting out a clear long-term vision for the sector to 2031. It marks a significant milestone, aligning tourism with Ireland’s broader enterprise, trade and employment objectives, while prioritising sustainable, inclusive growth across all regions.
The policy recognises Ireland’s unique tourism offering and sets ambitious growth targets, with a stronger focus on expanding direct air connectivity from key inbound markets, particularly Asia. Delivering year-round demand will be essential to achieving overseas growth targets.
In Budget 2026, €7.5 million has been allocated under the Overseas Tourism Marketing Fund, for market diversification activity, enabling Tourism Ireland to expand strategic source markets and attract higher-value visitors to Ireland.
As an island destination, air access accounts for around 90% of inbound tourism and is vital to growth. Strong air links and efficient transport remain critical to maintaining competitiveness and attracting visitors. With €1.25 million secured under Budget 2026 for the Strategic Air Access Fund, Tourism Ireland has worked with airports to identify opportunities for new and expanded air services, including long-haul services from Asia. The fund will support cooperative initiatives with carriers to stimulate demand and maximise economic returns. This includes leveraging new routes such as the China Eastern Airlines Shanghai to Dublin service launching next month, the first direct connection from Shanghai, opening significant opportunities for tourism growth from China. This new route along with the daily service from Beijing to Dublin by Hainan Airlines will increase the number of weekly flights from China to Ireland this summer to 10.
Tourism Ireland, alongside DAA, also participated in Routes Asia 2026 in Xi’an, promoting Ireland as a leading leisure and business destination and supporting global connectivity. This event may provide further opportunities for new services from other locations in Asia in the future.
Tourism Ireland’s Global Partnerships team continues to pursue agile partnership-based opportunities through a wide range of partnership programmes, supporting industry partners in showcasing Ireland’s tourism offering globally. New in-market Tourism Ireland teams have been contracted in India and China in 2026. These teams will work to strengthen Ireland’s partnerships across Asia and ensure that all business opportunities for growth are fully realised.
281. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of inspectors employed by the HSA, by section in each of the years from 2016 to 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47106/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra282. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of fatal workplace incidents recorded by the HSA, by workplace category in each of the years from 2016 to 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47107/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra283. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of workplace inspections undertaken by the HSA, by workplace category in each of the years from 2016 to 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47108/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 281, 282 and 283 together.
Ireland maintains a comprehensive and robust occupational safety and health regulatory framework. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is the national statutory body with responsibility for ensuring that all employed and self-employed, and those affected by work activity, are protected from work-related injury and ill health. This is done by enforcing occupational health and safety law, promoting accident prevention, and providing information, guidance, and advice across all sectors of the economy. The Government is therefore committed to ensuring that the HSA is appropriately resourced to carry out its important statutory function.
With regard to the number of inspectors employed by the HSA, please see the below table broken down by year and division within the HSA. Please note with regard to this table that the HSA was restructured in 2022.
It is important to note that while the Authority’s human resources include staff in both administration and inspector grades, not all staff classified under inspector grades are directly involved in conducting inspections.
Inspector grades comprise Grade I (senior inspectors), as well as Grade II and Grade III inspectors. However, staff in these grades undertake a variety of roles across the Authority’s legislative mandates, which encompass occupational health, occupational safety, chemicals, accreditation, and market surveillance of products.
In addition to conducting general and specialist inspections, investigations, and accreditation assessments, inspector-grade staff may also contribute to policy development and implementation at the national, European, and international levels. As a result, the number of personnel in inspector grades does not directly correspond to those engaged exclusively in inspection activities, given that inspections constitute only one aspect of the Authority’s overall responsibilities.
With regard to the number of fatal workplace incidents from 2016 to 2026, please see the below table, breaking down the number of fatalities by year and sector.
With regard to the number of workplace inspections undertaken by the HSA from 2016 to 2026, please see the below table which breaks this down by year and sector.
284. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of IDA visits to Kildare south in each of the past five years; the towns and locations that were visited, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47122/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra285. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the size and location of any IDA owned lands in Kildare south; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47123/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 284 and 285 together.
Regional development is a key focus of our Programme for Government and is central to the work of my Department and our enterprise development agencies. In this regard, IDA Ireland is continuing its strong commitment to regional development as one of four key strategic objectives of its 2025–2029 strategy, "Adapt Intelligently". This ambitious strategy aims to secure 550 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects outside Dublin, accounting for 55% of the 1,000 investments targeted over that period.
IDA Ireland utilises a range of strategies to maximise dispersal of FDI nationally. IDA’s regional focus leverages the wider demographic catchment of a region, the track record of existing client companies already located in the region, the presence of third-level universities to provide a skilled talent pipeline for companies investing in the region, and the availability of property and developed infrastructure assets. IDA’s regional development strategy and regional investment targets are aligned with Government policy, including Ireland 2040 and the National Planning Framework.
In that regard, Kildare is marketed as part of the Mid-East Region. There are 126 IDA client companies in the region, comprised of counties Kildare, Louth, Meath and Wicklow, employing 20,284 people of which 50 are located in County Kildare employing 10,258 people. The FDI performance in the region has been consistent over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 5% and the Mid-East has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Technology, Life Sciences, International Financial Services and Engineering & Industrial Technologies. It has also won significant investment in the Food and the Film sub-sectors.
As the Deputy is aware, the availability of suitable property and strategic sites is a critical component of the regional value proposition and can be the key differentiator in investment decisions in the regions from both new and existing clients as well as clients of Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs. Through its Regional Property Programme, IDA aims to provide agile, sustainable, flexible property solutions, providing certainty to clients in advance of demand.
Currently, IDA Ireland has approximately 78 ha (193 acres) of land available for marketing as set out in the table below:
|
- |
Business Park/Site Name |
Property Type |
Total Size |
Available for Marketing |
|
Newbridge |
Newbridge Business Park, Moorfield, Newbridge, Co. Kildare |
Business Park |
c. 25.6 ha / 63.26 acres |
c. 11.81 ha / 29.18 acres |
|
Newbridge |
Newbridge Business Park, Little Connell, Newbridge, Co. Kildare |
Strategic Site |
c. 66.14 ha / 163.43 acres |
c. 66.14 ha / 163.43 acres |
IDA site visits are only one measure of a company’s interest in a particular location and may not necessarily be a true measure of the overall level of foreign direct investment (FDI) activity in a region or county. For example, 70% of FDI won by IDA Ireland in 2024 came from its existing client base, rather than new companies. Also, potential clients visiting Ireland may visit more than one county and may return to a location more than once. It should also be noted that the final decision on where to locate an investment is always decided by the client, and not by IDA Ireland, and it can take many years to convert from initial site visit to final project proposal.
IDA Ireland reports site visits at the county level. Site visits to Co. Kildare over the past five years are outlined in the table below:
|
- |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
Q1 2026 |
|
Co. Kildare |
7 |
6 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
0 |
IDA Ireland continues to collaborate closely with national and local stakeholders to foster the conditions necessary for enterprise, innovation, and job creation in the region. However, I must also stress that, ultimately, individual investors decide where to locate their investments.
As Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, I can assure you that I am committed to driving a competitive, resilient and sustainable economy that supports enterprise, tourism and employment across all of Ireland’s regions.
286. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if grants or funding is available to a business needing to expand, and purchase and develop additional land in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47124/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRegional development is a key element of Ireland’s enterprise policy and is a key focus of the work of my Department and our enterprise development agencies. In that regard, IDA Ireland is continuing its strong commitment to promoting FDI in regional locations as part of its 2025-29 strategy, Adapt Intelligently. IDA is targeting 550 of 1,000 investment projects over the lifetime of the strategy outside Dublin including a target of 55 investments in the Mid-East.
In that regard, Kildare is marketed as part of the Mid-East Region. There are 126 IDA client companies in the region, comprised of counties Kildare, Louth, Meath and Wicklow, employing 20,284 people of which 50 are located in County Kildare employing 10,258 people. The FDI performance in the region has been consistent over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 5% and the Mid-East has a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Technology, Life Sciences, International Financial Services and Engineering & Industrial Technologies. It has also won significant investment in the Food and the Film sub-sectors.
IDA investment supports and incentivises companies looking to expand and develop strategic international operations in Ireland include:
• Research, Development & Innovation (RD&I) Grants to incentivize companies to carry out in-house or collaborative R&D projects.
• Capital and Employment Grants to aid in establishing new operations or expanding capacity, with funding amounts tied to the scale and location of the company.
• Training Grants to subsidize employee training costs for new or existing IDA client companies.
• Environmental Aid / "Go Green" Supports to help large-scale energy users meet carbon reduction targets.
As the Deputy is aware, the availability of suitable property and strategic sites is a critical component of the regional value proposition and can be the key differentiator in investment decisions in the regions from both new and existing clients as well as clients of Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs. Through its Regional Property Programme, IDA aims to provide agile, sustainable, flexible property solutions, providing certainty to clients in advance of demand. Currently, IDA Ireland has approx. 78 ha available for marketing in County Kildare.
IDA has identified the need for appropriately zoned and serviceable lands in regional locations and is focused on acquiring new landbanks and strategic sites to support investments from FDI and indigenous client companies supported by Enterprise Ireland. This approach will assist in strengthening the existing established client base in core sectors such as Technology, Content, Consumer and Business Services, International Financial Services, Lifesciences Food, Engineering and Green Economy. It will also enhance the opportunity for attracting investment in key growth areas such as digitalisation, AI, semiconductors, health and sustainability.
Of course, my Department and our Enterprise Development Agencies also support Irish-based enterprise development in the regions including through Enterprise Ireland, the and the LEOs. Enterprise Ireland provides a range of supports to assist eligible companies to scale and expand their operations. These supports are primarily aimed at strengthening productivity, competitiveness and export growth.
Enterprise Ireland does not generally provide grant aid specifically for the purchase of land. Companies seeking to expand and requiring additional land would typically be expected to finance the land acquisition element through their own resources or commercial finance. However, where a client is undertaking a broader expansion project, Enterprise Ireland will engage with the company to understand their requirements, which may result in support for associated capital investment, such as the development of buildings, facilities and the acquisition of equipment, where these are directly linked to job creation and increased international sales.
Enterprise Ireland offers the following supports in particular:
• Capital investment supports to assist companies in acquiring new equipment and developing facilities as part of an expansion project.
• Strategic and consultancy supports to help companies plan and implement growth and expansion initiatives.
• Employment supports tied to job creation arising from expansion plans.
Businesses can also engage with the National Enterprise Hub to identify the full range of government supports available for expansion projects.
The Local Enterprise Offices, including the County Kildare office in Naas, provide direct grant assistance to small businesses. Priority is given to enterprises in manufacturing and internationally traded services that have the potential to export and progress to Enterprise Ireland’s portfolio.
The Business Expansion Grant is one such grant designed to assist a business in the manufacturing and internationally traded services to grow, after the initial 18-month start-up period. The Business Expansion Grant offers support to fund Capital items, Salary costs, Consultancy, Innovation, Marketing and other relevant general overhead costs to help the business to grow. However, it should be noted that these grants cannot be used for land purchasing or development. The Expansion Grant is not normally available to domestically trading areas such as retail, personal services, professional services or construction.
As Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, I can assure you that I am committed to driving a competitive, resilient and sustainable economy that supports enterprise, tourism and employment across all of Ireland’s regions.
287. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to outline any measures the Government plans to introduce to support the survival of pubs that do not serve hot food; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47178/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises that the cost of doing business has been a significant issue for businesses, including pubs, in recent years, driven by wider inflationary pressures. The Government continues to actively monitor cost developments across all sectors of the economy including pubs and other SMEs in the hospitality sector.
The Small Business Unit was established in my department last year, fulfilling a Programme for Government commitment. The Unit has been tasked with ensuring that the needs and issues of small businesses have a dedicated focus and are recognised and acknowledged across Government. There are a number of tools this unit and my department will use to enable its work.
First, through the rigorous implementation of the SME Test. The SME Test tasks policy makers to consider the impact that any new policy, legislation, or regulation, may have on SMEs, and to mitigate against those impacts where appropriate. Secondly, access to grants and support programmes have been simplified through the launch of the National Enterprise Hub (NEH). The NEH is hosted and operated by Enterprise Ireland (EI) and has over 250 different supports for businesses from 32 Departments and agencies. Since launching in 2024, the NEH has handled over 14,000 enquiries. Monthly volumes have grown steadily, with 940 queries received in May alone, representing a 33% increase on the same period last year. The average response time has consistently remained under 24 hours. The Hub’s website has also attracted significant interest, with over 300,000 visits to date.
Third, the Small Business Unit has responsibility for the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs). We are ensuring the LEOs are properly resourced to help small businesses. A review of the full suite of LEO supports is currently underway while my Department and EI have completed a review of applications for all LEO grant schemes to reduce the number of questions and simplify requirements.
In June 2025, the Cost of Business Advisory Forum was established. The Advisory Forum brings together key representative bodies across various sectors including retailers, hospitality and SMEs alongside senior officials across Government departments, regulators, and State agencies. The Forum has met regularly over the last year with each meeting devoted to a distinct thematic area of concern to businesses such as energy and security of supply, insurance costs, planning and infrastructure regulations, water and wastewater services costs, legal costs, reporting and compliance regulations as well as banking, payments, and financial services.
Representatives across different sectors reiterated the real-world impacts of sustained and increasing cost pressures and regulatory demands on day-to-day operations, investment capacity, and competitiveness, particularly for smaller enterprises. At the final meeting in April, the Forum members discussed the final report and its recommendations. Once again, members stressed the importance of presenting a report that will articulate both immediate practical actions and longer-term policy considerations, which are measurable and impactful in reducing operational costs and regulatory burden on businesses in Ireland.
I attended the last meeting of the Advisory Forum alongside Minister Dillon and Minister Smyth, and noted the significant work completed by the members and reaffirmed the commitment to bring this report to Government. The final report, informed by extensive stakeholder input and cross government collaboration is expected to be presented to Government in upcoming weeks and it will play a key role in shaping future approaches to supporting a competitive, resilient, and sustainable enterprise environment.
The Government is also conscious of the pressures this energy market volatility is placing on businesses, particularly SMEs. Over March and April, the Government introduced a substantial package of fuel supports, including measures such as reductions in fuel duties and targeted supports for sectors like transport, agriculture and fisheries, aimed at easing cost pressures and mitigating the impact of rising fuel prices on the wider economy. This demonstrates a responsive and targeted policy approach to addressing acute cost pressures while supporting broader economic stability. We also recognise the importance of reducing Ireland's exposure to such shocks. This underlines the need to accelerate the transition towards greater energy independence. Significant investment is being made in renewable energy, electricity grid infrastructure, and energy efficiency, with reducing reliance on fossil fuels central to improving resilience against current and future energy price shocks.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland administers a suite of supports aimed at reducing energy demand and costs. Through the “Easy Wins” campaign, businesses are being encouraged to adopt practical, low-cost measures with rapid payback, including energy management training and energy audits. Financial supports are available through Rapid Approval Grants, such as the Business Energy Upgrade Scheme and the Non-Domestic Microgeneration Grant, as well as Tailored Support Grants including the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat, the Community Energy Grant, and supports for excellence in energy-efficient design.
More broadly, the Government is addressing business costs through the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, published in September 2025, which sets out 85 actions across six themes to strengthen national competitiveness. As Minister for Tourism, I set out government's policy, A New Era for Irish Tourism in December 2025, and this has a clear focus on enhancing Ireland's attractiveness to visitors through the development and marketing of strong food, drink and culinary offerings. This promotion of our offering, includes annual campaigns that highlight its quality and authenticity. Irish food and drink now strongly features in international marketing, TV co-productions, and in-market events led by my Agencies, and acknowledges the key role that our hospitality sector plays in making Ireland a hiqh quality tourism experience for visitors.
I would like to assure that the Government and my Department have been and are still committed to backing businesses and will ensure the actions aimed at supporting small businesses in the Programme for Government are implemented in an effective and timely manner.
288. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his position on ring-fencing dedicated funds of the existing Pre-Seed Start-Up Fund (PSSF) at Enterprise Ireland to provide convertible loan notes to technology professionals displaced by recent multinational redundancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47203/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department remains fully committed to supporting early-stage entrepreneurship and would strongly welcome applications from individuals with significant industry experience who are seeking to establish innovative, scalable businesses capable of creating employment in Ireland and competing successfully in international markets.
The New Frontiers programme, Enterprise Ireland’s national entrepreneurship development programme, remains a cornerstone of Ireland’s early-stage entrepreneurship infrastructure. Delivered across 13 locations nationwide through institutes of technology and technological universities, New Frontiers provides a structured and supportive environment in which to transition into entrepreneurship. Open to skilled individuals with early-stage, innovative business ideas, it enables participants to test ideas, build commercial capability, and de-risk the early stages of business creation before seeking investment.
Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) operates as an open, continuously available support for all eligible early-stage startups. Promoters apply when their business is ready and meets the established criteria. Ringfencing funding for a specific cohort would be inconsistent with the programmes open and competitive framework and could raise concerns regarding selectivity and equal access. Maintaining a non-cohort-specific approach is important to ensure fairness, transparency, and alignment with Enterprise Ireland’s established investment principles. On that basis, it is not proposed to create a dedicated PSSF allocation for a specific group; however, eligible promoters from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply through the standard process.
In addition, the recently announced new Startup Ireland National Accelerator will have a ‘Talent Accelerator’ programme for people who have domain experience and would like to explore a new startup idea.
289. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the total number of individuals who are nationals of countries outside the UK or EEA who have been granted work permits in each of the years from 2011 to 2025 and to date in 2026. [47219/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland operates a managed employment permits system designed to facilitate the admission of appropriately skilled non-EEA and non-UK nationals to address labour and skills shortages in the economy, while ensuring opportunities remain available for Irish, EEA and UK nationals. The system is demand-led and employer-driven, with permits issued only where the statutory criteria under the Employment Permits Act are met. It aims to maximise the benefits of economic migration while minimising disruption to the labour market and supporting enterprise and economic growth.
The table below sets out the total number of employment permits (including renewals) issued to nationals of countries outside the EEA and the United Kingdom for each of the years from 2011 to 2025, and to date in 2026.
|
Year |
Number of Employment Permits Issued |
|
2011 |
5,200 |
|
2012 |
4,007 |
|
2013 |
3,863 |
|
2014 |
5,495 |
|
2015 |
7,253 |
|
2016 |
9,373 |
|
2017 |
11,361 |
|
2018 |
13,398 |
|
2019 |
16,383 |
|
2020 |
16,419 |
|
2021 |
16,275 |
|
2022 |
39,955 |
|
2023 |
30,981 |
|
2024 |
39,390 |
|
2025 |
31,044 |
|
2026* |
15,535 |
*2026 figures are to date (02/06/2026).
290. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide the total number of hotel beds currently being used for State-supported accommodation, including those allocated to IPAS and to persons under the temporary protection directive; and to provide a breakdown of these figures. [47566/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government recognises the central importance of tourism to Ireland’s economy and to the vitality of communities nationwide. A strong, sustainable and regionally balanced tourist accommodation base is essential to a competitive and resilient tourism sector. Accommodation underpins the visitor experience and perceptions of value for money, while strengthening the wider tourism ecosystem and supporting businesses of all sizes to grow.
To date, Government has made significant progress in returning tourist accommodation in use for humanitarian purposes back to the tourism sector. This is helping to increase overall tourism capacity and supports the recovery of affected destinations.
The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration manages a comprehensive accommodation strategy for people seeking international protection.
Through www.failteireland.ie/FailteIreland/media/WebsiteStructure/Documents/Research/Key%20Tourism%20Facts%20and%20Figures%202026/June-2026-Overview-of-Temporary-Protection-(BOTP)-International-Protection-(IP)-Contracted-Bed-Stock.pdf?ext=.pdf at 6 month intervals, the number of bedplaces under contract for humanitarian use (IP & BOTP) in Fáilte Ireland registered tourism properties has reduced from 29,555 (13% of total registered bedstock) in May 2023 to 9,110 (3.7% of total registered bedstock) in May 2026. No individual county is above 10% at this point with 20 counties at or below 5% of their total Fáilte Ireland registered tourist bedplaces. The breakdown of the percentages by county is available in the attached table extracted from the full report published on www.failteireland.ie. The next such analysis of tourist accommodation data will be available on that website in December.
‘Hotel’ is a prescribed term under the Tourist Traffic Acts and any accommodation provider using the term must apply for inclusion on the Register of Hotels administered by Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority under the Acts. Of the national published totals above, a subset are registered hotel bedplaces.
Accordingly, Fáilte Ireland has advised that of those totals above 24,516 bedplaces were recorded as registered hotel bedplaces in May 2023 and 7,107 bedplaces were recorded as registered hotel bedplaces in May 2026.
The expectation across government is that the number will continue to reduce over time, barring any further external shocks. To this end, www.gov.ie/en/department-of-justice-home-affairs-and-migration/press-releases/minister-for-justice-home-affairs-and-migration-jim-ocallaghan-and-minister-of-state-for-migration-colm-brophy-secure-government-approval-for-new-measures-in-relation-to-ukrainian-citizens-with-temporary-protection-status/ to a range of measures in relation to Ukrainian citizens with Temporary Protection status, including the phasing out of the contracting of State accommodation over the period August 2026 and March 2027.
291. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will consider extending the Just Transition Tourism Activators Programme for a further period of three to five years; his views on the role of the Tourism Activators in supporting over 80 tourism projects and County Tourism Officers across the Just Transition Territory; if he has engaged with Fáilte Ireland and local authorities on the continuation of these supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47572/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Just Transition Fund is a €169 million multi-annual programme. It is managed in Ireland by the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA). Fáilte Ireland acts as an intermediary body, with responsibility for administering €68 million of the fund through the Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. This role is consistent with Fáilte Ireland’s responsibility for regional tourism development and promotion.
The Midlands of Ireland was at an early stage of destination maturity and was relatively underdeveloped in terms of tourism experiences. As a result, a need was identified to ensure that investment under the Just Transition Fund was supported by measures to enhance the capacity and capability of the tourism industry. To address this funding was provided to appoint one full-time or part-time Tourism Activator in each of the eight participating County Councils (Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath, Offaly, Laois, Kildare, Galway and Tipperary) within the Just Transition Fund Territory. The purpose of these roles was to build capacity among private and community-based micro enterprises and SMEs and to establish a series of high performing tourism business clusters and networks.
These Tourism Activators have been funded directly through the EU Just Transition Fund allocation. At this stage, the funds managed by Fáilte Ireland under this programme have been fully allocated, and therefore no additional funding is available. This, coupled with the strict funding parameters of the Scheme, requires the Tourism Activator projects to be completed by 31 December 2026.
Fáilte Ireland is putting in place a transition plan that will set out how the Tourism Activators will systematically wind down their activities over the final six months of 2026. It will clearly define the work that must be completed, transferred, or concluded, as well as outlining how responsibilities will be handed over to relevant stakeholders.
These engagements will ensure that all parties have a shared understanding of priorities, responsibilities, and timelines, and will inform the development of a comprehensive workplan for the Tourism Activators as the key outcome of the transition planning process.
Importantly, these supports will extend beyond the EU Just Transition Fund programme and will be embedded within Fáilte Ireland’s broader approach to regional tourism development. This will include integration into established tourism networks and alignment with Fáilte Ireland’s Destination Experience Development Plans.
My Department recognises the importance of maintaining momentum in tourism development across the region and remains committed to supporting sustainable tourism development and to working closely with all stakeholders to maximise the long-term economic and community benefits of the Just Transition investment.
292. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment 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. [47623/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe properties occupied by my Department and its Offices are provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in buildings which are either State owned or leased by the OPW on our behalf.
My Department has no landholdings and, therefore, no records relating to the matters referred to in the question.
293. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 397 of 16 June 2026, if his Department has been made aware of further redundancies at a business operating in Dublin (details supplied) if the threshold has now been met for collective redundancy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47715/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince my previous reply on this matter, my Department has not received any further correspondence from the company referenced.
Under the Protection of Employment Act 1977 as amended, collective redundancies arise where, during any period of 30 consecutive days, the employees being made redundant are: 5 employees where 21-49 are employed; 10 employees where 50-99 are employed; 10% of the employees where 100-299 are employed; and 30 employees where 300 or more are employed.
It is the employer's responsibility to determine whether any proposed redundancies reach the legal threshold to trigger their consultation and notification obligations under the 1977 Act.
Where an employee believes their employer has failed to comply with their obligations under the 1977 Act, they can make a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). In general, complaints to the WRC must be made within 6 months of the alleged breach, extendable to 12 months if the complainant can demonstrate reasonable cause.
294. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025 will be commenced; if currently companies can force employees to retire at 65; the options that are currently available to employees who would like to continue to work until the age of 66; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47718/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have signed the Commencement Order (S.I. No. 247/2026) for the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025, which will come into effect on 29 June.
It will allow employees who do not consent to retire at their contractual retirement age to notify their employer that they intend to remain in their employment until they reach the State Pension age (66). This is a significant step in helping to protect employees as they approach retirement.
There is no statutory retirement age in the private sector. Retirement ages in the private sector are generally set out by means of an express or implied term in a contract of employment, an employer’s policy or staff handbook or by custom and practice.
Under the Employment Equality Act 1998 as amended, an employer may set a contractual retirement age, but only where it is objectively and reasonably justified by a legitimate aim, and where the means of achieving that aim are appropriate and necessary. Employees who fall outside the scope of the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025, including those aged 66 and over, will continue to be protected by this existing legislation.
The existing Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) Code of Practice on Longer Working (S.I. No. 600/2017) provides guidance to employees in relation to longer working and is available on the WRC website. The Code of Practice provides practical guidance to employees and employers on requests to continue working beyond a contractual retirement age. An updated Code of Practice on Longer Working (S.I. No. 246/2026) will come into effect on 29 June 2026, revoking and replacing the existing Code. The updated Code will provide guidance on both the new Act and the position relating to employees who aren’t covered by the new Act who wish to continue working (including for example employees age 66 and over).
Where an employee believes their rights under the Employment Equality Act 1998 or under the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025 (once it is in force) have been breached, they can make a complaint to the WRC. In general, complaints to the WRC must be made within 6 months of the alleged breach, extendable to 12 months if the complainant can demonstrate reasonable cause.
295. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether he will review the membership of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum to ensure that the social enterprise sector, including Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland (SERI), is appropriately represented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47772/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Cost of Business Advisory Forum was established in June 2025 as part of the current Programme for Government’s commitment to reduce business costs and alleviating regulatory burdens. The Forum is a tripartite dialogue between enterprise representative bodies from a range of sectors and senior representatives from Government departments, State agencies and Economic regulators.
In May 2025, preparatory work via public consultation was held seeking views from members of the public, Irish enterprise and other stakeholders on the necessary actions to improve Ireland’s competitiveness and productivity performance and address the Cost of doing business in Ireland.
As part of the process to establish the Forum, I sent letters to various enterprise groups and trade union seeking nominations for senior officials to participate at the Forum. I also sent a letter addressing each Government department and their relevant State agencies, for them to nominate senior officials, to attend Forum meetings. The first meeting of the Forum took place on the 11th June where numerous organisations representing Ireland’s enterprise sector were joined by officials from a variety of State agencies and Government departments.
To ensure the work of the Forum was reaching a wide range of stakeholders, the Secretariat provided updates to the Retail Forum, chaired by Minister Dillon and the Enterprise Form, chaired by myself, where members provided feedback to the Forum. While most of the members had joined the Forum since its inauguration, the Secretariat has positively responded to requests to join the Forum, throughout the course of the year.
The current members of the Forum are:
• Alliance for Insurance Reform.
• American Chamber of Commerce.
• Banking & Payments Federation Ireland.
• Brokers Ireland.
• Chambers Ireland.
• Chartered Accountants Ireland.
• Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association.
• Institute of Advertising Practitioners.
• Insurance Ireland.
• Irish Business & Employers Confederation.
• Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
• Irish Exporters Association.
• Irish Farmers Association.
• Irish Petrol Retailers Association.
• Irish Small & Medium Enterprises.
• Irish Tax Institute.
• Irish Tourism Industry Confederation.
• Restaurants Association Ireland.
• Retail Excellence Ireland.
• RGDATA.
• Retail Ireland.
• Retailers Against Smuggling.
• Small Firms Association.
• Law Society of Ireland.
The Forum’s consultative phase has now concluded. The Forum’s independent report and its recommendations are being finalised and will be presented to Government in upcoming weeks. These recommendations are considered to address issues that merit a changed approach, and those steps that can be taken to mitigate these issues to ensure businesses navigating today’s economic landscape remain a competitive, resilient and supportive environment for enterprise.
I would like to assure that the Government and my Department have been and still are committed to backing businesses and will ensure the actions aimed at supporting small businesses in the Programme for Government are implemented in an effective and timely manner.
296. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether his Department is aware of reports that materials produced by a company (details supplied) may have entered supply chains linked to Russia’s military-industrial sector; whether any investigation is underway; and the steps being taken to ensure full compliance by Irish-based companies with EU sanctions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47797/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently 3 National Competent Authorities for Ireland and my Department has responsibility (policy, administration and enforcement) for certain elements of trade sanctions, primarily dual use and military goods.
Exporters are required to carry out due diligence and ensure that they are in compliance with EU sanctions and legislation. The onus is on exporters to know their clients. In cases where there is a suspicion that there may have been a possible breach of export controls or sanctions by an exporter, my Department will carry out an examination of all relevant circumstances including, where necessary, an evaluation of the company’s ownership structure and trading activity.
Aughinish Alumina is not subject to any sanctions by the EU and alumina is not a sanctioned good therefore its export to other countries, including Russia, is not restricted. I am aware of an Irish Times report about the company’s exports to Russia. The report indicates the potential for the alumina being refined and ultimately processed into aluminium for use by the Russian military and sourced through a sanctioned entity. Officials in my Department are currently conducting an independent review into the issues raised in the report.
297. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of schools in County Mayo that applied for the emergency works scheme in the past 12-months; and the status of each application, in tabular form. [46829/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy maybe aware, the purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) is to provide funding specifically for unforeseen emergencies, or to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for pupils with special needs. It does so by ensuring the availability of funding for urgent works to those schools that are in need of resources as a result of an emergency situation.
An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment, which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action, and in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening.
The EWS operates on the basis of a minimal scope works to address the emergency situation. The EWS is intended to remedy an emergency situation and usually provides only an interim measure until a permanent solution can be delivered under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) which deals with upgrade works to the school.
Please note that the EWS does not provide for upgrades, refurbishments or futureproofing.
23 schools in county Mayo have applied for EWS in the past 12 months:
|
Category |
Number |
|
Total Schools Applied |
23 |
|
Total Applications |
34 |
|
Approved for Funding |
14 |
|
Under Review (Department Technical Team) |
1 |
|
Awaiting Further Information from Schools |
3 |
|
Not Approved (Did Not Meet Criteria – Circular 0068/2020) |
16 |
298. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of schools in Tipperary that applied for the emergency works scheme in the past 12-months; and the status of each application, in tabular form. [46830/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy maybe aware, the purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) is to provide funding specifically for unforeseen emergencies, or to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for pupils with special needs. It does so by ensuring the availability of funding for urgent works to those schools that are in need of resources as a result of an emergency situation.
An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment, which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action, and in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening.
The EWS operates on the basis of a minimal scope works to address the emergency situation. The EWS is intended to remedy an emergency situation and usually provides only an interim measure until a permanent solution can be delivered under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) which deals with upgrade works to the school.
Please note that the EWS does not provide for upgrades, refurbishments or futureproofing.
The number of schools in Tipperary that applied for the emergency works scheme in the past 12 months is 35, and they are broken down as follows:
|
Category |
Number |
|
Total Schools Applied |
35 |
|
Total Applications |
44 |
|
Approved for Funding |
17 |
|
Under Review (Department Technical Team) |
4 |
|
Awaiting Further Information from Schools |
8 |
|
Under EWS Appeals Process |
1 |
|
Not Approved (Did Not Meet Criteria – Circular 0068/2020) |
14 |
299. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth when refurbishment works at a school (details supplied) will be completed. [46831/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is being delivered by the Department’s Design & Build Programme and will deliver a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school and accommodation, including 6 classrooms, for children with special education needs on a site at Kishogue Cross, Griffeen Avenue, Lucan, Co Dublin.
The Letter of Acceptance (LOA) issued to the successful contractor in November 2024, allowing the contractor to commence on site. The project is being delivered in one phase, with the school expected to be completed and handed over in early Quarter 3 2026.
300. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth when works will move to construction phase at a school (details supplied). [46832/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe large scale capital project for the school referred to by the Deputy is for the provision of a new 600 pupil school building including all associated ancillary accommodation, with the inclusion of additional classrooms for children with Special Educational Needs configured within the existing layout.
The invitation to tender issued in late Q4 2025. Tenders have recently been returned and are been evaluated in accordance with procurement guidelines. It is envisaged construction could commence in late Quarter 3 of 2026.
Since 2020, my department has invested over €6.9 billion in our schools throughout the country under the National Development Plan, involving the completion of over 1,400 school building projects along with over 4,000 small-scale improvement works to meet priority maintenance needs and advance energy efficiency and climate goal. In addition, repurposing and optimisation of existing accommodation capacity across the school estate has been a key enabler of timely, local provision of special class capacity in a way that supports best practice in inclusion and integration. Circa 80% of new special classes in 2025/26 are being facilitated in repurposed classroom accommodation.
This investment has delivered real benefits for school communities.
A total capital allocation of €7.55 billion for the Department of Education and Youth has been confirmed for the period 2026-2030 under the National Development Plan. As part of this NDP allocation my department will place a strong emphasis on provision for children with special educational needs, with a particular focus on meeting annual school place needs. In relation to project rollout for Large-Scale projects and Additional School Accommodation scheme projects, the approach will be to continue to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate as much as possible in the first instance and provide necessary additional capacity through targeted and prioritised project rollout over the course of 2026 to 2030 period to meet the most urgent and prioritised needs.
As part of the NDP Implementation Plan for the education and youth sector, a first tranche of projects to progress to tender and/or construction during 2026 and 2027 was published in January 2026. Gaelcholáiste Reachrann was included in this tranche. Prioritisation will continue to identify further tranches of projects to proceed to tender and construction over the NDP period, with stakeholder consultation to commence in June 2026.
Our NDP Implementation Plan will optimise outputs from the NDP allocations, with a strong focus on maximising existing school capacity, progressing priority projects where local capacity across schools in the area is insufficient, and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money, and meets functional needs.
I would like to advise the Deputy, over this period, my Department has provided €1,906.47 million in capital funding for Dublin schools. A total of 261 schools have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation. 20 school projects were included in the NDP Implementation Plan to go to tender or construction in 2026 and 2027 including Gaelcholáiste Reachrann.
There are currently 54 school projects in Dublin under construction. This summer, 53 schools are approved to undergo works as part of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme.
In addition, since 2020 a total of 529 special classes have been sanctioned in Dublin, of which 128 were sanctioned for September 2026.
