Written Answers Nos. 146-165
146. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a definitive timeline for introducing a 24-hour service on Route 126; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48026/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
147. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Transport the level of oversight his Department has on delivery of subsidised bus services to ensure that the State is getting value-for-money and taxpayers are in receipt of a bus service that is fit-for-purpose, specifically in relation to the number 2 Expressway bus service from Wexford to Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48079/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
Further, Bus Éireann's Expressway services, including route 2, are commercial bus services and responsibility for the operation of the services is a matter for the company. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
148. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport the reason the owners of 10,784 vintage tractors are currently paying the full agricultural tractor motor tax rate (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48087/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that motor tax class changes are made by the vehicle owner. If a vehicle owner wishes to avail of the vintage vehicle rate, they must apply at a motor tax office using a Change of Particulars form (RF111 form) and submit relevant documentation.
Concessionary rates of motor tax for vintage vehicles have been in place since 1991. The lower rate of tax for vintage vehicles reflects the fact that vintage vehicles may be in limited use on the roads.
149. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport the 2025 and 2026 capital and current budget allocation for the Irish Coast Guard, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48135/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe funding allocated to the Irish Coast Guard for 2025 and 2026 is broken down in tabular format below in thousands of Euro:
|
Allocations |
2025 €'000 |
2026 €'000 |
|
IRCG Aviation Contract Current Expenditure |
138,770 |
117,330 |
|
IRCG Current Expenditure |
8,240 |
9,450 |
|
IRCG Capital Expenditure |
18,000 |
7,000 |
|
Total |
165,010 |
133,780 |
The IRCG Aviation Contract has no capital expenditure as the assets are owned by the contractor.
All Coast Guard functions are fully funded through the Departmental Vote and reviewed as part of the annual budgetary process. My officials will shortly commence engagement with Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation officials as part of the annual estimates process. There are no decisions made yet in respect of Budget 2027. I can assure the Deputy my Department is fully committed to ensuring that the Irish Coast Guard remains capable and equipped to deliver its services and to meet current and future challenges.
150. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider removing adverts for food high in fat, sugar and salt, commonly referred to as junk food, from State owned public transport vehicles and related infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48176/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the companies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
151. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Transport the reason the National Transport Authority does not sanction new fleets for Bus Éireann routes 103 and 109, given that service cancellations on these routes are due to fleet age, state of repair or lack of replacement vehicles (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48334/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision and upgrade of public bus fleets.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
The referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
152. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Transport to publish the safety data for the departure routes off the North Runway at Dublin Airport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48335/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, a robust regulatory framework is required to support the aviation sector and to ensure the highest professional standards, for a safe and secure aviation environment. As such, the Irish aviation sector is highly regulated, with a number of different regulators each of which has distinct, specific roles and regulatory powers to enable them to carry out their separate, statutory roles in an independent manner.
As a contracting state to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and a member state of the European Union, Ireland complies with ICAO standards and EU legislation regarding civil aviation.
Under EU legislation, the operator of an airport is responsible for the design and maintenance of Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs) which set flight paths into and out of an airport.
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), as the civil aviation safety regulator in Ireland, has responsibility for ensuring that IFPs adhere to safety standards set out in national, EU and international regulations.
My Department does not hold safety data related to departure routes off the North Runway at Dublin Airport.
153. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Transport the funding available for the various stages of the delivery of the railway to Navan, County Meath; the plans and funding to provide a feeder bus service to the M3 Parkway from the surrounding towns, to serve the MSD Dunboyne campus and encourage commuter transport mode shift; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48336/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Pending this more detailed response, with regard to the Navan Railway I note that the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area sets out a framework for transport investment across the region from 2022 to 2042. The Strategy includes delivery of the Navan Rail line between 2031 and 2036, subject to planning and funding approvals. In this regard the NDP includes funding to advance the project to Railway Order stage by 2028.
A public consultation on the emerging preferred route for the line is currently open and will run until the 17 July, I encourage anyone with an interest in the project to engage in the consultation.
154. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his Department’s position on the current EU allocation under the proposed Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the AgoraEU programme considering the key role that civil society, independent journalism and culture play in safeguarding a Europe where democracy can thrive; and whether Ireland will be seeking an increase in this allocation during the MFF negotiation process. [47892/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Finance and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade jointly coordinate Ireland's overarching positions on the proposed EU Multiannual Framework 2028-2034 (MFF).
As regards AgoraEU specifically, Ireland, led by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport (DCCS), has been closely engaged in negotiations in the Council of the European Union, at Council and working party levels, on the Commission’s proposal for a Regulation establishing the AgoraEU programme.
In general, Ireland has welcomed the proposal for AgoraEU, in particular that culture, media and civil society actions will retain their status as part of standalone programmes under the next MFF, and that funding will be allocated to the sectors on a competitive basis. More broadly, Ireland considers that programmes under the next MFF should continue to contribute towards sustaining and further developing rights-based, democratic, equal and inclusive societies.
The Education, Youth, Culture and Sport (EYCS) Council agreed a partial general approach on the proposed Regulation at its most recent meeting on 12 May 2026, which Ireland supported.
Negotiations on budgetary allocations are expected to intensify as the year progresses, including under Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2026. As Presidency, Ireland will act as an honest broker and lead negotiations in a manner that protects the interests of the EU.
155. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the position regarding the planned Arklow flood protection scheme. [47901/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2018, the OPW completed the National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, the largest ever flood risk study in Ireland.
The Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMP), the output of the CFRAM Programme, mapped at a community level, properties at potential significant flood risk and the viable measures to protect these at risk properties, representing some 95% of all properties assessed to be at significant risk from flooding.
Since 2018, through €1.3bn funding under the National Development Plan and working with the local authorities, the OPW has trebled, to some 100, the number of flood relief schemes at design, planning and construction. These are referred to as Tranche 1 schemes, which includes the Arklow Flood Relief Scheme.
Arklow town experiences recurring floods that have caused widespread damage to public and private properties. Significant flooding of Arklow occurred in 1986, with the last major flood in 2015.
Arklow flood relief scheme was submitted by Wicklow County Council for Planning consent in 2021 and planning permission was received in July 2022. In December 2023, Engineering and Environmental Consultants were contracted by Wicklow County Council to develop the detailed design for this scheme to progress to construction.
The scheme involves underpinning of Arklow Bridge, River deepening and Debris/Gravel Trap, Storm Drainage and Pumping stations, and circa 1.5 km of Flood defences. The scheme will protect 778 properties of which some 141 are commercial. The procurement for the contractor has begun through a two stage process, and it is expected to appoint a contractor at the end of 2026.
Significant archaeology issues are being considered in relation to this scheme.
156. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 367 and 368 of 17 September 2025 and Parliamentary Question No. 655 of 16 June 2026, if he will confirm the details and methodology of the figures provided (details supplied). [47963/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra“I wish to advise the Deputy that a deferred reply will be issued to him in respect of this Parliamentary Question, in line with Standing Order 52(1)(b).”
157. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to evidence given by officials of the Office of Government Procurement before the Committee of Public Accounts on 10 July 2025 (details supplied), whether the Office of Government Procurement has since completed any assessment of compliance with these requirements; and, if so, to provide the findings. [47964/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra158. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation given that officials of the Office of Government Procurement informed the Committee of Public Accounts on 10 July 2025 that contracting authorities are required under legislation and Government policy to publish contract award notices, that evidence suggested not all organisations were doing so, and that no penalties exist for non-compliance, whether he is satisfied that the current arrangements provide an effective mechanism to ensure adherence to these requirements. [47993/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 158 together.
Individual Accounting Officers are responsible for ensuring that their public procurement functions are discharged in accordance with the standard accounting and procurement rules and procedures, and they are publicly accountable for all related expenditure.
My department provides the overarching procurement policy framework and guidance. However, it does not monitor, audit, or directly enforce compliance.
In May 2026, the Department launched enhanced functionality on the eTenders platform. Included in the changes were supports to improve compliance, particularly in the Publication of Contract Award Notices.
One change provides alignment between eForms Contact Notices and Contract Award Notices. This functionality has been created to try and alleviate some of the administrative burden placed on buyers when publishing eForms. This update will take values inserted into a Contract Notice and pre-fill these across to the associated Contract Award Notice.
Another change introduces CAN publication to Mini Competitions. The Mini Competitions created under a Framework Agreement, require the publication of a Contract Award Notice (Circular 05/2023). This was previously done by publishing a Standalone Contract Award Notice. This new functionality has enabled the system to create a task “Publish Contract Award Notice” which will appear once the system award has been completed.
These and other additional changes can be found at: www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/viewInfo.do?section=statistics
159. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the nature of refurbishment works that the OPW carried out at Santry Garda Station in each of the years of 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form. [48166/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) can confirm that refurbishment works were carried out at Santry Garda Station since 2024. The nature of the works are outlined below:
|
Year |
Nature of Works |
|
2024 |
• Universal Access works minor accessibility works at front entrance • Replacement of Fire / smoke alarm and detection system |
|
2025 |
• External security works and fire alarm installation • Works to make main stairs compliant with Part M • Removal of asbestos containing materials from rear stair hall |
|
2026 |
Nil to date |
160. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the nature of refurbishment works that the OPW carried out at Ballymun Garda Station in each of the years of 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form. [48167/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) can confirm that refurbishment works were carried out at Ballymun Garda Station since 2024. The nature of the works are outlined below:
|
Year |
Nature of Works |
|
2024 |
• Resurfacing of underground car park • New fit out of canteen |
|
2025 |
Nil |
|
2026 |
Nil to date |
161. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide a costing of introducing a contributory State pension for survivors of industrial and reformatory schools, based on the current estimated survivor population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47902/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is acknowledged that some survivors of abuse in residential institutions, such as industrial schools and reformatories, have called for the provision of a pension-type payment to survivors. This matter was discussed and debated in detail during the passage of the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Act 2025.
While survivors of the Magdalen Laundries receive a social welfare payment which is equivalent to the full pension, it must be recognised that those women were engaged, as adults, in commercial work without pay and without the required social insurance contributions.
In the context of the implementation of the 2025 Act and, following the conclusion of a mediation process in January of this year, Government has instead approved the expansion of the education support payments scheme under the Act to include provide support for informal learning and self-development, as well as formal learning. My Department has made approximately 600 such payments to date.
162. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the summer programme 2026 for an individual (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47900/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of the 2026 Summer Programme were communicated to all schools on the 6th May 2026.
All schools have been offered the opportunity to run a school-based programme for children with the most complex special educational needs and those at risk of educational disadvantage.
Where a school does not intend to run a school-based programme or there is no place on the programme for an eligible child, schools were invited to make an application for the home-based programme.
On making an application for the home-based programme, both schools and parents received acknowledgement emails which outlined that decisions regarding a student's placement on the programme would be communicated after the school-based applications had been reviewed. Department officials have confirmed that sanction letters for the home-based programme commenced issuing on 18th June 2026.
163. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on progress on the proposed Gael campus development for a school (details supplied), approved under the Large Scale Capital Programme; the current status of each project, including timeline for delivery under the major devolved mechanism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47923/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project referred to by the Deputy is a campus project and is devolved for delivery to Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB).
The approved brief for Gaelscoil Riada provides for a new 16 classroom primary school building including a 2 classroom SEN provision.
The approved brief for Coláiste an Eachraidh provides for a new post primary school building with a long term projected enrolment of 450 pupils, including a 3 classroom SEN provision.
The project is currently at Stage 3 of the architectural design process. A letter of Intent has issued from GRETB to the preferred contractor. GRETB are presently working on finalising tender report no. 2 for submission to the Department. Once received, reviewed, and approved, the Design Team will then prepare a Tender Report Supplement. Once this process is satisfactorily completed a Letter of Acceptance will issue and the project will progress to construction in due course.
Department officials continue to engage closely with patron bodies, management bodies and schools with respect to the timing of the progression of projects to tender and/or construction over the period 2026 to 2027. This includes continued engagement with GRETB with respect to the progression of this project.
The current status of all projects continues to be set out under item number ten at the following link: www.gov.ie. This is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
164. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the timeframes for parents to organise home-based summer provision; if, and when, sanctioning letters will be given by her Department to allow parents to hire tutors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47933/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of the 2026 Summer Programme were communicated to all schools on the 6th May 2026.
All schools have been offered the opportunity to run a school-based programme for children with the most complex special educational needs and those at risk of educational disadvantage.
Where a school does not intend to run a school-based programme or there is no place on the programme for an eligible child, schools were invited to make an application for the home-based programme.
On making an application for the home-based programme, both schools and parents received acknowledgement emails which outlined that decisions regarding a student's placement on the programme would be communicated after the school-based applications had been reviewed. Department officials have confirmed that sanction letters for the home-based programme commenced issuing on the 18th June 2026.
165. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department and the NCSE engage with a person (details supplied) to ensure an appropriate school place is provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47954/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis government is fully committed to supporting students with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is, in the first instance, the primary body responsible for the matter the Deputy has raised. I will arrange for your query to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply. Deputies are also welcome to raise such queries with the NCSE directly through their dedicated Oireachtas email address.
My department and the NCSE continue to work closely with school patron bodies, school management bodies and schools to confirm new special classes for the next school year 2026/2027. The NCSE began sanctioning new special classes in January of this year, which is several months earlier than last year.
In addition, I recently announced inclusive special classes as part of a new approach to supporting students with additional needs. This is one of many ways my department is actively engaging to meet the increased demand.
575 new special classes have been sanctioned to date, including 60 inclusive special classes. Further new special classes may be confirmed in the coming weeks. Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE website.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to achieve their full potential.
