Written Answers Nos. 262-283
264. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a detailed breakdown of the cap ex and opex funding allocated to expanding rail services broken down by project / rail line in each of the years 2020 to date. [50761/26]
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 Iarnród Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
265. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of cap ex and opex funding allocated to progressing the all island strategic rail review in each of the years 2020 to date. [50762/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra266. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a breakdown of cap ex and opex funding allocated to progressing the Western rail corridor in each of the years 2020 to date. [50763/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 265 and 266 together.
As Minister of Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The operation, maintenance and renewal of the rail network and stations on the network, including any capital expenditure in relation to the progression of the recommendations in the All-Island Rail Review, which includes the reinstatement of the Western Rail Corridor, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance.
In the short-term to 2030, the Rail Prioritisation Strategy, which my Department published in December last year, specifies a number of 'Early Interventions' to be delivered in the coming years, including new track passing loops and platforms to boost the rail network’s resilience and capacity. These investments are funded to be fully delivered by 2030 under the NDP.
Given Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the company for direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
267. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a detailed breakdown of the funding allocated to Ireland’s EV charging infrastructure in each of the years 2020 to date. [50764/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra268. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide a detailed breakdown of the funding drawn down to deliver Ireland’s EV charging infrastructure in each of the years 2020 to date. [50765/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 267 and 268 together.
The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years and reaching climate targets. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland was established in July 2022 and funding was allocated for EV charging infrastructure as set out below:
|
Year |
Allocation |
Drawdown (including carryover) |
|
2022 |
€17m |
€11.7m |
|
2023 |
€27m |
€16.7m |
|
2024 |
€19m |
€12.3m |
|
2025 |
€40.5m* |
€10.8m |
|
2026 |
€44.86 |
€11.5m (as of end May) |
*Due to elevated demand for vehicle grants in 2025, supplementary funding was made available within the overall allocation to meet programme commitments and maintain support for the transition to electric vehicles. This funding was facilitated through a virement of existing Infrastructure resources and does not constitute an increase in the Vote Allocation.
While over 80% of charging is expected to happen at home, supported by the ongoing Home and Apartment Charger Grant Schemes, there is also a vital need for a seamless public charging network that will provide for situations or instances where home charging is not possible to ensure charging infrastructure keeps pace with rapidly growing EV adoption. There has been an underspend in Infrastructure due to development of infrastructure schemes under the National Road (2024) and the Regional and Local Plan (2025). Last year saw significant progress in EV charging rollout across Ireland.
To date, almost all public EV charging infrastructure delivered in Ireland has been done so on a commercial basis, with little government subvention. This is expected to change in 2026, with a significant step up in delivery of government-procured and exchequer-funded EV infrastructure. Key programmes include the ZEVI LDV National Road Grant Schemes, targeting over 3,000km of national roads and delivering 162 charging hubs and 516 high-powered charge points by end-2026. Additional initiatives include a Local Authority pilot programme exploring innovative solutions such as neighbourhood charging and renewable-integrated infrastructure and the Shared Island funded Sports Club Scheme.
269. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocated for EV grants in each of the years 2020 to date, in tabular form. [50766/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra270. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the funding drawn down for EV grants in each of the years 2020 to date, in tabular form. [50767/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 269 and 270 together.
The Government is fully committed to supporting the transition to zero-emission and the ambitious target to have 30% of private car fleet switched to electric by 2030.
Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland was established in July 2022 and voted funding was allocated for EV grants as set out below:
|
Year |
Allocation |
Drawdown (including carryover) |
|
2022 |
€83m |
€71m |
|
2023 |
€83m |
€94.7m |
|
2024 |
€83m |
€61.8m |
|
2025 |
€61.5* |
€85.9m |
|
2026 |
€78.1m |
€42.2m (as of end May) |
Due to elevated demand for vehicle grants in 2025, supplementary funding was made available within the overall allocation for ZEVI.
271. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will review the taxsaver commuter ticket scheme, to take account of workers who work less than five days a week, and for whom the scheme is therefore impractical; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50426/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 118(5A) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA) provides for an exemption from benefit-in-kind (BIK) where an employer purchases a travel pass for one of their employees or directors. This is commonly known as the TaxSaver scheme.
Under section 118B TCA, an employer and employee may also enter a salary sacrifice arrangement under which the employee agrees to sacrifice part of his or her salary, in exchange for a BIK, such as the aforementioned travel pass.
Where a travel pass is purchased either under the TaxSaver scheme or through a salary sacrifice arrangement, certain conditions must be met including:
• the cost incurred must relate to a monthly or annual bus, railway or ferry travel pass;
• the travel pass must be issued by or on behalf of one or more approved transport providers; and
• the approved transport provider must be contracted or licensed to provide the transport services covered by the travel pass.
While the conditionality around the BIK exemption for the TaxSaver scheme falls under the remit of the Minister for Finance, I would ask the Deputy to note that the scope and conditions of the travel pass on offer are a matter for the individual transport providers. Furthermore, in respect of the day-to-day operations of public transport, including TaxSaver ticket offerings, it is the National Transport Authority that has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under Public Service Obligation contracts.
In parallel, proposals in respect of all tax expenditure measures including the TaxSaver scheme, are assessed in accordance with my Department's Guidelines for Tax Expenditure Evaluation. It is important to note that Government policy is based on the principle that tax expenditures should be used in limited circumstances where a demonstrable market failure exists, and the measure is more efficient than a direct expenditure intervention. In its comprehensive review of the Irish tax system, the Commission on Taxation and Welfare (2022) supported this position.
In considering proposals to amend any tax expenditures, the Government must be mindful of the public finances and the many demands on the Exchequer.
272. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if, in view of continuing trends of landlords exiting the private rental sector and the increase in notices of termination recorded by the Residential Tenancies Board in Q1 2026, he will review the taxation treatment of individual landlords with a view to supporting rental supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50330/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLandlords are an essential feature of a functioning housing market. Rising rents are driven by a shortage of supply, so stabilising and increasing the supply of rental properties should ease upward pressure on rental prices and make it easier for prospective tenants to find affordable homes.
Section 21 of Finance (No. 2) Act 2023 introduced the Residential Premises Rental Income Relief (RPRIR) was introduced by. It is an income tax relief at the standard rate of income tax for individual landlords of rented residential property. The purpose of this relief is to provide an incentive for landlords, specifically targeted at attracting and retaining small-scale landlords in the private sector.
The relief is as follows:
• €3,000 in the tax year 2024;
• €4,000 in the tax year 2025;
• €5,000 in the tax year 2026 and
• €5,000 in the tax year 2027.
This equates to a tax credit of up to €600 in year one, €800 in year two and €1,000 in years three and four. The relief is capped at the individual’s tax liability on rental income from residential property. The credit is available to individual landlords of residential rental properties.
The RPRIR is scheduled to sunset at the end of 2027. The Programme for Government commits to "continue the landlord tax credit".
As the Deputy will also appreciate, decisions regarding taxation measures are made in the context of the annual Budget and Finance Bill processes, at the appropriate time, having regard to the sound management of the public finances and the impact any proposed changes would have on the wider housing market.
In relation to the residential rental market more generally, the taxation of rental income was considered by my Department as part of the 2022 Tax Strategy Group process. (Further details set out in chapter 7 of the "Property-Related Tax Issues Tax Strategy Group – 22/04 July 2022" paper, available at the following link: assets.gov.ie/static/documents/tsg-22-04-property-related-tax-issues-4b78c888-4c5a-4642-9f8b-5a28c181ee1a.pdf).
273. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether he has had engagement with the Central Bank on how the recently introduced changes to the mortgage measures relating to bridging finance are being implemented by lenders; whether guidance has been issued, or is planned, on the availability of bridging finance for homeowners who have secured planning permission to build a new home before selling their existing property; whether he is aware of reports that some lenders are not providing bridging finance in these circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50338/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraBridging finance can provide the funds needed to purchase a new home without waiting for the sale of a previous one. Where such finance is secured on a residential property, it is subject to the Central Bank’s mortgage lending rules.
Within the measures, a principal home bridging loan is a short-term loan (with a maximum term of 18 months) that allows existing homeowners to purchase a new principal home before completing the sale of their current property. Unlike standard mortgages, these loans are repaid from the proceeds of the original property sale rather than from regular income. In addition, there is no requirement to make capital repayments during the term.
Following a consultation process with industry and civil society stakeholders, the Central Bank of Ireland last April introduced a targeted amendment to the mortgage measures to exempt certain principal home bridging loans from a loan-to-income (LTI) limit. A loan-to-value (LTV) limit continues to apply to these products. All other elements of the mortgage measures remain unchanged. The Central Bank has advised that the operation of the exemption will be monitored as part of the Central Bank’s regular assessment activities.
The mortgage measures do not aim to replace lenders’ own underwriting criteria. Lenders continue to assess the suitability and affordability of bridging loans for individual borrowers. Consumer protection rules also apply in full to these products. Borrowers must be fully informed of the risks, and lenders must ensure that bridging finance is appropriate for each customer's circumstances.
The decision of whether or not to provide bridging finance in any particular circumstance including for homeowners who have secured planning permission to build a new home before selling their existing property and the setting of the interest rate for such finance is ultimately a commercial matter for individual lenders. Neither the Central Bank nor I, as Minister for Finance, have a role in or should become involved in such decisions.
My Department regularly engages with the Central Bank of Ireland on a range of matters including bridging finance and my officials will continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders in relation to this matter.
274. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views that a tax credit scheme which does not reduce, rebate or offset excise duty would be distinct from the operation of the EU Alcohol Structures Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50424/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises the social and cultural importance of pubs to communities right across Ireland as well as its economic contribution.
Any tax measure related to the supply of alcohol would need to be considered in line with the Alcohol Structures Directive, which provides for a harmonised framework for the taxation of alcohol products across the EU. The directive does not allow for differentiated excise duty rates between the on-trade and off-trade sectors. This means that Ireland cannot apply reduced excise duty rates to alcohol sold in pubs, restaurants or other licensed premises. Any changes to alcohol excise duty must make no distinction as to the point of sale.
If a tax scheme is designed on the basis that the granting of tax credits is directly linked to the volume and type of alcohol products purchased by pubs, such that the practical effect is to reduce the excise borne on those products, then it may be in contravention of the Alcohol Structures Directive notwithstanding that it is a different form of tax relief than an excise relief or excise rebate.
Furthermore, consideration would need to be given as to whether any targeted tax measure of this nature is compliant with state aid rules. Measures that may confer a selective advantage on a specific sector, such as incentives to support rural pubs, have the potential to constitute a state aid and, therefore, could not be introduced unless compliant with an existing framework or undertaking a full notification process.
275. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 252 of 25 June 2026, whether the proposed Savings and Investment Account will impose an annual tax liability on unrealised gains, that is, on assets held but not sold; the proposed tax-free threshold under consideration; the proposed flat rate under consideration; to provide a direct comparison of this proposed annual-charge model with the UK ISA model, under which no tax applies to unrealised or annual gains; and if he will confirm a timeline for when these specific parameters will be published, given that the reply provided on 25 June 2026 addressed none of these four points directly. [50606/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe tax treatment of retail investments was considered as part of a broader review into the funds and asset management sector in Ireland, which culminated in the ‘Funds Sector 2030’ report published in October 2024.
In recognition of the importance of encouraging retail investment, Budget 2026 provided for a reduction in the rate of taxation on returns from Irish and equivalent investment funds and Irish and certain foreign life assurance policies from 41% to 38% which took effect from 1 January 2026.
Budget 2026 also included a commitment to publish a roadmap in 2026, setting out the intended approach to simplify and adapt the tax framework to encourage retail investment. The roadmap will be published in summer 2026.
At the Savings and Investment Forum on 31 March, I announced the Government’s intention to introduce the legislative framework for an Investment Account in 2026. We want to make investing simpler, clearer, and more accessible for ordinary people, and help their hard-earned money work harder for them.
The aim is to legislate for the framework in 2026 and to allow accounts to be offered from 2027. The Government’s view that the account should be simple, accessible, tax efficient, easy to administer, transparent on fees and portable across borders where possible.
Department officials are continuing to engage with a broad range of stakeholders as work is progressing on the development of the account, taking on board the range of ideas on the design of an effective investment account in Ireland that best fits the Irish economy and the needs of Irish households and reflects international best practices. The investment account will be a key aspect of the 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.
Officials in my Department are currently developing policy options regarding the investment account framework which will form part of the deliberations for Budget 2027 over the coming months.
276. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will engage with the banks on the possibility of applying a waiver for banks fees for certain non-profit organisations such as community groups, parents associations and residents groups. [50743/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Finance I do not have a role in the operations of any bank in the State.
Any decisions in this regard are ultimately the responsibility of the banks, which are run on a commercial and independent basis.
Retail banks operating in Ireland are subject to regulatory supervision by the Central Bank of Ireland. Under Section 149 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995, credit institutions must notify the Central Bank if they wish to:
• Introduce any new customer charge for providing certain services; or
• Increase any existing customer charge for providing certain services.
The Central Bank advises that each notification received by the Central Bank is assessed in accordance with the specific criteria set out in Section 149 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995. The Central Bank may either approve (in full or at lower levels than requested) or reject a credit institution’s application under Section 149.
Credit institutions are free to impose any pricing differentials for the service up to the permitted maximum and are free to waive charges at their discretion for commercial or competitive reasons.
If customers are unhappy with their current account provider for any reason, including cost, they can shop around for the best deal and switch to a different provider.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission operates a range of comparison tools including for current accounts, lump sum deposits and regular savers on its website. This can be used by consumers to find the account which best meets their needs.
277. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if new era advised that commercial semi state chief executive officers receive enhanced remuneration and related benefit packages; and if this uplift extends to commercial semi state leadership teams. [50715/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra282. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he consulted with or sought advice from new era regarding remuneration and related benefits in respect of commercial semi state chief executive officers; if he will detail nature of same; if this uplift extends to commercial semi state leadership teams; if he will provide a schedule of chief executive officers and details of their top rate of pay that has being sanctioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50714/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 277 and 282 together.
I propose to take PQ 277 and 282 together.
New Economy and Recovery Authority (NewERA), whose functions include providing advice to relevant Ministers relating to the remuneration of the Chief Executive of certain State bodies, provided support to the Senior Posts Remuneration Committee (SPRC) in their review of the remuneration of CEOs of the commercial state bodies (CSBs). The SPRC was established in March 2024 to provide independent and objective advice to me, and in April 2024, the SPRC was requested to perform the review of remuneration of CEOs for the CSBs. This review did not include the senior leadership teams in those bodies. The report is available at [g]ov.ie and sets out the 28 CSBs covered.
Having considered the findings of this Report, Government agreed a new banded salary structure for the CEO posts reviewed ranging from their current salary to the market median of the relevant band. It is the responsibility of the Board of the CSB to propose a point on the relevant band salary band and this is subject the approval of the relevant Minister. On request, NewERA will assist the relevant Minister and Department through a technical assessment of CEO remuneration proposed by the Board in the context of the Minister's approval function.
I have consented to 14 applications to date as follows:
|
No. |
Line Department |
Company Name |
|
1 |
Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage |
Uisce Éireann |
|
2 |
Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage |
GNI |
|
3 |
Department of Transport |
Iarnród Éireann |
|
4 |
Department of Transport |
Bus Éireann |
|
5 |
Department of Transport |
Bus Átha Cliath |
|
6 |
Department of Transport |
CIÉ |
|
7 |
Department of Transport |
Dublin Port Company |
|
8 |
Department of Transport |
Shannon Airport Group |
|
9 |
Department of Transport |
Port of Waterford |
|
10 |
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine |
Irish National Stud |
|
11 |
Department of Transport |
Port of Cork |
|
12 |
Department of Health |
VHI |
|
13 |
Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage |
LDA |
|
14 |
Department of Culture, Communications and Sport |
An Post |
The final approved salaries for CEOs are a matter for the relevant Minister.
278. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to Parliamentary Question No. 566 of 4 November 2025, the numbers appointed on the panel to date; if the panel has been further extended; whether the Government will achieve its goal of appointing 20% of new recruits in the civil and public service with competency in the Irish language by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50425/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Higher Executive Officer (HEO) competition requiring fluency in Irish was launched on 3 November 2023 and the competition was initially due to close on 30 November 2025. It was subsequently extended to March 2026 and has now concluded. A total of six appointments were made as a result of this competition. Preparatory work is currently underway in relation to a new HEO competition requiring fluency in Irish, which is expected to be advertised before the end of 2026.
My Department is actively supporting the implementation of the Official Languages Acts 2003 and 2021. This includes the statutory target that 20% of recruits to public bodies to be competent in the Irish language by 2030 in the context of my responsibilities as Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation in relation to the civil service as set out in Section 58 of the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004.
This work is being progressed in a coordinated manner, in close collaboration with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG), which has overall responsibility for the policy area, and the Public Appointments Service (publicjobs), the centralised recruiter for the Civil and Public Service under the aegis of my Department.
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht is leading the implementation of the relevant national plan, with officials from my Department contributing through senior-level participation on the Irish Language Services Advisory Committee, established in 2022. The Committee recently published the first Action Plan for Irish Language Public Services 2026–2028, which sets out a clear and measurable, system-wide approach to achieving the 2030 target. This includes a strong focus on targeted recruitment, development of alternative entry pathways such as apprenticeships and internships, and supports for those wishing to improve their Irish language proficiency.
My Department, working with publicjobs, is supporting the targeted recruitment and assignment of Irish-speaking candidates across the civil service. Since 2022, over 160 fluent Irish speakers have been assigned across a range of civil service grades, with further candidates currently in the recruitment pipeline. My Department is supporting a range of awareness initiatives and developing alternative entry pathways, including apprenticeship and internship programmes, to broaden access routes into the public service for Irish speakers.
In addition, Irish language capability is being strengthened within the existing workforce. Through OneLearning, a suite of Irish language training programmes has been introduced, aligned in part with recognised proficiency standards, and these have attracted over 2,000 enrolments to date, with further uptake anticipated.
Furthermore, officials are actively engaged in a number of technical working groups addressing key implementation areas, including digitalisation, the development of alternative recruitment approaches, and the enhancement of training and learning supports.
Taken together, these actions demonstrate Government's commitment to achieving the 20% target by 2030.
279. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he has engaged with the Office of Public Works regarding the opening of Rattoo Round Tower, Ballyduff, County Kerry for National Heritage Week 2026; whether it is intended that the site will be open to the public during Heritage Week from 15 to 23 August 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50427/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra280. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if the Office of Public Works intends to open Rattoo Round Tower, Ballyduff, County Kerry to the public during National Heritage Week, from 15 to 23 August 2026; if staffing and operational arrangements are in place to facilitate same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50428/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 279 and 280 together.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has recently completed a programme of conservation works at Rattoo Round Tower, Ballyduff, Co. Kerry, including the completion of internal lime-washing works.
The OPW is a longstanding participant in National Heritage Week and each year delivers an extensive programme of events and activities at heritage sites throughout the country. Heritage Week provides an important opportunity for the public to engage with Ireland's built, natural and cultural heritage through guided visits, exhibitions, family events and educational programmes. In 2025, the OPW facilitated over 100 Heritage Week events nationwide and preparations are well advanced for a similarly comprehensive programme in 2026.
As part of this year's programme, and subject to normal operational requirements, the OPW intends to facilitate managed public access to Rattoo Round Tower during National Heritage Week, which takes place from 15 to 23 August 2026.
Due to the unique nature of the monument, including its narrow internal configuration and the need to ensure the safety of visitors and staff, access will be carefully managed. The OPW is putting in place the necessary staffing, temporary access infrastructure and operational arrangements to facilitate the safe opening of the monument.
281. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to consider a measure at Ashtown gate junction (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50684/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to inform you that The Office of Public Works has already engaged with a contractor to refresh the yield road markings at this location. Furthermore, a yield sign will be installed on the adjacent footpath to advise oncoming drivers. I am advised by my officials that these works will be completed very shortly.
283. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation his views on the findings of a report (details supplied); the steps being taken to move Ireland from ‘limited redress’ to full compensation status as required by the EU Whistleblowing Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50742/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Protected Disclosures Act 2014 was amended by the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act 2022 to incorporate several key changes, including the full transposition of the EU 'Whistleblower Protection Directive' (Directive (EU) 2019/1937). The European Commission’s formal assessment of the completeness of Ireland’s transposition is positive and the Commission's conformity assessment is expected sometime in 2027.
Statutory protection from penalisation is provided primarily by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), which can make orders for restitution and the payment of up to 5 years’ salary in compensation. Cases can be appealed to the Labour Court. Alternatively, a worker can sue for damages in court, where there is no maximum award of compensation. The Act is understood to be in full alignment with the requirements of the Directive.
The Deputy may, however, be interested to note the provisions under Section 2A of the Protected Disclosures Act, which states that:
"The Minister shall—
(a) not later than the end of the period of 5 years beginning on the date of the passing of the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Act 2022 commence a review of the operation of this Act, and
(b) not more than 12 months after the end of the period referred to in paragraph (a) make a report to each House of the Oireachtas of the findings made on the review and the conclusions drawn from those findings."
This section of the Act ensures that a review is commenced in July 2027 at the latest, but does not preclude me, as Minister, from commencing a review before the end of the 5-year period and I recently confirmed that a statutory review of the amended Act will commence with a public consultation in late 2026.
I would encourage the Deputy to participate in the consultation and provide any feedback on the legislation regarding compensation status or any other issue. All issues raised during the public consultation will be taken into consideration and may feed into any recommendations emanating from the report on the review in due course.
My Department will be publishing notification of and information regarding the commencement of the public consultation on its website.
