Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:306. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the range of supports available to SMEs to make greater use of green technology. [51185/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnterprise Support Services
Ceisteanna (306)
Freagraí scríofa
I thank the Deputy for the question. It is a priority of my Department to ensure that Irish SMEs are supported to improve competitiveness, reduce costs and improve energy security through the adoption of green technologies. There are substantial supports in place to help businesses to cut energy costs, decarbonise and become more sustainable. This ranges from audits to help them to understand and tackle energy usage, assistance to assess what action they can take, and financial support to invest in retrofitting their building, and buy energy efficient equipment and to make the transition to renewable energy sources.
As a first step, businesses can access supports to identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. For SMEs an energy audit is a great starting point. Most audits are fully funded and carried out by an SEAI-registered expert. Similarly, Enterprise Ireland’s Climate Action Voucher offers up to €1,800 to fund two days of independent consultancy to help companies to identify and act on energy-saving opportunities.
Local Enterprise Offices run the free Green for Business scheme that give business access to a green consultant who carries out an assessment and works with the business to develop their action plan. In 2025, 966 projects were approved under this scheme, with funding of €2 million.
The Climate Action Programme from Fáilte Ireland meanwhile is fully subsidised and gives SMEs in the Tourism Sector access to a dedicated expert advisor who will work with them on a one-to-one basis to assess their current operations and create a tailored, practical action plan. This gives an SME clear, unbiased guidance on how to reduce emissions, improve energy use, and explore available funding opportunities.
In addition, the ClimateToolkit4Business.gov.ie is a free and simple support that allows businesses to estimate their carbon footprint through a self-assessment tool and provides a tailored action plan, along with guidance on the range of Government supports available.
Once a business knows where they should invest, there are grants available towards buying energy efficient equipment, building retrofits and moving to renewable energy sources. The Energy Efficiency Grant is a practical grant administered through the Local Enterprise Offices. I changed the terms and conditions of it so that a 75% grant is now available, up to a maximum of €10,000. This grant supports practical measures to reduce energy costs, including LED lighting, upgraded refrigeration units, ovens and dishwashers. It also supports heat recovery systems, smart energy controls, anaerobic digesters and other steps that improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and enhance the overall sustainability of the business. In 2025, 681 businesses were approved for this grant, with funding of €5.7 million.
Businesses of all sizes can also access the SEAI’s Business Energy Upgrades Scheme, which supports high-quality energy audits and a range of building upgrades, including solar thermal and solar PV installations, automatic controls, heat pumps, air-handling units, ventilation, and fabric improvements such as wall insulation. In 2025, 186 grants were approved under the scheme, with funding of €3.36 million.
Skillnet Ireland meanwhile provides a range of upskilling programmes and business supports to help enterprises develop the skills needed to adopt and maximise the benefits of green technologies. Supports are available across areas including renewable energy, energy efficiency, environmental management, water and wastewater management, and green technology services. In addition, the Skillnet Ireland Climate Ready Academy helps businesses build the leadership capability and practical expertise required to embed sustainability into their operations and support their transition to a low-carbon economy.
In summary, there are supports available to business of all sizes and for every point in their energy efficiency, security and sustainability journey. All of the information I have mentioned above is also available on the National Enterprise Hub.gov.ie. I would strongly encourage businesses to visit the site as it brings together the funding, advice and training offered across Government in one place.
Media Sector
Ceisteanna (307)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:307. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide a full list of all ‘trusted flagger’ under the digital services act with Coimisiún na Meán; and the date that they applied and were assigned this status, in tabular form. [51248/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I would like to thank the Deputy for this question, online safety is a key priority for this Government and my Department is committed to ensuring that digital and AI advances improve quality of life for all.
Coimisiún na Meán was established, under the aegis of the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, on commencement of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act in March 2023 and as provided for in Section 10 of that Act, it is independent in the exercise of its functions, which include enforcement of the regulations which comprise Ireland's online safety framework, under which platforms must minimise the availability of inappropriate, harmful or illegal content.
The OSMR Act, along with the EU Digital Services Act under which An Coimisiún is Ireland’s Digital Services Coordinator, and the EU Terrorist Content Online Regulation for which An Coimisiún is a competent authority, are the main elements of Ireland's online safety framework.
Under the Digital Services Act, Coimisiún na Meán as Ireland's Digital Services Coordinator, has the power to award Trusted Flagger status to entities established in Ireland who meet certain conditions.
Trusted Flaggers are empowered, within their area of expertise, to notify online platforms of illegal content who are then legally obliged to ensure these notices are given priority and decided upon without undue delay.
Under Article 22 of the DSA, Trusted Flagger status can be granted to entities who meet the following conditions:
- It has particular expertise and competence for the purposes of detecting, identifying and notifying illegal content;
- It is independent from any provider of online platforms;
- It carries out its activities for the purposes of submitting notices diligently, accurately and objectively.
Trusted Flagger status is awarded by Coimisiún na Meán for three years. This status can be reviewed and revoked if required. Upon the expiry of the accreditation period the Trusted Flagger status is reassessed and, where appropriate, re-granted.
There have been four trusted flaggers established under the DSA by Coimisiún na Meán, which are set out in the table below.
|
- |
Organisation |
Application receipt date |
Status award date |
|
1 |
Central Bank of Ireland |
11 November 2024 |
2 April 2025 |
|
2 |
Irish Music Rights Organisation |
8 October 2024 |
28 May 2026 |
|
3 |
Jewish Representative Council of Ireland |
20 January 2025 |
11 June 2026 |
|
4 |
Irish Internet Hotline |
3 December 2025 |
11 June 2026 |
Enterprise Support Services
Ceisteanna (308, 309)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:308. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the policy objective and any evidence that it represents good value for public money to award a 1% discount on Microfinance Ireland loans, where the application has been prepared with Local Enterprise Office assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51409/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:309. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the percentage of approved Microfinance Ireland loans that were prepared with Local Enterprise Office assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51410/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 308 and 309 together.
The partnership between the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) and Microfinance Ireland (MFI) is an important element of the State's enterprise support infrastructure, combining access to finance with business development supports for micro-enterprises throughout the country.
Microfinance Ireland was established to address a financing gap for viable microenterprises that are unable to secure lending from commercial providers. It provides loans of between €2,000 and €50,000 to businesses that cannot obtain finance elsewhere. The 1% interest rate differential between applications submitted through the Local Enterprise Office network and direct applications reflects the additional supports available through the LEOs and is intended to encourage engagement with the wider enterprise support ecosystem.
LEOs work in partnership with MFI to promote and support the loan scheme through local marketing and outreach activities, supporting potential applicants, initially assessing the quality of business proposals and providing pre- and post-approval mentoring where required and agreed with the relevant LEO.
The mentoring supports available through the LEO Mentor Panels assist applicants in preparing business plans and financial projections before submitting applications to MFI. They provide expert guidance on the documentation and application process and help applicants demonstrate the commercial viability of their business proposals. Following loan approval, MFI borrowers can also avail of free business mentoring through the Local Enterprise Office network, with start-up businesses eligible for up to five mentoring sessions and established businesses eligible for up to three sessions.
The collaboration between MFI and the LEO network also supports early intervention where businesses encounter difficulties. The provision of advice and mentoring by Local Enterprise Offices, following referrals through MFI's collections process, helps businesses address challenges at an early stage and supports the retention of employment. LEO supports for MFI borrowers should produce positive impacts on the employment potential of those businesses, while the upskilling of MFI borrowers thorough LEO mentoring and training should also produce stronger businesses with better repayment records.
The value of this approach is reflected in the strong level of engagement with the LEO network and the outcomes delivered by Microfinance Ireland. Applications referred through the LEO network accounted for 48.3% of all MFI loan approvals in the period from October 2012 to June 2026. The proportion has increased in recent years, with applications submitted through the LEO network accounting for more than 50% of approvals since 2024, rising to 62.2% of all approvals in 2025. From January to June 2026, applications submitted through the LEO network accounted for 55.8% of all approved MFI loans.
Question No. 309 answered with Question No. 308.
Question No. 309 answered with Question No. 308.
Enterprise Support Services
Ceisteanna (310)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:310. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the amount spent annually on LEO mentoring; the way in which mentors are selected and allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51411/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), located within the 31 Local Authorities, play an extremely important role as part of a supportive ecosystem providing advice and support to small businesses across the country. Among these supports is the LEO Mentor Programme, which is designed to match experienced business practitioners with business owners and managers who require practical and strategic guidance to support the establishment, growth and development of their enterprises.
Mentors are procured at local level by individual Local Enterprise Offices and Local Authorities through an application and evaluation process. Successful applicants are appointed to a mentoring panel and are required to enter into an Agreement for the Provision of Mentoring Services and adhere to a Code of Conduct before undertaking mentoring assignments. Mentors must also comply with all relevant legislative requirements, including data protection obligations under GDPR and national legislation.
Mentoring support is allocated by the LEO on the basis of the identified needs of the client business. Each application for mentoring assistance is assessed individually and is preceded by a business needs analysis. This process identifies the key challenges and opportunities facing the business and determines the most appropriate mentoring objectives. Based on this assessment, a mentor with the relevant expertise and experience is matched to the business.
The amount spent annually for the last five years on LEO mentoring is set out below.
LEO Mentoring 2020-2025
|
Year |
€ |
|
2025 |
€3,185,175 |
|
2024 |
€3,573,475 |
|
2023 |
€3,144,866 |
|
2022 |
€3,185,558 |
|
2021 |
€3,384,959 |
|
2020 |
€3,123,025 |
Work Permits
Ceisteanna (311, 312)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:311. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on an employment permit for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51460/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraClaire Kerrane
Ceist:312. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on an employment permit for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51461/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 311 and 312 together.
Ireland operates a managed employment permits system, which seeks to maximise the benefits of economic migration while minimising disruption to Ireland’s labour market. The system is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills and labour shortages required to develop and support enterprise for the benefit of our economy
Both General Employment Permit applications referenced by the Deputy are currently under review. The Employment Permits Section has requested additional information from the applicants, which is required to progress consideration of the applications.
Decisions will issue as soon as the requested information has been received and assessed.
Current employment permit processing dates are published and updated regularly on my Department’s website - enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/current-application-processing-dates/.
To further support applicants and reduce the need for individual status queries, my Department has introduced a Self-Service Portal, which allows both employers and applicants to check the real-time status of their applications.
In addition, a dedicated mailbox is available to Oireachtas members for employment permit-related queries at tdepqueries@enterprise.gov.ie.
Question No. 312 answered with Question No. 311.
Freedom of Information
Ceisteanna (313)
Albert Dolan
Ceist:313. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide the web link to his Department’s Q2 2026 published report of purchase orders/payments over €20,000, in line with the FOI model publication scheme requirements; to confirm the date on which this report was published; and, if it has not yet been published, the planned publication ##date. [51562/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Details of payments made for goods and services valued at €20,000 or more are available on my Department’s website at the following link - enterprise.gov.ie/en/publications/payments-over-20k.html. This information is published quarterly in arrears. My Department's Quarter 2 2026 report relating to the purchase of goods and services over €20,000 is scheduled to be published on the Department’s website during the week commencing 6 July 2026.
Cost of Living Issues
Ceisteanna (314)
Tony McCormack
Ceist:314. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he is concerned by reports that 22% of pubs reduced staffing levels during the past 12 months due to cost pressures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51587/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government recognises the important economic, social and cultural role that pubs play in communities across Ireland, where they often serve as important local employers, tourism assets and centres of community life. My Department is aware of concerns regarding the challenges faced by pubs and hospitality businesses arising from increasing business costs, labour shortages, changing consumer behaviour and broader demographic trends.
My Department engages regularly with representative bodies from the hospitality sector, including through structured stakeholder engagement and the Cost of Business Advisory Forum. These engagements provide valuable insight into the challenges facing hospitality businesses, including rural pubs, and have highlighted issues such as labour costs, energy prices, insurance costs, regulatory requirements and changing patterns of consumer demand.
The Programme for Government recognises the importance of the hospitality sector and contains a range of commitments aimed at supporting the viability and competitiveness of small businesses. As part of these commitments, the Government reduced the VAT rate applying to food and catering services from 13.5 per cent to 9 per cent with effect from 1 July 2026. This reduced rate applies to food and catering services provided by restaurants, cafés, pubs and catering businesses, although EU VAT rules require alcoholic beverages to continue to be charged at the standard rate.
The role of pubs extends beyond their direct economic contribution. The recently published National Tourism Policy Statement, A New Era for Irish Tourism, identifies food and drink tourism as a key area for future development and recognises pubs as an important part of Ireland's tourism offering and visitor experience. Pubs can play a significant role in supporting regional tourism, local food and drink experiences, festivals and destination development initiatives.
More broadly, the Government's approach to rural development, as reflected in Our Rural Future, recognises the importance of sustaining vibrant rural communities and supporting local enterprise across rural Ireland. Rural pubs can make an important contribution in this regard by providing places for social interaction, supporting community life and helping to address rural isolation.
In addition, my Department established a Small Business Unit to ensure that the needs of small businesses receive dedicated attention across Government. The Unit works to strengthen the application of the SME Test across policy-making, improve access to business supports through the National Enterprise Hub and ensure that the needs of small businesses, including hospitality enterprises, are reflected in Government decision-making.
I intend to bring the report of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum to government in July, which sets out the views of business across a range of sectors on how government can act to reduce and mitigate costs pressures on business, and enhance Ireland's competitiveness standing, particularly for small businesses.
The Government will continue to engage with hospitality sector stakeholders and monitor the challenges facing pubs as part of its wider commitment to supporting a competitive, sustainable and regionally balanced enterprise and tourism sector.
Artificial Intelligence
Ceisteanna (315)
Robert O'Donoghue
Ceist:315. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide the details of presentations or written submissions provided by companies (details supplied) to him or his departmental officials with respect to the regulation of artificial Intelligence, digital policy, and codes of practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51605/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Engaging with interested stakeholders, be that industry, civil society, academia and the general public, is a key feature of evidence-informed policy and a crucial part of good policy and legislation development.
My Department has an important role in understanding the views of enterprise in that regard and as such engages with a range of industry representative bodies and individual companies on a range of matters under our remit.
In recent times there has been a significant tranche of Digital and AI related policy and legislation initiatives underway at a European level and implementation of associated EU supports and national measures. At an EU level, this includes:
- European Commission Guidelines and Codes of Practices to support the implementation of various aspects of the AI Act.
- European Commission 7th Digital Omnibus incorporating separately the AI Act and the EU’s data acquis (e.g. GDPR, ePrivacy etc.).
- European Commission first review of the Digital Markets Act
At a national level, the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bill has been published and is currently under passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas.
In all these cases, public consultations have been launched, by the European Commission in relation to EU initiatives and by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in relation to the Regulation of AI Bill, to facilitate the open and transparent sharing of views and positions by interested parties.
These public consultations are the primary mechanisms for Companies to submit their positions on relevant AI and digital policy and implementation initiatives. On occasion industry stakeholder representative groups and individual organisations will also share their submissions with officials in my Department to help raise awareness of key areas of interest and/or concern for those stakeholders. On that basis we have received submissions from a number of industry representative bodies and individual companies, including Meta, Google, and Microsoft, in relation to the Digital Omnibus, the AI Act and the Digital Markets Act, noting their perspective on proposed developments in those areas.
Energy Conservation
Ceisteanna (316)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:316. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide the attendees, agendas, and scheduled meeting date of the “Annual Data Centre Sector Roundtable”, which was created through Action 9 of the Large Energy-user Action Plan (LEAP). [51612/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Large Energy User Action Plan (LEAP) is a medium-term plan that seeks to enable Ireland to attract next generation investment in energy intensive sectors associated with the greatest future strategic economic opportunities. These could include semiconductors, very large manufacturers, pharmaceuticals and digital technology enablers such as data centres. It will likewise ensure that continued industrial development is aligned with Government’s renewable energy and climate objectives, as well as other strategic priorities such as the provision of housing.
Action 9 of LEAP provides for the establishment of an annual roundtable meeting to facilitate discussion on the opportunities and challenges associated with future sustainable data centre growth in Ireland. Subject to agreement by each respective body, it is envisaged that participation in this roundtable will include officials from the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, as well as representatives from Ireland's energy system operators, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and the data centre industry. Subject to availability, it is envisaged that the first Roundtable under LEAP Action 9 will take place during the final quarter of 2026.
Trade Relations
Ceisteanna (317)
Tony McCormack
Ceist:317. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the specific steps his Department is taking to address the distinct competitiveness risks posed by global shifts such as the US Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) pharmaceutical pricing models and international trade tariffs; the way in which these global pricing and tariff threats are being directly integrated into the final drafting of Ireland's upcoming National Life Sciences Strategy; the status of any inter-departmental or sectoral taskforces intended to evaluate these global market shocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51639/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government recognises that global developments, including proposals relating to US Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) pharmaceutical pricing models, international tariff measures and wider trade policy uncertainty, present potential competitiveness challenges for Ireland’s life sciences sector and the broader economy.
MFN pricing proposals or tariffs are being actively considered through ongoing cross-Government engagement via the National Life Sciences Strategy Steering & Working Groups and the Government’s wider competitiveness agenda. My Department is working closely with relevant Departments including the Departments of Health and Foreign Affairs & Trade, along with IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, to monitor international developments and assess their potential implications for investment, exports, supply chains, innovation and employment in Ireland’s life sciences ecosystem. These considerations are informing the development of Ireland’s first National Life Sciences Strategy.
Stakeholder engagement undertaken as part of the Strategy’s development has noted issues relating to international pricing pressures, market access, supply-chain resilience and global competitiveness and this is being considered in the development of the Strategy. Indeed, the proactive cooperation among Departments and stakeholders is creating a culture of cooperation across stakeholders leading to tangible results. An example of recent developments is the Department of Health's conclusion of new Framework Agreements on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines with the pharmaceutical industry for the period 2026 to 2030. These agreements recognise the importance of investment by industry and also provide certainty and stability in the medicines reimbursement market while supporting continued patient access to innovative medicines and the long-term sustainability of public expenditure on medicines.
More broadly, the Government’s Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity provides a whole-of-government framework for responding to emerging international economic challenges. The Plan includes measures to strengthen Ireland’s competitiveness through investment in research and innovation, skills, infrastructure, trade diversification, supply-chain resilience and support for foreign direct investment.
Ireland's focus on competitiveness, coupled with the development of our national strategy will influence, and be influenced by, EU developments. Indeed, more broadly, the Government’s response to these challenges is grounded in a continued focus on strengthening Europe’s long-term competitiveness. Ireland has consistently supported a stronger EU emphasis on competitiveness, innovation and strategic resilience, reflecting the recommendations of the Draghi Report and wider European policy developments. Through its engagement at EU level, including our Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Ireland is advocating for progress on key legislative and policy initiatives that support research, innovation, advanced manufacturing, regulatory efficiency and investment in the life sciences sector. The Government recognises that many of the opportunities and challenges facing the sector are European and global in nature, and that a strong, innovation-focused EU policy framework will be central to sustaining the competitiveness and growth of Ireland’s life sciences ecosystem.
Legislative Process
Ceisteanna (318)
Roderic O'Gorman
Ceist:318. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the commitment to progress the General Scheme of the Co-Operative Societies Bill 2022; when he expects this bill to be introduced to Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51735/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is working to finalise the Co-operative Societies Bill, which provides for the most far-reaching reform of the legislation governing co-operatives in the history of the State. The Bill will introduce a modern legal framework which will place the co-operative model on a more favourable and clearer legal basis. It will create a level playing field with the situation applying to companies and encourage the consideration of the co-operative model as an attractive formation option for entrepreneurs and also for social and community activities.
The Bill provides for a specific legislative framework for co-operative societies for the first time, with societies registering under the legislation being required to adhere to the co-operative ethos. It consolidates and modernises existing provisions and introduces modern corporate governance, financial reporting, and compliance requirements, thereby providing confidence to stakeholders and making co-operatives more attractive to investors.
The Bill includes provisions to make it easier to set up and operate a co-operative society by reducing the minimum number of founding members (from seven to three); expanding the categories of founding members to include bodies corporate; and providing for audit exemptions for smaller co-operatives. The legislation will also repeal the existing outdated provisions on raising funds, which will make it easier to access various sources of finance.
In recognition of the significant diversity across the co-operative sector, the Bill seeks to provide as much flexibility as possible, thereby empowering co-operative societies to reflect in their rules what best suits their own particular circumstances.
This is a large and complex Bill currently running to over 470 sections. My officials are working closely with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to complete a quality assurance exercise and finalise drafting in the coming weeks. I then expect to be in a position to bring the final Bill to Government in the Autumn for publication and with a view to progressing through the Oireachtas as soon as possible thereafter.
Enterprise Policy
Ceisteanna (319)
Eoin Hayes
Ceist:319. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the total cost of engagement with a company (details supplied) in each of the years 2020 to 2025, across his Department, by project, year and value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51765/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department engaged this company to assist with the delivery of the Regional Enterprise Plan Research Project - Provision of North-West Regional Enterprise 2024 Data Repository. The total cost of this engagement was €8,610.
Enterprise Policy
Ceisteanna (320)
Eoin Hayes
Ceist:320. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the total cost of engagement with a company (details supplied) in each of the years 2020 to 2025, across his Department, by project, year and value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51783/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has no records of any engagement with this company during the specified time period.
Enterprise Policy
Ceisteanna (321)
Eoin Hayes
Ceist:321. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the total cost of engagement with a company (details supplied) in each of the years 2020 to 2025, across his Department, by project, year and value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51801/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information sought is not held centrally in the format requested. Identifying private sector contracts where services were previously delivered directly by the public sector, together with associated cost data from 2020 to 2025 will require engagement across multiple Business Units in my Department.
Accordingly, I will write to you with the information requested over the coming days.
Economic Data
Ceisteanna (322)
Emer Currie
Ceist:322. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has conducted an economic assessment of the value and contribution of digital advertising, including personalised advertising, to Irish enterprises and the Irish economy. [51838/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I thank the Deputy for this question.
Platforms and businesses offering digital advertising services represent an increasingly important component of Ireland’s digital economy. In addition to providing significant direct employment for highly skilled workers, these companies act as enablers for the business models of many other businesses established in Ireland operating in the digital economy.
For Irish businesses, particularly SMEs and start-ups, digital advertising provides a cost-efficient way to reach new and existing customers and facilitates access to global markets.
Industry data illustrates the scale of this activity. IAB Ireland, the trade organisation for digital advertising, has estimated that Irish digital advertising spend grew by 8% to €1.146 billion in 2025.
Given the scale of the sector and that digital advertising spans multiple policy areas and regulations, including the Digital Markets Act, Digital Services Act, GDPR, the AI Act and the forthcoming Digital Fairness Act, DETE has appointed a senior official to coordinate this work. Work is underway to define the role and ensure effective oversight of evolving digital advertising regulation.
A key part of this role will be identifying the value and contribution of digital advertising to Ireland. My Department will continue to engage with industry on this issue.
Enterprise Policy
Ceisteanna (323)
Emer Currie
Ceist:323. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has conducted an assessment of the costs facing Irish SMEs in complying with digital regulation. [51839/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This Government strongly supports regulation that is clear, proportionate, evidence-based and achieves its policy objectives while minimising unnecessary compliance costs for businesses, particularly SMEs.
In the context of EU legislation, including digital regulation, Ireland actively engages in negotiations to promote a risk-based and proportionate approach, taking account of the particular circumstances of SMEs and seeking to minimise unnecessary administrative and compliance burdens. The Government has also advocated at EU level for measures to simplify the digital regulatory landscape and improve coherence across EU digital legislation.
The range and application of digital regulation that affects SMEs will vary depending the nature of their business and other factors. As such, it is important that assessments on the impact of regulation are made in the context of the specific regulation in question.
At national level, the impact of proposed legislative and policy measures on SMEs is assessed through mechanisms including Regulatory Impact Analysis and the SME Test.
The SME Test is designed to ensure that policymakers consider the potential impacts of measures on SMEs at an early stage and identify opportunities to mitigate disproportionate costs through simplification, exemptions or other appropriate measures where possible.
While regulation can create compliance obligations, it can also provide significant benefits for SMEs by fostering trust, increasing legal certainty and ensuring a level playing field across the Single Market. For example, digital legislation such as the Digital Markets Act seeks to address unfair practices by large online gatekeepers, while the AI Act establishes harmonised rules for the development and deployment of artificial intelligence across the European Union. Such measures can help create a more predictable and competitive business environment for SMEs while providing appropriate safeguards for consumers and businesses alike.
More broadly, the Government's work on competitiveness and productivity includes a focus on reducing regulatory burdens and controlling costs for business while maintaining high standards of consumer protection, innovation and fair competition.
Job Losses
Ceisteanna (324)
Ged Nash
Ceist:324. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he has received a notification from a company of their intention to contemplate collective redundancies at the firm’s operation in County Louth (details supplied); when the notification was received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51884/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As of 06 July 2026, my Department has not received a collective redundancy notification from the company referenced.
The rules governing collective redundancies are set out in the Protection of Employment Act 1977, as amended.
Under the Act, 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.
Employers must comply with a number of obligations when proposing collective redundancies. Section 12 of the 1977 Act provides that employers proposing a collective redundancy must notify the Minister of the proposed collective redundancy at least 30 days before the first dismissal takes effect.
Redundancies that fall below collective redundancy thresholds do not need to be notified to my Department.
Enterprise Support Services
Ceisteanna (325)
Ged Nash
Ceist:325. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if a company (details supplied) has received any form of grant aid or support from Enterprise Ireland or IDA since 2020; the nature and value of the support provided, in tabular form and for the year concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51885/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Enterprise Ireland provided support to Foxpak Limited between 2020 and 2022. Following the acquisition of the company by a multinational enterprise, the company ceased to be an Enterprise Ireland client.
Enterprise Ireland has advised that the company repaid €281,955.95 in February 2022, representing approximately 99% of the total funding provided.
IDA Ireland has confirmed that they are not an IDA client company.
The table below sets out the grant supports paid by Enterprise Ireland to Foxpak Limited since 2020.
|
Date |
Client Offer |
Amount Paid € |
|
30-Jul-20 |
Strategic Consultancy |
3,937.50 |
|
19-Aug-20 |
Digital Marketing Capability |
2,500.00 |
|
29-Sept-20 |
Access Advice - Lean Start |
5,000.00 |
|
14-Jan-21 |
Business Financial Planning |
4,500.00 |
|
11-Jun-21 |
Lean Plus Assignment |
25,347.38 |
|
23-Jun-21 |
Sustaining Enterprise Fund |
50,000.00 |
|
23-Jun-21 |
Sustaining Enterprise Fund |
50,000.00 |
|
29-Oct-21 |
Sustaining Enterprise Fund |
50,000.00 |
|
29-Oct-21 |
Sustaining Enterprise Fund |
50,000.00 |
|
22-Dec-21 |
Strategic Consultancy |
20,137.50 |
|
25-Jan-22 |
Lean Plus Assignment |
5,326.31 |
|
25-Jan-22 |
Lean Plus Assignment |
19,101.20 |
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (326, 367)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:326. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of WTE psychologists employed by national educational psychological services as of 29 June 2026; if she will provide the same figures for the corresponding period in 2023, in tabular form. [50786/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:367. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of psychologists currently employed by NEPS; the number of sanctioned psychologist posts in NEPS; the estimated full-year cost of running NEPS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51348/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 326 and 367 together.
I would like to take this opportunity to outline the work of NEPS.
Through NEPS, all schools have access to:
- General support and advice from a NEPS psychologist, either through the school’s assigned psychologist or through the NEPS Advisory Support Line.
- Support from a NEPS psychologist in the event of a Critical Incident.
- National and Regional Support and Development service for school staff.
- Access for individual casework where a priority need is established to either a NEPS psychologist or an educational psychologist through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA).
NEPS does not operate waiting lists. In common with other psychological services and best international practice, NEPS operates on a consultative model of service. The psychologists may work directly with a child or young person, known as Direct Casework and this includes assessment, or the psychologist may work through teachers or teachers/parents to provide a psychological service for a child/young person, known as Indirect Casework. Assessments are only one aspect of the work of NEPS, and an educational assessment may not be required in all cases.
NEPS encourages schools to support children and young people using the Continuum of Support, whereby school staff use a problem-solving approach, including school screening (assessment) and evidence-based intervention, for children and young people experiencing difficulties in the school context. The response to intervention is monitored and recorded in the Student Support File. The teachers, parents and child are involved in this process. Under this model, a diagnosis is not required for a child or young person to access supports that can be implemented at school level in mainstream classes, such as special education teaching support and SNA support.
If a school has concerns that a child or young person is not making reasonable progress following evidence informed support and intervention, the school may prioritise the involvement of NEPS to support the identification of need process.
With regard to staffing, I can advise that as of the 1st of July 2026 there are 235 (WTE) and 222.2 (WTE) for the same period in 2023.
With regard to finance, I can advise that NEPS has a non-pay budget allocation of €10.5 million for 2026.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (327)
Shane Moynihan
Ceist:327. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the main policy achievements of her Department since 22 January 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50799/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer the Deputy to my response to PQ 30475/26 provided on 28 April 2026 which provided information on the significant achievements of my Department between January 2025 and 28 April 2026. Since that date, the following additional policy achievements of my Department are of note.
Special Education
On 12 June, I announced a new Transition Support Service for all special schools commencing in September 2026. This new service, costing €1.3m per year, will provide an additional 34 teaching days to special schools and will support young people with disabilities as they prepare to move from school into further education, training, employment and other post-school opportunities.
On 3 June, the first Special Needs Workforce Development Plan was published, providing a strategic roadmap to strengthen, professionalise and support the SNA workforce through enhanced training, role clarity and workforce sustainability.
Summer Meals Programme for Young People
On 25 May, I announced the expansion of the Summer Holiday Meals Pilot Programme for 2026. The programme, first introduced in 2025, will receive increased funding of €600,000 in 2026, up from €500,000 last year. This additional investment will enable the programme to expand from 41 to 77 Your Place Your Space (UBU) – funded youth services, operating across all 16 education and training boards (ETBs).
The 2026 programme began in June and will provide hot or substantial meals to young people aged 10 to 18 attending participating UBU youth services throughout the summer months.
Convention on Education
The second of the four scheduled meetings of the Convention on Education took place in Limerick in May. The Convention will examine key issues across early years, primary, post-primary and educational transitions. Its recommendations will inform the Department’s long-term education strategy, “Our Schools, Our Future”.
Guidance
On 20 May, my Department published the Standards and Qualifications in Guidance Counsellor Education and Training (SQGCET) which presents an important development within the guidance counselling profession in Ireland. The document outlines nationally agreed standards, competencies and qualification requirements for guidance counsellors working across guidance services under the remit of my Department and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
Primary School Survey
On 23 June, my Department published the results of the Primary School Survey, providing the most comprehensive insight to date into parents' and guardians' views on the future of primary education, including school patronage, ethos, co-educational or single-sex provision and language of instruction (Irish or English). School-specific results have been shared with primary schools to support local consultation and engagement with school communities. Schools wishing to be included in the first group of schools that wish to act on the outcomes of the survey process have been asked to notify my Department and their patron by 31 October 2026.
DEIS Strategy to 2035
On 11 May, my Department launched the first long-term, whole-system strategy to tackle educational disadvantage, introducing a more flexible and responsive model of support for schools based on changing levels of need. The strategy is supported by the first three-year implementation plan (2026–2028) and includes enhanced DEIS grants, expanded HSCL provision and improved resource allocation across all schools.
Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union
The Education and Youth priorities for the EU Presidency were adopted by Government as part of the Irish EU Presidency Programme in June. The first official-level meeting of the Education Presidency programme, the High Level Group on Education and Training was held successfully on 25 and 26 June and it addressed the priorities of digital and AI in education, inclusion and retention in education and the role of education in the EU Semester process.
Digital
I was pleased to announce the establishment of a special taskforce to advise on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools. The AI in Schools External Advisory Taskforce will support the Department in developing a coherent national approach to the safe, responsible and effective use of AI across the school system. The Taskforce held its first meeting in May 2026. The associated Working Groups are currently being established with the first meetings scheduled to take place in July.
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (328)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:328. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of the case of a visually impaired child in a school (details supplied) who was not sanctioned an SNA and therefore cannot undertake July Provision; and if she will urgently intervene to sanction these supports and allow this child to partake in July Provision with their peers. [50815/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Details 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.
It is important to note that staffing allocations are made to schools based on the number of children they are catering for in accordance with the published terms and conditions of the programme.
The staffing allocation for special class groups in the Primary School Scheme is typically the same as the special class resource allocation which exists during the school year. Where this is not the case, the Department will engage directly with individual schools so that all of the children enrolled in special classes can partake.
The staffing allocation for pupils with special educational needs and/or pupils at risk of educational disadvantage enrolled in mainstream classes is more favourable than during the school term. For each group of 12 pupils participating, one teacher and one Special Needs Assistant (SNA) is allocated. This is compared to the pupil teacher ratio of one teacher for every 23 pupils during term-time.
As communicated to all schools at the outset, it is intended that schools would be engaged with on an individual basis confirming the number of pupils approved to participate in this year’s programme, along with their school’s assigned staffing allocation. This approach ensures that each school receives clear, tailored information to support effective planning and that every child eligible for the Summer Programme is accommodated with the appropriate resources in line with the published programme terms.
In relation to the school referred to by the Deputy, department officials have been engaging directly with the school to ensure that each eligible child continues to be supported under the Summer Programme. This includes sanctioning the additional SNAs required by the school to run their Summer Programme.
A Department helpline is available for schools and parents at 090 648 4292 to address any specific queries regarding this year’s Summer Programme. Queries concerning the school-based scheme can be directed to the schoolsummerprogramme@education.gov.ie. Queries concerning the Home-based scheme can be directed to the homebasedsummerprogram@education.gov.ie.