Written Answers Nos. 22-42
22. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Defence to provide an up-to-date position on the derelict housing in the Curragh Camp, County Kildare; the outcome of the report commissioned on the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52068/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been significant investment in the Defence Forces Built Infrastructure in recent years. The capital expenditure for building works in military installations and barracks across the country for the last five years was approximately €170 million. In particular, the development of accommodation for new recruits has been a priority for my Department.
In terms of the existing Defence Forces residential housing stock in the Curragh Camp, sixty-three (63) residential properties are currently uninhabitable and as such, significant work is required to bring these properties up to a habitable and modernised standard. Many of these properties were built prior to the introduction of building regulations.
There are plans to overhaul the condition of the vacant/derelict housing stock, in so far as possible, to increase the provision of accommodation for serving personnel. In this regard, the Defence Forces commissioned Consultants to assess the condition of the Defence Forces vacant housing stock and its suitability for conversion/refurbishment to provide for additional single living-in accommodation for Defence Forces personnel. Some properties in the Curragh and Dublin were identified for immediate refurbishment, and it is intended to begin the procurement phase for this programme in 2026.
23. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Defence the number of actions recommended by the Commission on the Defence Forces which have been completed and implemented to date. [52069/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for giving me this opportunity provide an update on the Detailed Implementation Plan of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, and the considerable progress this is being made by my Department and the Defence Forces. The vital work on the transformation of our Defence Forces is a core priority for me as Minister for Defence. I am fully committed to the continued, meaningful transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
Many of the immediate priority projects set out in the Detailed Implementation Plan of 2023 have now been delivered. These include:
• The appointment of a full-time Gender Advisor
• Removal of the blanket exclusion from the Organisation of Working Time Act
• Review and modernisation of personal appearance standards
• Implementation of key Strategic HR structures
• Establishment and staffing of civil/ military capability development unit
• Development of regeneration and recruitment plans for the Reserve Defence Forces.
57 of the 130 recommendations from the Commission have now been implemented, and as the updated Detailed Implementation Plan illustrates, there is significant progress underway on the remaining recommendations.
As outlined in the Updated Detailed Implementation Plan, 2026 will see significant progress being made on key Defence Equipment projects, including the priority Military Radar Programme. The Military Radar Programme is a key Government priority and I am assured that good progress is being made. The full delivery of the Military Radar Programme is a complex programme of works; but has been prioritised with a target delivery date of a 'full air picture' by 2028. Elements of the programme will be rolled out in phases, starting this year with the counter-drone technology.
25. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Defence the number of females serving by rank in January 2025 and 2026, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52071/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recruitment and retention of women in the Defence Forces is a key priority for me, as Minister for Defence, and I am advised by the military authorities that as at 31 May 2026, the latest date for which such figures are available, the whole-time equivalent strength of female personnel in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) stood at 592 or 7.6% of a total strength of 7,823 personnel.
The table below shows the number of female serving by rank in the Permanent Defence Force as of the 31st December 2024 and 31st December 2025.
|
Rank |
31 December 2024 |
31 December 2025 |
|
Colonel |
1 |
1 |
|
Lt Colonel |
7 |
9 |
|
Commandant |
75 |
73 |
|
Captain |
40 |
44 |
|
Lieutenant |
44 |
45 |
|
Sgt Major |
0 |
2 |
|
BQMS |
0 |
1 |
|
CS |
6 |
7 |
|
CQMS |
13 |
15 |
|
Sgt |
64 |
62 |
|
CPL |
84 |
91 |
|
Private |
216 |
178 |
|
Cadet |
18 |
21 |
|
Total |
568 |
585 |
A total of 2,198 applications were received from female candidates across all recruitment competitions for the Permanent Defence Force in 2025, which represented an increase of 468 or 27% on the total of 1,730 received in 2024. There has been a further 1,547 applications from female candidates up to the 31st May 2026.
Significantly, last year also saw a total of 70 females inducted to the Permanent Defence Force, an increase on the 40 recorded for 2024. As of the 31st May 2026, the number of inductions of females into the Permanent Defence Force stands at 30.
A range of initiatives aimed at increasing the level of female participation in the Permanent Defence Force are currently in train. These include:
• Inclusion of the female perspective in marketing
• DF female Recruitment Awareness campaigns
• Access to both PDF women and men at career and outreach events
• Review of recruitment processes to ensure fairness
• Review of language in job advertisements to ensure that it is inclusive
• Female ad campaign was launched in February 2026 and the first cycle has been completed.
• Adapted fitness tests
The Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and have set ambitious targets to increase female participation in the Defence Forces.
26. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Defence the specific supports available to veterans of the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52072/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra27. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Defence her views on the findings of a study regarding veterans (details supplied), and the actions her Department is taking to address the findings. [52073/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 27 together.
At the outset, I wish to assure the Deputy that I recognise the outstanding contribution made to the State by our ex-service personnel.
The publication of this important research, 'Veterans of the Defence Forces', commissioned by Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (ONE), is very welcome. It provides an analysis of the position of Defence Forces veterans in Ireland and the supports and services available to them.
The Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) intends to engage further with the findings, including undertaking examination of the research to ensure that its recommendations are fully understood and that the issues identified are appropriately considered.
This research will be a valuable resource for the OVA as it continues to engage with recognised Veterans Associations and works to ensure that veterans can access the benefits, services, and supports to which they are entitled.
In addition to €317 million allocated to meet the pension costs of Defence Forces Veterans and their dependents, my Department also provides support to two Veterans Associations which represent all former personnel, namely the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) and the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE).
I have met with the Veterans Associations to discuss matters of concern to their members and my officials continue to engage and meet regularly with the Associations. My department has also entered into Service Level Agreements with IUNVA and ONE, under which an annual grant is paid to both organisations in order to assist with their administrative overheads. IUNVA is paid €40,000 per year and ONE is paid €173,000. These grants were increased substantially in 2022 and have been increased again in 2025.
As a further means of assistance, since 2021 my Department has secured funding of €1,300,000 under the Dormant Accounts Fund to assist ONE and IUNVA with specific special projects including providing accommodation for homeless veterans through ONE’s Veterans’ Homes in Dublin, Athlone, Cobh, and Letterkenny, and the National Veteran Training Centre at IUNVA Headquarters. With the support of government funding, both ONE and IUNVA provide assistance for veterans and their families, with ONE, in particular, offering counselling and other services as well as providing accommodation to homeless veterans. They also provide information on pensions, social welfare benefits and other entitlements.
In addition to the supports highlighted to the Veterans Associations, the Defence Forces Personal Support Service also provides limited support to retired members of the Defence Forces on a case-by-case basis, as well as assisting IUNVA and ONE in their work providing advice and support to veterans. Furthermore, as with other members of society, former members of the Permanent Defence Force who experience difficulties have access to the range of supports available to all citizens under the Health Acts.
28. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Defence if she will publish the Memorandum of Understanding she signed earlier in 2026 with the United Kingdom Secretary for Defence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52125/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn March 11 last, I signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with my UK counterpart, the Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, MP.
This Memorandum of Understanding is a refresh of the existing Memorandum agreed in 2015 and focuses on providing a framework for developing and furthering bilateral co-operation and relations between my Department and the UK Ministry of Defence. It also takes into account training, staff exchanges and education related matters and promotes cooperation that includes both military and civilian personnel.
There will be a continued focus on the already existing co-operation arrangements in the Defence area between Ireland and the UK on a more formal and transparent footing, which respects fully the differing policy positions and security arrangements of both countries and continues to underpin the longstanding and positive engagement that exists between the Defence Forces and the UK Armed Forces, particularly in the area of training and staff to staff meetings.
While Dáil approval was not required for either the original, or for the refreshed, Memorandum of Understanding between Ireland and the United Kingdom, in the interests of transparency and good administrative practices, and as was the practice for the the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding, the refreshed MoU was laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas last month.
29. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Transport whether his Department has assessed transport barriers preventing young people from accessing youth services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51917/26]
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 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.
30. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport given that the electric vehicle scrappage pilot scheme was fully subscribed within minutes of opening for applications, the plans his Department has to introduce a permanent or expanded scrappage scheme; when such a scheme is expected to be put in place in light of the significant demand demonstrated by the pilot; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51952/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ICE2EV Pilot Scheme, which launched on July 1st, has committed the available €17M in funding, comprising of €10M for the scrappage grant and €7M for the EV purchase grant.
Approximately 2,000 successful applications were processed within 75 minutes of the scheme opening, supporting the replacement of around 2,000 internal combustion engine vehicles with electric vehicles. While strong demand was anticipated, the level of interest exceeded expectations.
65% of the funding for this scheme was allocated to rural applicants and 35% to urban applicants, based on Central Statistics Office Census 2022 definitions. The rural allocation was exhausted within approximately 30 minutes, demonstrating that, in the right financial conditions, rural drivers are keen to make the switch to electric.
The high level of interest demonstrated in the scheme is welcome and reflects growing consumer engagement with the transition to electric vehicles. This momentum supports Ireland’s Climate Action ambitions, including the target for 30% of the national vehicle fleet to be electric by 2030.
The policy purpose of this capped initiative was to test the effectiveness of scrappage as a tool to stimulate EV uptake among those who may not otherwise transition in the near term, with the ultimate goal of delivering additional emissions reductions necessary for our climate targets.
A detailed review of the pilot scheme will now be undertaken to examine uptake, emissions impact, and overall value for money, to inform any future policy decisions in this area. No decision has been made at this time regarding the introduction of a permanent or expanded scrappage scheme. Any future iterations of this pilot scheme will be subject to the outcomes of the above review, and wider budgetary considerations.
31. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport to provide details of the number of applications received under the electric vehicle (EV) scrappage pilot scheme, per county, and by urban and rural, in tabular form; the average pricing of EV vehicles being purchased under the pilot scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51953/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe data provided below is the total number of scrappage grant applications processed by the SEAI grant application system on 1 July 2026. In line with other grant programmes, there is usually a rate of grant drop out between application and payment stages. A decision was taken to add a small additional capacity to the grant scheme to allow for this, ensuring available grant funding is utilised to its fullest extent.
A total of 2,060 applications were received, comprising of 720 urban city applications and 1,340 rural applications. Four city applications were later cancelled due to the incorrect information supplied at time of application. The CSO Census 2022 boundary definitions of “urban city” areas were used to determine whether an applicant was classified as rural or urban.
Detailed analysis of applications received, including geographic breakdowns and vehicle purchase information, is ongoing. A comprehensive evaluation of the pilot scheme will be undertaken to assess its overall impact and the effectiveness of scrappage as a policy tool.
Factors to be considered as part of the evaluation include overall uptake, the rate at which available funding is drawn down, the characteristics of vehicles being scrapped (including their age and mileage profile), the characteristics of electric vehicles applied for under the scheme, and participation across different geographic areas. The findings will help inform consideration of any future measures to support the transition to electric vehicles.
32. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport when the independent feasibility study on extending MetroLink to southwest Dublin will commence, as committed to in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51955/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra33. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the expected timeline for completion of the feasibility study on extending MetroLink to southwest Dublin; whether its findings will be available in time to inform the forthcoming review of the greater Dublin area transport strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51956/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra54. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Transport when the independent feasibility study for Metro Southwest in line with the Programme for Government will be commissioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52126/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 32, 33 and 54 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has the statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), which includes MetroLink.
The NTA published the Transport Strategy for the GDA 2022-2042 in January 2023. This strategy sets out a statutory framework for transport investment across the region over a 20-year period and provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for the GDA.
As the Deputy notes, the Programme for Government commits to commissioning an independent feasibility study continuing MetroLink from the city to South West Dublin.
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 days.
34. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Transport for an update on expansion of the public charging network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51957/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the EV charging network over the coming years in support of reaching climate targets. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
The Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) sets binding national targets for all Member States to ensure adequate deployment of alternative fuel infrastructure for the road, rail, maritime and aviation sectors. It also defines unified technical standards and requirements for user access, data sharing and payment systems to ensure consistency and interoperability across the EU. The requirements include minimum power output and the maximum distance allowable between recharging pools (one or more recharging stations in one specific location).
In order to achieve Ireland’s EU targets under AFIR and depending on level of power supplied at charging points, it is expected that there will be 3,200 – 6,210 public chargers required nationally by 2030. AFIR requirements state that there should be 1.3kW of capacity on the national network per BEV and 0.8kW capacity per PHEV.
The National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy outlines the requirements for publicly accessible charging and installing EV Infrastructure that is capable of meeting user needs. A refreshed strategy for 2026-2028 was published for consultation between February and April, and this strategy is currently being revised on foot of submissions in response to that consultation.
Further, the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan, which focuses on neighbourhood and destination charging locations, will be led by Local Authorities in partnership with both public and private sectors.
Local authorities will be funded by ZEVI to develop local and regional EV charging network strategies and implementation plans. This process will identify the number of charge points required in each area, including on-street chargers to serve residents without access to private off-street parking.
In addition to funding provided to Local Authorities for the roll-out of Local and Regional charging infrastructure, a further €20m has been allocated directly to Transport Infrastructure Ireland for the rollout of the LDV (Light duty vehicle) EV Infrastructure grant scheme programme. These schemes provide financial support for the installation of high-powered recharging pools along key sections of the national roads, prioritising fast and ultra-fast charging for EV drivers, with 155 sites being supported through the LDV1, LDV2 and LDV3 Grant Schemes. The schemes are grant aided by the Department of Transport and are designed to ensure balanced coverage across 5,300km of National Road Network.
35. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport if he will examine the feasibility of introducing a direct scheduled Bus Éireann service between Sligo and Athlone; the assessment undertaken to date on the demand for such a service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51971/26]
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 Bus 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.
36. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Transport to provide the amounts by which his Department or agencies within the aegis of his Department that has been defrauded as a result of a cyberattack; and the total amount which has been recovered for each of the years 2021 to 2025, and to date in 2026. [51993/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not been defrauded as a result of a cyberattack. As regards the agencies under my Department's remit, this is a matter for the agencies themselves and I have referred your question to them for a direct reply. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days please contact my private office.
37. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 148 of 24 June 2026, given motor tax is not a self-assessment tax, could the Minister address a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51996/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra38. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport if a situation could be reviewed (details supplied) given widespread overcharging of motor tax by the tax-collectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51997/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra39. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport the way in which a vehicle is eligible to apply for the vintage rate of tax; the details of the further 'relevant documentation' that is required’ (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51998/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra40. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport if there is a direct legal requirement linking a particular type of insurance policy to a particular motor taxation class; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51999/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra41. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Transport to provide the details of documents required for motor tax to avail of the vintage vehicle rate (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52000/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 38, 39, 40 and 41 together.
As Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I wish to advise that the Finance (Excise Duties) (Vehicles) Act 1952 outlines that, to apply for the vintage rate of motor tax, the applicant must satisfy the licencing authority that the vehicle was constructed more than 30 years prior to the commencement of the tax period. Motor Tax Class changes are applied for by the vehicle owner and must satisfy the licensing authority that they vehicle qualifies for the vintage rate of motor tax.
To apply for the vintage rate of motor tax, a vehicle owner must apply using the RF111 Change of Particulars Form. The age of the vehicle can be determined by reference to the date of manufacturer or the date of first registration of the vehicle. This can be checked by reference to the date of registration of the vehicle on the National Vehicle Driver File (NVDF) or obtained by the applicant submitting a manufacturers certificate with the date of manufacture.
Motor Tax Offices, who are independent licencing authorities, may request relevant documentation in order to prove the age of the vehicle, for example a manufacturers certificate with the date of manufacture. It is a matter for Motor Tax Offices to determine if the supporting documentation supplied is sufficient to apply the vintage vehicle rate of motor tax.
Information regarding taxing a vintage vehicle is available through Motor Tax Offices and on Local Authority websites. Applications for the vintage rate of motor tax must be made in person at a Motor Tax Office. Staff in Motor Tax Offices are happy to provide guidance to vehicle owners on the application process and completion of the RF111 form where required.
The Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 1992 S.I. 385 outlines the instances in which a refund of motor tax can be made. Applications for refunds of motor tax must be made in local Motor Tax Offices.
There is no direct legal requirement linking particular types of insurance to motor tax classes. Under section 56 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, a vehicle must be covered by a valid policy of motor insurance before it can be used in a public place. Driving without motor insurance is a serios criminal offence. In addition, under the Road Traffic Act 1964, members of An Garda Síochána have the authority to seize a vehicle that is being used without the required insurance.
The Finance Act, 1976 requires that a vehicle must display a motor tax disc. The Local Authorities (Traffic Wardens) Act 1975 (Fixed Charge Offences) regulations 2022 provides for a fixed charge fine for non-display of a motor tax disc.
The Department recognises that some vehicle owners may wish to remain in a particular motor tax class due to individual circumstances. The Department has no role in the terms and conditions applied by insurers or individual insurance applications.
42. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport if the National Transport Authority conducts post-implementation traffic monitoring of junction layouts delivered under the BusConnects Core Bus Corridor Programme; the mechanism by which a junction layout approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála can be modified where observed congestion materially exceeds the traffic modelling forecasts submitted with the statutory application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52028/26]
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 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.
