Written Answers Nos. 225-238
225. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he is aware of concerns (details supplied); the dates on which he has met to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54606/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince January 2025, when the UK government announced its plans to establish a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in October 2027, the Department and Re-turn have worked at official level with the UK and Northern Ireland authorities to understand and address any issues associated with the operation of two DRS schemes on the island.
Earlier this year, I invited the Northern Ireland Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir to visit the jurisdiction to see the DRS in action and to discuss matters in common. While we have not yet settled a date for our meeting, on 10 June 2026 Minister Muir and ‘Exchange for Change’, the UK scheme operator saw DRS in operation here with the support of Re-turn.
Regarding safeguards for the Irish scheme and its operators along the border, Re-Turn advises that 89% of DRS products placed on the market in the State have a country-specific barcode which means any deposit can be redeemed in this jurisdiction only. This reduces the incentive to take containers across the border for redemption for the higher deposit proposed. The remaining 11% of products have international barcodes. The producers of these containers are already paying a specific surcharge to Re-turn for this facility, mitigating the potential cost to the scheme for products brought in or returned from another jurisdiction.
I understand from Re-turn that both scheme operators are currently discussing the issue of potential cross-border movements and exchange of materials and any associated financial implications.
226. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide a breakdown of the recycling that Ireland exported in each of the years 2020 to 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form; the measures the Government is taking to reduce this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54612/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to the reply to www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2026-03-24/239/speech/363/ The position is unchanged.
227. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment when the Climate Action Plan 2026 will be published; if it will be published during the Dáil recess; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54619/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is committed to delivering on Ireland’s responsibility to address the climate crisis and work remains ongoing across Government to implement climate mitigation measures every day. We have a robust climate delivery framework and detailed plans in place across all sectors. My priority is driving implementation, particularly of high impact measures with multiple societal and economic benefits.
The EPA’s most recent provisional greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory report, published last week, confirms record progress. Ireland has recorded overall emission reductions for a fourth consecutive year, with a decrease of 2.2% in 2025 following decreases of 2% in 2024, 6.8% in 2023 and 1.9% in 2022.
Significantly, this provisional inventory for 2025 shows that the first carbon budget has now been achieved on the back of these record emissions reductions. Ireland now has the lowest level of GHG emissions in 36 years which is notable given a concurrent population increase of approximately 1.5 million people, more than one million new homes and over one million extra vehicles on our roads. Given the strong economic growth over this period, we can now see a clear decoupling of growth from emissions which is a key milestone in Ireland's transition to climate neutrality.
We are making significant strides toward our target of 80% renewable energy by 2030. We now have 8GW onshore renewable electricity generation. Regularly throughout the first half of 2026 almost half of Ireland’s electricity demand came from renewable sources. The recent ORESS Tonn Nua offshore wind auction will secure enough clean electricity to power 1,000,000 homes, and we have five Phase One offshore wind developments progressing through planning this year.
To support this transition, the Government has approved an unprecedented investment of €18.9 billion in the Grid for the period 2026 – 2030. This represents the largest ever investment in our electricity grid, delivering major upgrades and developments to allow for the greater electrification of homes, businesses, and transport.
There are now over 240,000 EVs on Irish roads and, earlier this month, I launched the ICE2EV Scheme which will further accelerate the transition from older, more polluting cars to electric vehicles through targeted financial supports.
In January this year I announced the updated National Residential Retrofit Plan which includes new and enhanced measures to make retrofitting supports more accessible to households. In Budget 2026, Government provided a record allocation of €640 million, and with this we are targeting 73,000 home energy upgrades this year.
Last week I secured Government approval for revisions to the Heat Bill 2024. This legislation will put a regulatory framework in place to enable the roll out of district heating, contributing to the decarbonisation of Ireland’s heating sector.
The Climate Action Delivery Board (CADB), which I chair, and the Climate Action Plan Programme Board (CAPPB) are also now providing oversight of the delivery of our highest impact measures and driving the development of the next Climate Action Plan, which is currently ongoing. A public consultation on the next Plan launched last month and is open until 17 August 2026, with publication of the draft Plan expected later this year once the outcome of the public consultation has been considered. As such, it will not be published during the Dáil summer recess. This Plan will be a more focussed and targeted Plan and will set out my intentions for further action in the coming months and years.
228. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding all actions in each of the Climate Action Plans 2021 to 2025 under the remit of him Department; to provide a breakdown of the legacy actions remaining, broken down by the year of the climate action plan they were initially included in; and the estimated timelines for completion, in tabular form. [54623/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo track implementation of Climate Action Plans (CAP), the Department of the Taoiseach works with the implementing Departments to publish quarterly progress reports. Details on every action due in that quarter is published as an Appendix to each report. Legacy actions from previous CAPs are also included.
These reports are available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-the-taoiseach/publications/climate-action-plan-progress-reports/.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to strengthen the delivery structures to deliver the Climate Action Plan through the Climate Action Delivery Board.
As part of updated governance arrangements, the Minister now chairs the Climate Action Delivery Board. This reflects the Government’s wider commitment to ensuring that governance structures evolve in line with the move into the implementation and delivery phase of the climate action agenda.
The Programme for Government also resolved to enhance and improve governance structures to deliver Climate Action. In line with this, and to provide enhanced and co-ordinated oversight and strategic direction on the delivery of the Climate Action Plan, the Climate Action Plan Programme Board (CAPPB) has been established. The Programme Board is made up of Climate Delivery Taskforces from across sectors to bring an overall cohesion and alignment to climate action.
In this context, all ongoing incomplete actions can now be considered legacy actions. My Department has completed 6 actions this year, with 3 completed in each quarter. There are now 36 "legacy" actions outstanding for my Department. The breakdown by CAP year is attached.
As actions are completed, updates will be included in further progress reports which will be compiled and published by the Department of the Taoiseach following Government consideration and approval.
229. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will report on the target of 500,000 homes retrofitted to a B2 standard by 2030; if the Government remains in pursuit of this target of 500,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54709/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra230. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will report on the strategic objective to deliver a 2MtCO2 reduction in the built environment by 2030; if a target 500,000 homes retrofitted to a BER b2 remains as one of the key actions identified to achieve this; if not, the alternative pathways that have been identified and to report on progress to date. [54710/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra231. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will report on the strategic objective to deliver a 2MtCO2 reduction in the built environment by 2030; if a target of 400,000 heat pumps remains as one of the key actions identified to achieve this; if not, the alternative pathways that have been identified and to report on progress to date. [54711/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Question No 229, Question No 230 and Question No 231 together.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 commits Ireland to a 51% reduction in our overall greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
For the residential sector the overall strategic objective is to deliver a 2MtCO2 reduction in the built environment by 2030 in support of our binding national and EU commitments.
The Climate Action Plan (CAP) lists actions and measures to be taken in the residential sector to achieve sectoral emissions ceilings for the residential sector for the two carbon budgetary periods (2021-2025 and 2026-2030). These measures include the retrofit of existing homes and replacing existing fossil fuel heating systems with heat pumps.
The CAP measures are informed by assumptions of the equivalent of 500,000 homes retrofitted to a Building Energy Rating of B2/cost optimal or carbon equivalent and the installation of 400,000 heat pumps in existing premises to replace older, less efficient heating systems by end-2030.
It should be noted that all upgrades, not just upgrades and deep retrofits to B2 ratings or above, reduce energy usage and contribute towards the required carbon emissions reductions. In addition, upgrades carried out outside of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's (SEAI) schemes, such as those funded by the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government for Local Authority homes and upgrades, also contribute.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports on climate and emissions targets in the residential sector based on energy use. According to EPA data, emissions from the residential sector were within their Sectoral Emissions Ceiling for our first Carbon Budget (2021-2025), but it is acknowledged that we must do more to meet the second Carbon Budget (2026-2030).
The Programme for Government commits to taking decisive action to provide warmer, more comfortable homes, supporting energy affordability, security and sustainability. We are delivering on this and the pace of delivery is ramping up year-on-year.
The National Residential Retrofit Plan 2026 introduced a number of new and expanded measures to make energy upgrades more affordable and accessible to many more homeowners. These measures are making more homes more sustainable and energy-efficient, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and lowering energy costs for households.
Following the introduction of the new measures, applications to the SEAI for individual home energy upgrades to end June 2026 were up over 251% on the first half of 2025, and overall applications for SEAI residential and community upgrade schemes were up over 121%.
Since 2019, and to end June 2026, there has been a record level of more than €1.9 billion invested in the SEAI's schemes to support over 274,000 home energy upgrades, including over 37,500 fully-funded upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty under the Warmer Homes Scheme. In addition, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage funded more than 11,000 Local Authority retrofits to BER B2 level or cost optimal equivalent between 2021 and 2025, including the installation of some 9,300 heat pumps. This built on the 6,000 or so Local Authority shallow retrofits supported by the Department between 2019 and 2021.
The allocation of up to €3.7 billion in carbon tax revenues to 2030 via the National Development Plan will support continuing ambitious delivery under the National Residential Retrofit Plan, supporting achievement of the CAP residential sectoral ceilings for the period 2026-2030.
232. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the proportion of the 2030 target for onshore wind that has been achieved (energised) to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54738/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra234. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the proportion of the 2030 target for solar PV that has been achieved (energised) to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54740/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Question No 232 and Question No 234 together.
Ireland currently has almost 8.2 gigawatts of renewable generation capacity. Onshore wind is the largest contributor to this, with over 5 gigawatts of wind generation capacity. Solar PV is next with over 2.6 gigawatts installed, with the remaining c. 0.5 gigawatts made up of hydro, biomass, and other small sources.
Across Government, policies are being implemented at pace to accelerate and increase the deployment of onshore renewable generation capacity under the aegis of the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce. These include the holding of five Renewable Electricity Support Scheme auctions since 2020, the inclusion of Regional Renewable Electricity Capacity Allocations in the revised NPF, and the introduction of ECP-GSS, a new electricity connection policy to increase the connection of renewable projects. The next RESS auction, RESS 6, is due to commence soon and I expect to see strong competition from both solar and wind farm developers.
Onshore wind is fundamental to our transition to a renewables led energy system to supply homes and businesses. While nearly 57% of the national target for onshore wind of 9 gigawatts set out under the Climate Action Plan has been connected to date, a strong pipeline of projects are being brought forward through the planning, grid connection, and consenting processes.
Solar, both utility-scale and embedded, is Ireland's fastest growing source of renewable generation and we have currently reached just under 33% of the national target of 8 gigawatts. Utility-scale solar is now Ireland's third largest source of indigenous electricity generation, while embedded solar is having a significant impact on reducing grid demand during periods of high solar generation.
233. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the proportion of the 2030 target for offshore wind that has been achieved (energised) to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54739/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFive Phase 1 offshore wind projects are presently in development off our East coast, with planned capacity of 3.8 gigawatts (GW). All five have submitted planning applications and first determinations from An Coimisiún Pleanála are anticipated before the end of 2026, with the others to follow in 2027. Subject to planning approval, and the progression of the projects by the developers, I anticipate that some of these projects will be in construction by 2030 and operational in the early 2030s.
The 900 MW Tonn Nua project off the coast of Waterford is progressing well since approval in 2025. Tonn Nua was the first of four sites to be brought to auction from the South Coast DMAP. My Department is making preparations to bring the remaining three South Coast DMAP sites to auction over the next few years.
Separately, my Department is advancing the National DMAP process, which will designate sufficient additional sites around our coast to facilitate our longer term target of 20 GW.
The international market situation for offshore wind has changed much since Ireland's first offshore wind auction in 2023. Prices in the supply chain have increased, many offshore wind developers have rationalised their operations and now have a more risk averse investment outlook, and many jurisdictions have seen failed auctions for various reasons.
This changed market environment presents challenges for all nations in progressing their offshore wind ambitions. I am maintaining a regular dialogue with our offshore wind industry, and in particular our Phase 1 projects, as we navigate these challenges.
While this more challenging international market environment has the potential to impact on the timing of achievement of particular milestones in our offshore wind ambitions, Government remains committed to achieving those ambitions.
235. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the proportion of the 2030 target for offshore wind capacity specifically for renewable hydrogen that has been achieved (energised) to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54741/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no specific target for the production of hydrogen from offshore wind in 2030. Offshore wind capacity is supplied to the national grid to meet electricity demand and not specifically targeted towards renewable hydrogen production.
The National Hydrogen Strategy and the Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy are both clear that production of renewable hydrogen from offshore wind will occur post-2030. As per the National Hydrogen Strategy, my Department will explore and develop routes to markets as required.
Both the above mentioned policy documents set out the actions to be undertaken over a multi-year period to ensure that appropriate frameworks and policy signals are in place to facilitate the development of this offshore wind capacity.
This work will be further developed under the National Hydrogen Programme Taskforce which is working to oversee the implementation of the National Hydrogen Strategy actions.
236. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Defence her Department’s plans are to improve the quality and collection of statistics relating to Defence Forces recruitment and retention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54534/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIncreasing recruitment and retention of personnel in the Defence Forces is a key priority for me as Minister for Defence. As a government, we are committed to putting the resources in place to achieve Level of Ambition 2 and a crucial element of this is personnel expansion. A range of measures have been undertaken to tackle recruitment and retention challenges in the Defence Forces over the last number of years. As a result, we have seen a stabilisation in the strength of the Permanent Defence Force in 2024 and an increase of almost 200 personnel in 2025.
The importance of effective and quality data in driving transformation in the Defence Forces is well recognised. A Digital Transformation Officer, at Colonel level, was appointed by the Defence Forces in October 2024. The planned Digital Transformation process, which is being led by the Digital Transformation Officer and their team, will ultimately deliver a comprehensive singular data repository of data in the Defence Forces, including recruitment and retention data, which will enable detailed and complex data access and analysis.
On recruitment and retention data specifically, a number of interim steps have been undertaken by the Defence Forces to increase available data.
As the deputy may be aware the Defence Forces have commenced the use of a new Applicant Tracking System, Rezoomo, which has a data analytics function and provides statistics through the various stages of the recruitment process
A dedicated report, built directly around Rezoomo data, has been developed specifically for Defence Forces recruitment activities. This report provides comprehensive visibility of key recruitment metrics including; time to hire, candidate success rates, and rejections reasons. By leveraging the data now available, the Defence Forces can monitor recruitment performance, identify emerging trends and isolate areas for process improvement.
The Deputy may also be aware that a draft Strategic Workforce Plan prepared by the Defence Forces has recently been submitted to me for consideration. The aim of the plan is to provide a pathway to the achievement of a strength of 11,500, inclusive of civilian personnel, commensurate with Level of Ambition 2. The Plan highlights that improving the quality and availability of metrics is key to decision making across the Defence Forces and makes a number of recommendations in that regard.
I am pleased that there continues to be very strong interest in a career in the Defence Forces with a total of 16,510 applications received in 2025 and over 10,000 applications received to end May 2026.
The Military Authorities advise that the strength of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) stood at 7,823 personnel on the 31 May, the latest date for which this figure is available. Last year saw a modest, though significant, growth in the overall strength with a total of 790 inductions achieved- the highest in twenty years and the number of personnel who discharged was at its lowest level in more than five years.
237. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Defence the number of EU Presidency policy and administrative officers now employed on temporary contracts across her Department, in Ireland and abroad; if these individuals can apply to internal civil service competitions for these temporary contracts; the plans being developed to retain these individuals once their contracts cease, given they will have extensive and intimate knowledge of EU and Irish institutional operations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54590/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA total of 7 Presidency Policy Officers, equivalent to the civil service grade of Administrative Officer, have been employed by my Department on a temporary basis for the purposes of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which commenced on the 1st July 2026. 6 of the Policy Officers have been assigned to the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union in Brussels, with the 7th Presidency Policy Officer assigned to the Department's Dublin office.
The policy officers are involved in aspects of the work of the Department directly related to the Presidency, including planning, preparation and delivery of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, or to backfill permanent officers assigned to those tasks.
For any policy officers who are seeking to join the Department of Defence or the wider civil service on a permanent basis they must, as per civil service recruitment policy, join through an open competition. Publicjobs is the main provider of recruitment services to the Department and to the wider civil service. Any open competitions that arise will be advertised through the Publicjobs website.
In relation to internal competitions within my Department, the policy officers are entitled to compete for internal competitions in the same way as a comparable permanent employee, subject to meeting all the eligibility criteria. Periods of temporary service may be aggregated for eligibility purposes. If appointed to a permanent position as a result of a confined competition, they are entitled to permanent status from the date of appointment to the new position.
238. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding all actions in each of the Climate Action Plans 2021 to 2025 under the remit of her Department; to provide a breakdown of the legacy actions remaining, broken down by the year of the climate action plan they were initially included in; and the estimated timelines for completion, in tabular form. [54625/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following tables lists all action items as per my Department's Climate Action roadmaps since its first iteration in 2023. The first table lists all action items completed by my Department. The second table lists those remaining for completion, together with the planned dates for completion of those actions.
