Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:147. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her plans to increase foreign aid funding for an organisation (details supplied). [66137/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Funding
Ceisteanna (147)
Freagraí scríofa
Through the international development programme managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, we provide significant support to global education through a range of complementary channels. These include contributions to multilateral education funds such as Education Cannot Wait and the Global Partnership for Education; direct funding for education programmes implemented by civil society organisations, faith-based organisations and United Nations agencies; and support for the Ireland Fellows Programme.
The Government's commitment to supporting global education remains clear. Officials are currently engaging with both Education Cannot Wait and the Global Partnership for Education regarding their forthcoming financing and replenishment processes. Decisions will be taken in the coming period in relation to some 2026 global education contributions and plans for contributions over the coming years.
The decisions on future funding allocations will be informed by evidence of impact, assessments of partner performance, value-for-money considerations, strategic priorities and the overall level of resources available for international development cooperation. This approach will help ensure that Irish resources continue to be directed towards the most effective global education interventions, with a focus on the poorest countries and communities.
148. Reply not received from Department.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (149)
John Brady
Ceist:149. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if his Department maintains a risk register; if so, if copies of the register since 2022 will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66066/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department's risk management process is outlined in its Risk Management Policy 2025. This policy complements the Risk Management Guidance for Government Departments and Offices (2016) and the Corporate Governance Standard for the Civil Service (2015). This policy underpins and supports the overall risk management processes & structures within the Department. This includes the regular review of risk registers (Organisational & Divisional). Governance is provided by a Risk Committee that meets regularly & a formal process for escalation of Organisational risks to Management Board for quarterly review.
Question No. 150 answered with Question No. 36.
EU Regulations
Ceisteanna (151)
Barry Ward
Ceist:151. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the position regarding the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR); and a timeline for its implementation here. [66328/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In response to concerns across Europe around the growing environmental impact of packaging waste, a new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) was introduced in early 2025. The PPWR aims to:
• Prevent and reduce packaging waste, including through more reuse and refill systems;
• Make all packaging on the EU market recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030.
• Safely increase the use of recycled plastics in packaging.
• Decrease the use of virgin materials in packaging and put the sector on track to climate neutrality by 2050.
As an EU Regulation, the PPWR has direct effect in Ireland. It applies generally from 12th August this year, but the introduction of provisions is staggered over a number of years to 2030 and beyond. Much of the detail of implementation remains to be elaborated in EU secondary legislation, and participation in discussions on these instruments is a key focus for the Department.
More detailed information on the regulation is provided by Repak, Ireland's Producer Responsibility Organisation on the following webpage: https://repak.ie/ppwr/.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (152)
Emer Currie
Ceist:152. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of households receiving fuel allowance that qualify for the warmer homes schemes; the number of fuel allowance households that have been retrofitted; the current waiting list and time; and the support that exists for households just above the warmer homes scheme income/welfare eligibility criteria, in tabular form. [66299/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Warmer Homes Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people at risk of energy poverty by providing fully funded retrofits. The scheme is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department and is funded through the carbon tax revenues and the European Regional Development Fund.
The Warmer Homes Scheme is available to owner-occupied properties built and occupied before 2006, based on the householder being in receipt of certain Department of Social Protection (DSP) income supports. The scheme targets support to those on the lowest incomes who are living in the least efficient homes so that the resources available can have the greatest impact in addressing energy poverty.
The eligible DSP payments are:
• Fuel Allowance;
• Job Seeker’s Allowance for more than 6 months with a child under 7;
• Working Family Payment (previously the Family Income Supplement);
• One Parent Family Payment;
• Domiciliary Care Allowance;
• Carer’s Allowance (where you live with the person you are caring for); and
• Disability Allowance for more than 6 months with a child under 7.
The current average waiting time from application to a contractor being allocated under the SEAI Warmer Homes Scheme is 15 months in H1 2026, with 11,271 homes currently on the waiting list, determined as the number of applications in process not yet allocated to a contractor as at the end of August 2026.
The breakdown of average waiting times under the scheme in H1 2026 were as follows:
• Application to Pre-BER Published - 8 months.
• Application to Survey Completed – 13 months.
• Application to Contractor Allocation - 15 months.
• Application to Works Completed - 23 months.
This represents a decrease from an average waiting time of 26 months for homes completed in 2022. In parallel with this decrease in the average waiting time, the number of homes upgraded in a year has almost doubled over the same period, increasing from over 4,200 in 2022 to over 8,100 in 2025.
The reduction in waiting times and increase in number of homes upgraded follows a range of measures introduced by my Department and the SEAI. These include:
• the allocation of additional staff to the Warmer Homes Scheme;
• a significantly increased budget allocation;
• active contract engagement and management by the SEAI to increase contractor output; and
• actions to address ongoing supply chain pressures.
The SEAI have established a new €1.2 billion contractor panel this year. This will support continued growth with a focus on scale, quality and output under the scheme.
The SEAI has also developed a Waiting List Action Plan with the objective of reducing the number of clients waiting for an upgrade, ensuring prioritisation of the worst performing homes, and improving efficiencies across the scheme.
The Scheme has been in existence in different forms since 2000 and has provided upgrades to almost 180,000 homes. SEAI data on upgrades carried out under grant schemes, including the Warmer Homes Scheme, from 2015 onwards is available at www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/home-upgrades.
To help maximise delivery and continue to improve waiting times, Budget 2026 provided record funding of €340 million for the Warmer Homes Scheme, with a target of 11,500 fully funded home upgrades for 2026.
The number of households receiving fuel allowance that qualify for the Warmer Homes Scheme, and the number of fuel allowance households that have been retrofitted, are operational matters for the SEAI and is not data which my Department would regularly hold. The SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly and in line with the SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie.
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, including those not eligible for the Warmer Homes Scheme. These measures are making more homes more sustainable and energy-efficient, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and lowering energy costs for households.
Government also has other schemes and supports in place which may be of assistance where there is an urgent need:
• The Department of Social Protection's Additional Needs Payment is a payment available to people who have essential expenses that they cannot pay from their weekly income. Additional Needs Payments are paid under Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is administered by the Community Welfare Service or the Department of Social Protection. Details are available here: www.gov.ie/en/service/4eb45-additional-needs-payment/.
• The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage's Housing Adaptation Grants can assist older people to have necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works carried out in order to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. Details are available here: www.gov.ie/en/service/6636c-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/.
153. Reply not received from Department.
154. Reply not received from Department.
Rail Network
Ceisteanna (155)
John Brady
Ceist:155. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if his Department maintains a risk register; if so, since when has the National Train Control Centre project appeared on the register; the way in which issues arising with the project been escalated over the years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65992/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including the National Train Control Centre. The NTA also manages the wider portfolio of public transport investment nationally.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Pending this more detailed response, both the NTA in its role as the project day-to-day Approving Authority and Iarnród Éireann in its role as Sponsoring Agency maintain detailed risk registers for the National Train Control Centre project. Top project risks for the National Train Control Centre, as well on other major public transport projects and programmes, are highlighted to the Department each month as part of the reporting arrangements for the Major Projects Governance Oversight Group. As Minister, I receive a report on the work of the Major Projects Governance Oversight Group each quarter, which sets out updates and risks across the public transport investment portfolio.
Within my Department, there are long-standing risks on the Departmental risk register linked to delays and budget overruns in respect of public transport investment. Since May, these portfolio-level risks have been supplemented with a specific risk on the National Train Control Centre, which includes the project-level risk rating and current risk mitigation measures.
Driver Licences
Ceisteanna (156)
Mark Ward
Ceist:156. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport if there are supports to cover the cost of medical exams and eye tests for drivers over the age of 75 in order to renew their driver licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66008/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise that, as a road safety measure, certain categories of driver must demonstrate that they meet medical standards of fitness to drive through a medical report conducted by a registered medical practitioner.
Those required to provide medical reports include bus and truck drivers, people with certain medical conditions and those over the age of 75.
Driving licences are issued free of charge to those aged 70 or over. However, my Department has no control over doctor's fees, the cost of medical reports, eye tests or what may be covered by state pension or medical card arrangements.
Road Safety
Ceisteanna (157)
Mark Ward
Ceist:157. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport the way in which the sale of e-scooters will be regulated; the penalties to wholesalers, retailers or other businesses for selling e-scooters that can travel above 20 km/h; and the penalties for individuals who modify e-scooters to increase their speed. [66006/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Road Traffic Acts and associated e-scooter regulations govern the use of e-scooters on public roads only. At present, there are no restrictions in place to prohibit the sale of non-compliant e-scooters by retailers.
Any proposal to prohibit the sale of products that are otherwise lawfully placed on the EU market, by reference to criteria prescribed under the Road Traffic (Electric Scooters) Regulations 2024, would require consideration of Ireland's obligations under the EU Single Market framework, including the free movement of goods.
Such considerations would arise from the operation of the transport legislative framework and would be contingent on further legislative change and operational requirements in relation to registration of e-scooters, which is currently being considered on a cross-government basis.
The Department intends to restrict the supply of e-scooters and all Powered Personal Transporters to minors, in the same way as MPVs. This will make it an offence for an e-scooter to be provided to a person under the age of 18, either by way of sale, loan or gift. This will be implemented in appropriate primary legislation as soon as possible.
Part 3 Section 9 of the The Road Traffic (Electric Scooters) Regulations 2024 prohibits any modification to an e-scooter that results in the vehicle no longer complying with the technical specifications prescribed by the Regulations. Prohibited modifications may be met with a Fixed Charge Notice as set out in the Road Traffic Act 2010 (Part 3) (Fixed Charge Offences) Regulations 2024.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (158)
John Brady
Ceist:158. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if his Department maintains a risk register; if so, if copies of the register since 2022 will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66078/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department maintains a risk register as part of its overall Risk Management Framework. Reporting on risk is provided to my Department’s senior management and oversight and assurance forums, the Management Board, Risk Committee and Audit Committee, each quarter.
Officials in my Department will reply directly to the Deputy with respect to his request for copies of the register.
Traffic Management
Ceisteanna (159, 160)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:159. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the congestion on the M1; if he has plans to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66101/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLouise O'Reilly
Ceist:160. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide information on the number of cars using the M1 on a daily basis for each of the years 2020 to 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66100/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 160 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you in relation to traffic volumes on the M1.
Noting the above position, I have referred your questions to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Question No. 160 answered with Question No. 159.
Taxi Regulations
Ceisteanna (161)
John Brady
Ceist:161. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the regulatory assessment of dispatch operator licensing in Ireland in the context of ensuring that the regulatory framework is sufficiently up to date and robust to respond to developments since the enactment of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013; to provide an update on this year's planned fare review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66086/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the dispatch operator review and maximum fare reviews, is the responsibility of the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (162)
Louis O'Hara
Ceist:162. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport if the NTA are reviewing the timetables for the 350 and 351 bus services; if he will consider changing the timetables following customer feedback; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66214/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister of State, I have responsibility for rural transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
As Minister for Transport I continue to engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards on all forms of public transport.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Coast Guard Service
Ceisteanna (163)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:163. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Transport the annual value of the fixed-wing element of the Irish Coast Guard search and rescue aviation contract (details supplied), separately identified from the value of the rotary-wing element; the date on which the five-year term of the fixed-wing element expires; if the provision made in that contract for the Air Corps to assume responsibility for the fixed-wing element after five years has been assessed, and by whom. [66163/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In his capacity as Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, my colleague Seán Canney T.D, has responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard and the SAR Aviation Contract.
The contract for the Coast Guard Aviation Service, which includes a fixed wing service, commenced on 11 August 2023; consequently the fifth anniversary will fall on 10 August 2028. The fixed wing service commenced in May 2025.
The operating costs consist of fixed monthly standing charges and variable operating costs based on flying hours, fuel charges, and incidental operating expenses. In 2025, this amounted to €13.6m and in 2026 this amounted to €8.1m up to end of August.
The contract allows for an extension to the existing fixed wing service in accordance with the terms in the contract. The tender also made provision for consideration of the Air Corps to provide the fixed wing service after five years, subject to it being willing and able to meet IRCG/DoT requirements.
Coast Guard Service
Ceisteanna (164)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:164. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if he can advise when new accommodation (details supplied) will be completed; the date he expects the crews to be fully moved in and operating from this space; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66147/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In his capacity as Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, my colleague Seán Canney T.D, has responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard and the SAR Aviation Contract.
Bristow Ireland Ltd. has advised my Department that construction of the new facility identified by the Deputy is at an advanced stage and that it anticipates project completion by December of this year, with the expectation of being fully operational by early Q1 2027. The new facility includes crew accommodation, helicopter hangar, operations and office spaces. In the interim, duty crews are accommodated in dedicated on-site facilities.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (165, 169)
John Clendennen
Ceist:165. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport the number of recipients and the total value of payments made under the 2026 road transporters support scheme to operators based in County Offaly, by category of operator such as licensed road haulage operators, licensed bus operators or otherwise, in tabular form. [66277/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraJohn Clendennen
Ceist:169. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport the number of businesses and operators based in County Offaly that applied for support under the 2026 road transporters support scheme; the number approved; the number refused or deemed ineligible; and the total amount of funding approved and paid to County Offaly operators, in tabular form. [66285/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 169 together.
The application form for the Road Transporters Support Scheme required information strictly necessary to confirm the applicants eligibility for support. Applicants were not required to indicate their county of establishment as part of the process. Consequently, my Department is unable to provide the Deputy with the requested data.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (166)
John Clendennen
Ceist:166. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport to provide a list of providers with addresses in County Offaly awarded contracts to provide Local Link services in each of the years 2021-2025 and to date in 2026; the value of each contract awarded; and the route or routes to which each contract applies, in tabular form. [66247/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing and monitoring the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, including the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and TFI Local Link services. In light of the NTA responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Bus Services
Ceisteanna (167)
John Clendennen
Ceist:167. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport the amount of additional fuel related financial support provided to date in 2026 to operators providing Local Link services in County Offaly in response to increased fuel costs; the number of operators and vehicles supported; and the total amount paid to date, in tabular form. [66274/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for Rural Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to rural public transport service provision; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the operations of public passenger transport services nationally, including the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and TFI Local Link services. In light of the NTA responsibilities I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Departmental Advertising
Ceisteanna (168)
John Clendennen
Ceist:168. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 243 of 14 May 2026, for a breakdown of each figure as provided by an organisation (details supplied); indicating the number of campaigns associated with each figure; the name of each individual campaign; and associated cost; in tabular form. [66246/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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.
Question No. 169 answered with Question No. 165.