Written Answers Nos. 229-253
229. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her response to raids and arrests targeting the LGBTQ+ community in Turkey; and if she has contacted the Turkish Embassy in Dublin to convey the Irish Government’s serious concerns. [67686/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra232. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions that she has taken and plans to take in the future in response to the ongoing persecution of members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Turkey. [67785/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 229 and 232 together.
Recent actions against LGBTIQ+ organisations and persons in Türkiye are deeply concerning. The promotion and protection of the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons is a domestic and foreign policy priority for Ireland and this is reflected in our campaign for the Human Rights Council where defending the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons is one of our five thematic priorities.
As an EU candidate country, member of the Council of Europe, and a party to international human rights instruments, Türkiye is expected to uphold the highest democratic standards and to ensure the respect of fundamental rights for all, including for LGBTIQ+ persons.
Ireland fully supports the statement of 18 September by the European External Action Service expressing concern about the arrests and legal proceedings in Türkiye. In our national capacity on 22 September, along with some EU member states and like-minded countries, a joint message expressing deep concern was delivered to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Türkiye. On 23 September, at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, Ireland aligned with a statement of the LGBTI Group of Friends, of which we are a member, regarding these very disturbing developments.
Ireland remains in full solidarity with LGBTIQ+ persons and their allies globally, but particularly in Türkiye right now. Ireland will continue to closely monitor developments and raise our concerns with relevant interlocutors from Türkiye, EU Member States, and at other multilateral fora.
230. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will review the case of a person (details supplied); and if the application for a first-time passport will be expedited. [67709/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, supporting documents for this application were received on 08/09/2026. The turnaround time following receipt of supporting documents for a first time application is 20 working days. Therefore this application is within the turnaround time and has not yet reached its issue by date.
231. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on an application under foreign birth registration (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67805/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraForeign Birth Registration (FBR) applications are currently being processed within the turnaround time of 12 months from receipt of supporting documents. Applications that require further supporting documents will take longer to process.
By its nature, FBR is a detailed and complex process, often involving official documentation relating to three generations and issued by several jurisdictions. Such documents take considerable time to validate.
The Passport Service operates a transparent general policy of processing applications in order of receipt, except in cases of exceptional urgency, such as expectant parents, or stateless persons. In order for such a request to be assessed, evidence must be submitted from the relevant authorities demonstrating that the child is not entitled to citizenship in either his country of birth or through any other citizenship to which he may have a claim through his parents.
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the application was received by the FBR office on 23/07/2026. A request for urgent processing was received on 24/07/2026 and a response issued to the applicant's parent outlining the documentary evidence necessary to process such request on 29/07/2026. The application will be processed upon receipt of the requested documentation.
233. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if extended producer responsibility scheme for tyres under the Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations 2017 will go ahead in 2026. [67746/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn extended producer responsibility scheme for tyres is already in place in Ireland under the Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations 2017.
Under this scheme, the environmentally sound management of tyres for waste passenger car, 4x4, van, and motorcycle is funded by a visible environmental management cost (vEMC) which is applied to those tyres at point of sale. CircolELT, the approved producer responsibility organisation for tyres, is responsible for ensuring the appropriate management of those tyres when they become waste.
Agricultural, truck/bus, construction and industrial tyres are within the regulatory framework but do not currently incur a vEMC. Current charges are set out in the Eighth Schedule of the 2017 Regulations.
The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy 2020 includes a commitment to extend the charging arrangements to all categories of tyres provided for in the Eighth Schedule of the Tyres Regulations. The Department is therefore considering an expansion of the existing arrangements rather than the introduction of a new scheme.
The Department continues to consider the implications of such an extension of the scheme for relevant stakeholders, following extensive consultation and engagement with CircolELT. It is expected that a decision on the proposed extension will be made by the end of the year.
235. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if, given the recognised importance of pollack for recreational angling in Ireland and the role that recreational angling plays in supporting valuable tourism and charter boat business in many coastal communities, if it is intended to conduct any review of the Pollack Fishing Conservation Bye-Law No. 1028 of 2026. [67854/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe three-daily recreational bag limit for pollack in ICES subareas 6 and 7, including waters around Ireland, is provided for in Article 12 of Council Regulation (EU) 2026/249. As an EU Regulation it is directly applicable in Ireland and came into effect on the 1 June 2026. The Pollack Fishing Conservation Bye-Law (No. 1028 of 2026) gives national effect to EU measures relating to recreational pollack fishing, as set out in the EU Regulation. Ireland does not have scope to review or amend that limit on a national basis, and any change must be agreed at EU level.
I am very conscious of the concerns of the recreational angling and charter boat sectors in relation to the daily bag limit being introduced for the recreational fishing of pollack from June 2026. I also fully recognise the importance of the recreational sea angling and charter boat sectors to coastal communities, and I am conscious of the challenges that this measure presents for operators in the sector. Earlier this year, I met with representatives of the sector to hear directly their concerns regarding the introduction of the recreational bag limit for pollack and to discuss the impact this measure will have on their businesses and on coastal communities.
The Department, along with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), is preparing for Ireland’s engagement in the EU process for 2027. Relevant Irish scientific and fisheries data, including IMREC data, will be used to inform our position. IFI is currently progressing a socio-economic assessment of the marine recreational angling sector. While this assessment will not be completed in time to inform 2027 discussions, the Department will consider what relevant socio-economic information is available, including information on experience and economic impacts reported by charter operators and other businesses affected by the 2026 measures.
238. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Transport his plans to expand the rural link bus services nationwide; the measures being taken to improve service frequency, extend operating hours and introduce additional routes in rural communities; if he will provide details of any planned service enhancements for County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66676/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
239. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of the funding that has been invested in existing train services from 2020 to 2025 and to date in 2026 in Dublin West, by year, in tabular form. [67712/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
240. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport the breakdown of the funding that has been invested in new bus routes versus existing services from 2020 to 2025 and to date in 2026 in Dublin West, by year, in tabular form. [67708/26]
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 and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services 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.
241. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport the transport infrastructure projects, service enhancements and capital investments planned, funded or under consideration for Newbridge and the wider South Kildare area over the next five years; the way in which these proposals are aligned with projected housing and population growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67744/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I hold overall policy responsibility for transport projects across the sector, however the actual delivery of those projects is generally managed by the relevant agency directly. Additionally, capital projects can vary in scale, consisting of multiple small deliverables across several regions, in addition to the major single-deliverable projects such as Metrolink or a major bypass for example.
As a result, to provide the information requested by the Deputy I refer the Deputy to the both the National Development Plan Transport Sectoral Investment Plan and to the Government's coordinated Project 2040 tracker for major regional projects for the Deputy's information, as well as refer the Deputy's question to the agencies responsible for delivery in the Kildare region.
The named projects in the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan include the M4 Maynooth to Leixlip project, the Grand Canal Greenway and inclusion in cycling network improvement related to the CycleConnects programme.
The Project 2040 tracker is publicly available via gov.ie/2040 and provides both a searchable map and annual reports on progress across the entire NDP and Project 2040 programmes.
Regarding the query about housing and population growth, the National Planning Framework (NPF) promotes transport-oriented development (TOD), prioritising housing and infrastructure near existing and planned public transport hubs to reduce emissions, enhance connectivity, and support regional balance. This approach is integrated with national transport policies such as the National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland (NIFTI) and the National Sustainable Mobility Policy (SMP), ensuring that transport infrastructure supports the framework’s goals for climate action, accessibility, and inclusive growth. Transport programmes, including those included in the National Development Plan and within Project 2040 adhere to the principles of the NPF.
For information on other programmes which are not specifically captured within the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan or within reporting on Project 2040, I will refer the Deputy's question to TII and the NTA for consideration and provision of an overview at the county level. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
242. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport the proposals under consideration by the National Transport Authority to introduce additional direct bus services between Newbridge and major employment centres in Dublin; to expand overall public transport capacity for the South Kildare commuter belt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67743/26]
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 and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
We are at a key juncture for public transport in Ireland. Reliable and sustainable services are critical as passenger numbers grow, congestion worsens in urban areas, and a greater proportion of the population depends on public transport for commuting, education, and essential travel.
The 2026 allocation focuses on maintaining and strengthening the existing network and ensure that high-demand public transport services can continue to operate effectively, while supporting longer-term reforms to enhance capacity, accessibility, and efficiency across the system.
The NTA is managing the 2026 allocation by prioritising delivery of existing programmes in line with operational readiness and resources. Enhancements within the current allocation are prioritised, some changes are cost-neutral, while others require additional resources, and all are subject to funding, readiness, and capacity.
Transport planning and strategic decision-making are guided by a balanced assessment of operational and resource considerations. These decisions are also made following operational and performance analysis of existing services, including customer feedback. Funding for new services in 2027 will be considered through the annual estimates process, taking account of competing funding demands and wider public transport priorities.
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.
243. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport whether consideration is being given by the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann to increasing the number of Intercity services stopping at Newbridge and reducing current gaps between services, including the introduction of later-night rail services between Dublin and Newbridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67742/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra244. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport the plans in place to increase commuter rail capacity and service frequency on the Dublin-Kildare corridor serving Newbridge; whether additional peak-time and off-peak services are under consideration; and the timelines for any proposed enhancements. [67741/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 244 together.
As Minister of State, I have responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports; 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.
245. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport the current and projected passenger demand being used by the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann for transport planning in Newbridge and the wider South Kildare area; and whether existing rail services are considered sufficient to meet that demand. [67740/26]
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 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
246. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if free travel passengers are now being treated differently than paying customers, specifically, that free travel passengers cannot book a return seat a month in advance without being charged €2.50, while paying customers can; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67815/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
247. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered measures to reduce the barriers faced by Irish citizens returning from the United States who hold valid US driving licences; the proposals currently under consideration by his Department; and if he can make a statement on the matter. [67912/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise that Irish driver licensing operates within a framework of EU law, which sets out the driver licensing legislation with which all Member States must comply. The format of driving licences, categories of vehicles, and the standards to be met in driving tests to qualify for a licence, are all set at EU level. Therefore, all EU issued licences are recognised in Member States.
Member States may also make bilateral agreements on licence exchange with non-EU jurisdictions. In reaching a bilateral agreement the most important element is ensuring that the other jurisdiction applies standards for obtaining a licence which are compatible with Ireland's. Where these standards are not met, no agreement is possible. For Ireland, the task of comparing the two licensing regimes falls to the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
One of the commitments of the Programme for Government 2025 is to “Work to facilitate the easier return to Ireland for emigrants, including reciprocal driving licence arrangements with the USA, Australia and Canada”. Ireland has licence exchange agreements with Australia and with 7 of the 10 Canadian provinces, with a proposed agreement under way at present with Nova Scotia.
Under the Programme for Government commitment, the RSA is currently engaging with the states of New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey on technical reviews, with a view to recommending whether to enter into exchange agreements. I will consider each recommendation on receipt from the Authority.
248. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if driving licence fees, learner permit fees, or driving test fees are waived, reduced, or paid on an applicant's behalf by his Department, the Road Safety Authority, or any other State body for asylum seekers or refugees; if so, the legal or administrative basis for this; the annual cost in each year since asylum seekers became eligible to apply for a driving licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67733/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra249. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the number of driving licence and/or learner permit applications received nationally from asylum seekers and refugees in each of the years 2022 and to date in 2026; the number of those applications approved, refused, or still pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67732/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 249 together.
Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the operation of both the National Driver Licence Service and the National Driver Testing Service.
The RSA does not collect information on whether an applicant for a driving licence and/or learner permit is an asylum seeker or refugee. The RSA does not waive nor pay the fees relating to driving licencing, learner permits or driving tests for asylum seekers nor for refugees. However, driving licences are issued free of charge to any person aged 70 or over.
Any person resident in Ireland can apply for an Irish learner permit or driving licence. People resident in Ireland must have a valid Irish or other EU licence to drive here. Ireland provides two pathways for holders of third-country licences: direct exchange where a bilateral agreement exists, or a streamlined process for experienced drivers (holding a licence for 2 years or more), including reduced Essential Driver Training requirements and exemption from the 6-month waiting period for a driving test.
250. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the average driving test waiting time at each Road Safety Authority driving test centre nationally, for each of the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026, identifying the centre with the highest and the centre with the lowest waiting time in each of those years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67731/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for all aspects of the National Driver Testing Service. Given the RSA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct response. Please contact my office if a reply is not received within ten days.
The Deputy may wish to note that detailed statistics on the National Driver Testing Service, by county and test centre, are made available on the CSO website on a monthly basis and can be accessed via the following link: https://data.cso.ie/product/rsadts.
251. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide, in tabular format, the number of driving licence and learner permit applications processed at each National Driver Licence Service centre nationally, broken down by application type (for example first learner permit, licence renewal, exchange of a foreign licence, and replacement of a lost or stolen licence), for each of the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67728/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Licence Service, including all operational matters.
I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the RSA for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
252. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to carry out emergency measures to prevent deer from causing death and serious injury to motorists and all road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67959/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra263. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to carry out emergency measures to prevent deer from causing death and serious injury to motorists and all road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67960/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra264. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport to carry out emergency measures to prevent deer from causing death and serious injury to motorists and all road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67962/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 252, 263 and 264 together.
The safety of all road users is a priority for me and my Department. I am aware of concerns regarding the risk posed by stray deer, particularly on rural roads and during periods when deer are more active.
The Deputy should note that management measures in relation to deer do not come under the remit of my Department or agencies.
The Irish Deer Management Strategy Group (IDMSG) was set up in 2023 with representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Coillte.
The role of the IDMSG was to develop initiatives to ensure sustainable deer numbers while achieving the objectives of landowners ranging from biodiversity, forestry, agriculture, animal health and road safety.
I would encourage the Deputy to contact these bodies directly for further information.
In relation to road safety, appropriate road signage including hazard warning signs regarding deer or other wild animals is the responsibility of the local authorities.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) advises motorists to stay alert and reduce speed when driving in areas with known deer populations and particularly where deer warning signs are in place. I have referred the Deputy's question to the RSA and requested that they advise if there is any further relevant information they can provide in relation to this matter.
253. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport If he will review the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will provide an update on the matter. [67879/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise that all enquiries related to driver licensing are handled by the National Driver Licence Service, provision of which is delegated under national legislation to the Road Safety Authority.
I have referred this matter to the Authority for direct reply. Please contact my office if you have not received a response within 10 days.
