Thursday, 24 Sep 2026

Pension Provisions

Ceisteanna (345)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

345. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to confirm if his Department has appointed a suitably qualified individual to carry out an assessment of the issues faced by An Post retirees, as requested by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport in a letter dated 29th of May 2026; and to outline the reason agreed pension increases have not yet been paid to An Post retirees. [67957/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport

Under section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, approves any superannuation schemes submitted by An Post. The operation of the schemes is a matter between the management of An Post, staff representatives and the trustees of the schemes.

Matters had been raised concerning the operation of the An Post Superannuation Schemes and notwithstanding the fact that such operation is a matter for An Post, legal advice was previously sought for clarity on the matter. I am advised that there were no issues of concern and the schemes are being operated in compliance with the relevant legislation. My officials have responded to the Joint Oireachtas Committee in detail, regarding matters raised during the course of its session accordingly.

In accordance with the Act and the relevant Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, An Post must seek Ministerial approval from both Ministers to increase pensions and deferred pensions for members of the An Post superannuation scheme. Section 2.13 of the Code of Practice for Governance of State Bodies Superannuation and Remuneration annex sets out that NewERA advice should be sought in respect of pension amendment proposals, as is appropriate in their role as commercial and financial advisors to the Ministers.

On 11 May 2026, An Post wrote to my Department requesting consent for an increase to pensions in payment and deferred pensions of 2%, arising from its agreements with employee representative groups. It is not possible, at this point, to set out the specific timeframe within which the decision-making process will be concluded by both shareholding Ministers in respect of increases submitted for consent. It should be recognised that the time taken for the pension approval process is necessary to ensure that robust governance procedures are in place, however my Department is working closely with An Post and other relevant stakeholders to complete the process as quickly as possible.

Sports Organisations

Ceisteanna (346)

Michael Cahill

Ceist:

346. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to assist an organisation (details supplied) to obtain Govern Body status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67939/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport

Sport Ireland, which is funded by this Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding under its various programmes. Sport Ireland does not provide direct funding for clubs or individuals but channels the funding through the relevant National Governing Body (NGB).

A key focus of Sport Ireland is to assist NGBs in developing sustainable and effective structures to facilitate increased numbers of participants and volunteers in sport. Central to this focus is Sport Ireland’s policy of recognising, funding and engaging with a single organisation for each sport. In the case of multiple organisations developing and delivering the same, or similar versions of the sport, the Sport Ireland approach is that there should be one strong dynamic voice for these sports.

Rowing Ireland is the Sport Ireland-recognised NGB for rowing and is an all-island body. It is a member federation of World Rowing, and the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) designated International Sports Federation for Rowing. Rowing Ireland is responsible for the delivery and administration of the sport of rowing in Ireland, which extends from grassroots to elite level.

Since its establishment in 1999, Sport Ireland has engaged periodically with the Irish Coastal Rowing Federation (ICRF) with regards to the NGB recognition process. Throughout this engagement, Sport Ireland has recommended that the ICRF should attempt to seek affiliation to or to develop a formal relationship with Rowing Ireland. Sport Ireland has been consistent in its approach having made this initial recommendation formally in writing to ICRF representatives as far back as 2005.

347. Reply not received from Department.

348. Reply not received from Department.

National Broadband Plan

Ceisteanna (349)

Michael Cahill

Ceist:

349. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when all broadband black spots in County Kerry will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67869/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport

The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the Government initiative to deliver high?speed broadband to all premises in Ireland. In addition, Ireland's Digital Connectivity Strategy published in December 2022, sets out a number of targets including that all Irish households and businesses will be covered by a Gigabit network no later than 2028.

In the Deputy’s own county of Kerry, a significant investment of €107 million is being made under the NBP. A total of 28,000 premises in County Kerry will be passed by National Broadband Ireland's (NBI’s) high-speed fibre broadband by the end of network deployment. I have been advised by NBI that 26,463 premises are now passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and 27,509 premises are available to order/pre-order in County Kerry, with 7,763 premises now connected.

The Ballingeary DA is in the network build phase and has an anticipated date for connection between November 2026 and December 2026.

Further details available on specific areas within County Kerry can be monitored via https://nbi.ie/reps. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries. It should be noted that NBI provides this information for County Kerry based on NBI deployment areas rather than exact county boundaries.

Based on current plans and achievements, my Department expects NBI to deliver the network deployment of the NBP by the end of 2026, as per the Programme for Government commitment. This will ensure that premises in the State Intervention Area, including those in County Kerry that currently lack access to high-speed broadband services, have access to a fibre broadband network.

Along with the NBP intervention plan, progress is being made by commercial operators in expanding their next generation networks throughout the country including the deputy’s own county of Kerry ensuring the targets set out in the Digital Connectivity Strategy are achieved. These plans will see improved high speed broadband access across County Kerry.

It is important to note that all premises in the State can avail of at least a basic broadband service via wired, wireless or satellite operators and there are no Broadband Blackspots anywhere in the State.

The remaining challenge relates to ensuring the availability of Gigabit-capable connectivity for all premises. In this regard, my Department is examining potential gaps in planned Gigabit-capable network coverage and engaging extensively with commercial wholesale operators to assess the scale and nature of any such premises. This work will inform the most appropriate policy response to support the achievement of the Digital Connectivity Strategy target of nationwide Gigabit connectivity by 2028.

350. Reply not received from Department.

351. Reply not received from Department.

352. Reply not received from Department.

353. Reply not received from Department.

354. Reply not received from Department.

355. Reply not received from Department.

356. Reply not received from Department.

Election Management System

Ceisteanna (357)

Conor Sheehan

Ceist:

357. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a firm deadline for the completion and publication of any report recommending changes to local electoral areas ahead of the 2029 local elections; when he expects the report to be finalised and delivered; and if he will ensure that any proposed changes are brought forward at the earliest possible opportunity to allow sufficient time for local authorities, elected representatives and prospective candidates to prepare for the 2029 local elections. [67951/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Section 23 of the Local Government Act 2001 empowers the Minister to divide a local authority administrative area into local electoral areas by order and to determine the municipal districts within the administrative area by order. Each municipal district must consist of one or more than one local electoral area. The section also empowers the Minister to amend those orders. In advance of deciding to make an order under section 23 of the 2001 Act, the Minister must, in accordance with section 32(2) of the Local Government Act 1991, request An Coimisiún Toghcháin to prepare a report having regard to such matters as may be specified by the Minister.

Before making a request to An Coimisiún, section 61 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022 provides that the Minister shall lay a draft of the request before each House of the Oireachtas for approval by resolution by each House. Following the completion of a review, the Minister must publish the report of An Coimisiún and must have regard to the report in deciding whether to make an order in relation to any amendment to local electoral area boundaries or municipal districts.

The current configuration of local electoral areas has applied since the 2019 local elections, and followed a review of local electoral area boundaries conducted in two parts, both published in 2018. I am considering the Terms of Reference for a future boundary review in advance of the 2029 local elections, which would need to take account of the relevant recommendations arising from the Local Democracy Taskforce report, e.g. that Municipal Councils should be established in all local authority areas, including the cities where area committees are currently in place. As set out in the Local Democracy Taskforce Implementation Plan, it is expected that legislative changes that will impact on local government would be in place by mid-2028 to ensure that there is sufficient time for implementation prior to the 2029 local elections.

Mother and Baby Homes

Ceisteanna (358, 359)

Gary Gannon

Ceist:

358. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason guidelines for local authorities on local memorialisation of former Mother and Baby Home and County Home sites have not yet been published, noting that the relevant working group's report and guidelines were stated to be at an advanced drafting stage in April 2025; and to provide a definitive timetable for their completion and publication. [67779/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Gary Gannon

Ceist:

359. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current status of the guidelines being developed for local authorities in relation to local memorialisation projects associated with former Mother and Baby Homes and County Home Institutions; whether the guidelines have been completed and submitted for Ministerial approval; and the date on which they will be published and circulated to local authorities. [67778/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I propose to take Questions Nos. 358 and 359 together.

The Report of the Working Group on Actions Involving Local Authorities as identified in the Action Plan for Survivors and Former Residents of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions is at its final stage of preparation following consultation with stakeholders. Once approved, my Department will finalise the process for publication of the Report and its guidelines for circulation to local authorities.

Question No. 359 answered with Question No. 358.

360. Reply not received from Department.

361. Reply not received from Department.

362. Reply not received from Department.

Wildlife Protection

Ceisteanna (363)

Sinéad Gibney

Ceist:

363. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his Department's policy on the commencement of work on sites where ecological impact assessments are over five years old and significant activity of a protected species has been observed, such as the establishment of a bat colony, in the intervening five years. [67987/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

In a scenario whereby a protected species occupies a permitted development site after the development has received consent, regardless of the intervening time period it is incumbent on the person(s) undertaking the development works to ensure that the species is protected in accordance with Irish wildlife legislation including the Wildlife Acts, as amended and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, as amended.

In the example of bats, which is subject to a system of strict protection, certain activities involved in construction of development can give rise to disturbance of bats and may also affect their roosting sites. Developers are advised to seek ways to avoid such conflicts where they may arise and to consult the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) if necessary. Guidance can also be found on the NPWS website.

National Parks and Wildlife Service

Ceisteanna (364)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

364. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) no longer send a representative to attend a committee (details supplied); and if the NPWS will send a representative to attend meetings in the future. [67783/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Howth Head SAC is not in the Department's ownership, Fingal County Council, however, plays a very active role in working with landowners and managing the site.

While the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has no statutory obligation to attend committees of this nature, where resources allow, our participation is certainly beneficial to working in partnership, particularly as there is considerable experience and oversight available to ensure that any NPWS input is appropriate, informed, and consistent.

The NPWS has reviewed work priorities in this area, including attendance at this committee, and has already informed the Chair that they will return to the committee and appropriate sub-committee meetings, where time and capacity allows, once key vacant positions have been filled, which is expected shortly.

365. Reply not received from Department.

366. Reply not received from Department.

Septic Tanks

Ceisteanna (367)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

367. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the supports that are available for homeowners who need grants to help update their small group septic tank systems (details supplied). [67982/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

As a general rule, it is the responsibility of the owner to take responsibility for the proper operation, maintenance and the associated costs of their systems.

The Domestic Waste Water Treatment System grant schemes provide financial assistance, only on an exceptional basis, to owners of individual domestic wastewater treatment systems in specified circumstances and subject to the relevant eligibility criteria.

For wastewater treatment systems serving a number of houses, proposals may be eligible to be considered by local authorities for submission under the 2027–2029 Rural Water Capital Funding Programme, subject to the relevant programme criteria and assessment. The application window for the Programme is currently open.

Groups operating such systems can engage with their local authority, which will assess the proposal and determine whether it is appropriate to submit an application for consideration under the Programme.

368. Reply not received from Department.

Question No. 369 answered with Question No. 49.