Tuesday, 29 Sep 2026

Written Answers Nos. 325-344

• Díospóireachtaí
• Aimsigh díospóireacht
  • Díospóireachtaí na Dála
  • Díospóireachtaí an tSeanaid
  • Díospóireachtaí Coiste
• Aimsigh vótáil
  • Vótálacha na Dála
  • Vótálacha an tSeanaid
  • Vótálacha Coiste
• Ceisteanna Parlaiminte
  • Ceisteanna scríofa
  • Ceisteanna ó bhéal
• Leideanna cuardaigh
• Nuair a bhíonn tionchar tromchúiseach ag aithrisí

Insurance Coverage

Ceisteanna (325)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

325. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that the current legislative and regulatory framework governing mortgage protection insurance adequately protects creditworthy firsttime buyers who are unable to obtain cover due to medical underwriting; the number of cases in which borrowers have been unable to secure mortgage protection despite mortgage approval; and if his Department has examined the possibility of a clear statutory alternative or protection for borrowers who have made every reasonable effort to obtain mortgage protection but cannot secure it. [68787/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

There are a range of regulatory measures in place in order to protect consumers who have or who are taking out a residential mortgage. Entities providing mortgage protection insurance are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and are subject to the Consumer Protection Code. The consumer protection framework in place seeks to ensure that all regulated entities are transparent and fair in all their dealings with borrowers and that borrowers are protected from the beginning to the end of the mortgage life cycle.

The decision to provide any specific form of insurance cover, and the price at which it is offered, is a commercial matter for insurance companies based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept. Neither I, as Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, have the power to compel insurers to provide particular types of insurance or to provide it at a particular price. This is reinforced by the European framework for insurance (Solvency II Directive).

Notwithstanding this, I am aware of the issue of access to mortgage protection insurance for individuals with historic or underlying health conditions, in the context of seeking to buy a home.

Government brought forward the Insurance (Disregard of Certain Medical History and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026, commonly known as the “Right to Be Forgotten” legislation, which was signed into law by the President on 15 July 2026. This important piece of legislation is a Programme for Government commitment and an important measure to ensure fair access to mortgage protection insurance for survivors of cancer. The provisions of the Act relating to the disregard of cancer-related medical history will come into operation on 15 October 2026. On and from this date, insurers will be required to disregard an applicant’s cancer-related medical history when considering an application for mortgage protection insurance, where the statutory criteria are met. The Act places important consumer protections on a statutory footing for the first time, replacing the previously existing Voluntary Code with a statutory framework that provides certainty, consistency, and protection for cancer survivors seeking mortgage protection insurance.

Research undertaken by the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) in 2023 estimated that 0.05 per cent of mortgage applications approved by its members did not proceed to drawdown due to a lack of mortgage protection insurance. For individuals, including those with historic or underlying health conditions, who experience difficulties acquiring mortgage protection insurance, Section 126 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995 provides for mortgage protection insurance to be waived under certain conditions. In such cases, lenders can provide a mortgage in situations where a borrower may be unable to obtain mortgage protection insurance, or where such insurance is unduly costly compared to that payable by borrowers generally. When securing a home loan, this is an important provision to be aware of and for borrowers to discuss with their lender.

It may also interest the Deputy to know that in order to assist clients who have had difficulty acquiring mortgage protection insurance due to a pre-existing illness, Brokers Ireland has published a register containing contact details of insurance brokers who have experience in advising in this area. Additionally, Insurance Ireland operates a free information service for those customers who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance cover, which can be contacted at [e-mail].

Prize Bonds

Ceisteanna (326)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

326. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if prize bonds are subject to the criteria for dormant accounts. [68785/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

The National Treasury Management Agency has informed me that the Dormant Accounts Act 2001 sets a requirement for all financial institutions to identify accounts or investments where no customer transactions have taken place for the past 15 years or more and to designate these accounts or investments as Dormant Accounts.

Prize Bonds are not treated as dormant investments for the purposes of the Dormant Accounts Act 2001. Prize Bonds remain included in the weekly Prize Bond draws until they are encashed.

Tax Code

Ceisteanna (327)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

327. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to outline the proposals to establish a double taxation agreement with Barbados. [68733/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

Ireland's long-standing policy has been to expand, maintain, and enhance Ireland's tax treaty network to remove barriers and facilitate trade. Ireland has signed 78 comprehensive tax treaties, of which 75 are currently in effect. Ireland remains open to assess all option to develop its tax treaty network further in that context.

Ireland published a Tax Treaty Policy Statement (https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/irelands-tax-treaty-policy-statement.pdf) in 2022 and the statement formalises the policy of maintaining and enhancing the network of double tax agreements to provide for continued economic prosperity. The statement also provides the criteria for the creation of a priority list of potential partners.

Priority A jurisdictions for Ireland are the members of the G20. Priority B is to have tax treaties in place with all current OECD member countries and accession countries, as well as EU accession countries. Priority C is to modernise Ireland’s older tax treaties which may not be fully in line with recent treaties and current international norms.

These criteria assist in identifying and prioritising future tax treaty negotiations generally. It is Irish policy that the status of any current or future double tax treaty negotiations remain strictly confidential. Therefore, I am unfortunately unable to update you on the specific status of any current negotiation, or the possible timeframe of any future negotiation.

Tax Data

Ceisteanna (328)

John Connolly

Ceist:

328. Deputy John Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the total cost to the Exchequer to date in 2026 of the temporary reductions in excise duties on petrol, diesel and marked gas oil; the estimated benefit per litre to consumers arising from those reductions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68910/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

The temporary reduction in the Mineral Oil Tax applying to petrol, auto diesel and Marked Gas Oil (MGO), inclusive of the reduction in the NORA levy, saves consumers and businesses:

• 27 cent per litre of petrol,

• 32 cent per litre of auto diesel, and

• 7.4 cent per litre of MGO.

Based on a 60 litre fill, this means a €16.20 reduction for a fill of petrol and a €19.20 reduction for a fill of diesel.

These temporary reductions in excise duty were due to expire on 31 August but were extended in full until 31 October, with these matter remaining under review.

The total cost to the Exchequer of excise reductions up to the end of August 2026 is estimated at approximately €530 million on a VAT inclusive basis.

The Government also deferred the Carbon Tax increase on home heating fuels and MGO, due to take place on 1 May, until 14 October in light of the extraordinary circumstances and increased fuel prices created by the conflict in the Middle East. The cost of this measure from 1 May until 14 October 2026 is approximately €22 million.

Tax Data

Ceisteanna (329)

John Connolly

Ceist:

329. Deputy John Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the total Exchequer expenditure, by scheme to date in 2026 on fuel-related supports for haulage operators, bus operators, farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers; and the number of beneficiaries under each scheme. [68914/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

I understand that, subsequent to putting down this question, the Deputy clarified that the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance respond only to the part of this parliamentary question that is under the remit of his Department. On that basis, I will update the Deputy on the Diesel Rebate Scheme.

I am advised by Revenue that, for the period January to August 2026, a total of 2,235 claimants received mineral oil tax relief amounting to €37.1 million. A breakdown by licence type is set out in the table below.

Licence Type	Number of Claimants	Refunds Claimed (€m)
Haulage	1,956	28.9
Passenger	232	5.9
Multiple	47	2.3
Total	2,235	37.1

Disability Issues

Ceisteanna (330)

Liam Quaide

Ceist:

330. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of people who availed of the disabled drivers and disabled passengers scheme in 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the Exchequer cost in each year; the number of unsuccessful applications refused; the latest timetable provided to his Department for replacement of the scheme; and whether provision has been made for the transition to the proposed needs-based vehicle adaptation scheme in Budget 2027. [68956/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

My Department and I share concerns that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme or DDS is no longer fit-for-purpose. The Government has now agreed to commence from early 2027 the Department of Transport’s Vehicle Adaptation Scheme (VAS). The VAS will provide direct financial assistance to all individuals with qualifying vehicle adaptation needs to meet the costs of those adaptations. The VAS will improve individuals’ functional mobility that in turn can contribute to better social and economic opportunities.

The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS) remains with the Department of Finance and will be kept under review. Learning from the commencement and initial operation of the VAS will further inform reform options for the DDS.

Revenue has provided the table below setting out the number of claimants of DDS supports and costs of the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS) in 2024, 2025 and to the end of August 2026:

Year	VAT & VRT Claimants	VAT & VRT Refunded and Remitted	Fuel Grant Claimants	Fuel Grant	Total
		€		€	€
2024	6,770	84,968,774	16,651	10,739,422	95,708,196
2025	6,800	83,877,200	17,575	11,810,443	95,687,643
2026*	3,802	56,600,000	13,602	9,424,143	66,024,143

*to the end of August

The Deputy should note that the data relating to the PMC assessment process, including the number of unsuccessful applications, is a matter for the Department of Health, as the HSE is responsible for that process.

As the Deputy will be aware, when this government took office, we committed to a step change in the delivery of supports and services for people with disability and their families.

Budget 2026 is the first step in delivering on this ambition, providing some €3.83 billion to specialist disability services next year, an unprecedented increase of €618 million, or almost 20%.

This funding will be vital in delivering the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People. The commitment to develop a new scheme by the Department of Transport, and in this context review the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme, are strong commitments in this strategy.

Housing Schemes

Ceisteanna (331)

Barry Ward

Ceist:

331. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will consider increasing the upper purchase price limit of the help to buy scheme for homes in Dublin, where the average price of new builds is higher than the rest of the country; and if this is being considered by his Department. [68854/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance

The Help to Buy (HTB) incentive, is a tax-based scheme to assist first-time purchasers with the deposit they need to buy or build a new house or apartment. It also aims to encourage additional supply of new houses by supporting demand.

HTB provides a refund of Income Tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) paid in Ireland over the previous four years, subject to limits outlined in the legislation.

The level of support available to first time buyers under the HTB scheme, is whichever is the lesser of:

• €30,000; or

• 10 per cent of the purchase price of the new property; or

• the amount of Income Tax and DIRT paid in the four years before application for the relief.

For a property to qualify for the HTB scheme, it must be new or converted for use as a dwelling, having not previously been used as a dwelling. Additionally, the purchase value/approved valuation of the property must not exceed €500,000.

Based on the latest available data (31 August 2026), the scheme has supported over 69,000 individuals or couples to buy or build their own home.

The Programme for Government commits to the retention and revision of the HTB scheme.

However, as the Deputy will appreciate, decisions regarding taxation measures are made in the context of the annual Budget and Finance Bill processes, at the appropriate time, having regard to the sound management of the public finances and the commitments set out in the Programme for Government and the impact any proposed changes would have on the wider housing market. It is a longstanding practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment in advance of the Budget on any tax matters which might be the subject of Budget decisions.

Transport Policy

Ceisteanna (332)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

332. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will designate the TEN-T Priority Improvement Project Donegal as a critical infrastructure project, as requested by Donegal County Council. [68034/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation

The Critical Infrastructure Act 2026 allows the Government to designate certain infrastructure projects developed by or on behalf of the State as being of critical national importance. This provides a statutory basis for accelerating decision making in respect of designated projects and programmes.

The Act establishes an ongoing framework through which projects and programmes of strategic national importance can be considered by Government on a rolling basis. Further designation orders will be brought forward at regular intervals to ensure continued progress on nationally important infrastructure projects.

While the Act specifically highlights transport, energy and water infrastructure, it does not preclude the designation of other types of infrastructure where this is considered appropriate. Any future recommendations will be assessed having regard to the criteria set out in the Act, including the importance of the project or programme to the State, the potential economic or social consequences of delay, and its contribution to national strategic objectives.

Any decision to designate a project remains a matter for Government.

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (333)

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

333. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if companies (details supplied) are currently on the Office of Government Procurement framework to provide security and or steward personnel to public bodies; and if so, the date on which the companies term on the framework expires, in tabular form. [68059/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation

The Office of Government Procurement, a Division within my department has established a central procurement solution for Security Services.

The Framework was established in September 2024 and will run up to September 2028.

Sword or One Security Plus are not framework members of the arrangement.

Protected Disclosures

Ceisteanna (334)

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

334. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will review the adequacy of the safeguards under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 against penalisation, and against the disclosure of a discloser's identity without consent, in view of concerns raised publicly in recent weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68089/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation

I would like to thank the Deputy for his question.

Firstly, I would like to emphasise that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any specific cases that are currently before the courts or the WRC or are subject to ongoing investigation. However, I want to acknowledge the valuable contribution that bona fide whistleblowers make when they bring to light wrongdoing.

As the Deputy is aware, a statutory review of the Protected Disclosures Act must be started by July 2027. That review is expected to commence early in the form of a public consultation to be launched by my Department by the end of this year.

The consultation will provide us with feedback on how stakeholders perceive the current system to be working in practical terms. We hope that submissions from whistleblowers, recipients of reports of alleged wrongdoing, and others, will give us the evidential basis for any recommendations that may emerge.

I would encourage anybody with an interest in or experience of the protected disclosures system to get involved in the public consultation when it launches.

I trust this answers the Deputy's question.

Office of Public Works

Ceisteanna (335)

Ivana Bacik

Ceist:

335. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to Parliamentary Question No. 924 of 7 September 2026, seeking to establish the proportion of earned revenue that is reinvested in the Iveagh Gardens, to confirm the amount invested in each of the past five years; the stated purpose of monies returned for the benefit of Iveagh Gardens; the value of reinvestment for same, in tabular form; the amount of earned revenue reinvested, specifically for the Office of Public Works's conservation plan for the gardens; his views on the need to ringfence monies raised in rent for conservation and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68259/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation

Under Public Financial Procedures, government departments are required to account for expenditure as gross expenditure and revenues or receipts as Appropriations in Aid.

Accordingly, any monies or revenues received from the operations of the Iveagh Gardens are accounted for through appropriation in aid via the OPW's vote, and hence returned to the central exchequer.

The Office of Public Works receives voted funds annually via the normal Oireachtas budgetary process to fund the staffing, conservation, management and presentation of the Iveagh Gardens.

Departmental Budgets

Ceisteanna (336)

Ged Nash

Ceist:

336. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide respectively the Departmental gross voted capital allocations for 2026 following the Revised Estimates; the cause of the divergence from the allocations in the revised NDP or in Budget 2026; and if he will provide the proposed 2027 gross voted allocations, in tabular form. [68164/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation

Departmental capital expenditure ceilings for the period 2026-2030 were set out in the National Development Plan (NDP) Review which was published in July 2025. The NDP Review detailed a total gross voted capital expenditure ceiling for 2026 of €19.1 billion, €18.8 billion of which was assigned to Departments at that stage. These NDP capital allocations form the basis of the Revised Estimates gross voted capital amounts for 2026. A number of adjustments were made to the Departmental capital ceilings as part of the Estimates process. These primarily relate to:

Allocation of €0.2 billion of Shared Island Fund, which was unallocated in the NDP review

Allocation of €0.1 billion of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which was unallocated in the NDP review

Transfers of capital funding between Votes related to the Just Transition Fund

Other additional capital allocations from temporary funding in 2026 relating to EU Presidency and RePowerEU

Details are set out in the General Note of the Revised Estimates 2026 available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-public-expenditure-infrastructure-public-service-reform-and-digitalisation/collections/the-revised-estimates-volumes-for-the-public-service/#2026.

For 2027, the NDP sets out €20.3 billion for gross voted capital expenditure, of which €20.1 billion was assigned at Department level with €0.2 billion of Shared Island to be allocated. Departmental allocations, as published in NDP, are set out in the table below.

Vote Group / Department	NDP 2026	REV 2026	Reason for Change	NDP 2027
	€ m	€ m	€ m	€m
Agriculture	315	337	RePowerEU Allocation	325
Children	138	138		175
Climate	850	835	Just Transition Fund reduction for transfers to other Departments. ERDF and Shared Island Allocations	1,049
Culture	701	725	Shared Island Fund Allocation	450
Defence	300	300		340
DFA	40	40		40
DSP	17	17		26
Education	1,600	1,659	RePowerEU and Shared Island Allocations	1,600
Enterprise	680	762	Just Transition Fund, ERDF and Shared Island Allocations	710
FHERIS	810	841	ERDF and Shared Island Fund Allocation	925
Finance	24	24		23
Health	1,560	1,560		1,720
Housing	7,246	7,351	Just Transition Fund, ERDF and Shared Island Allocations	7,421
Justice	390	390		430
PER	402	414	EU Presidency Allocation	380
Rural	273	273	Shared Island Fund Allocation	273
Taoiseach	-	-		-
Transport	3,430	3,440	RePowerEU and Shared Island Allocations	4,175
Total	18,776	19,106		20,062

Flood Relief Schemes

Ceisteanna (337)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

337. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the estimated completion date for the Whitechurch stream flood alleviation scheme; if temporary flood barriers will be erected ahead of the winter months should the permanent barriers not be completed in time; and if local residents will be informed of the comprehensive emergency protocols and rapid-response plans in place so as to reduce the significant anxiety being felt by some local residents. [68236/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation

The Whitechurch Stream Flood Alleviation Scheme (Whitechurch Stream FAS) is being progressed by South Dublin County Council with funding provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW), as part of the Government's commitment to support the delivery of flood relief schemes under the National Development Plan. The Scheme consists of river bank improvements, flood defence walls, increasing wall heights, the removal or replacement of low-level bridges, and the provision of trash screens. The Scheme is expected to provide flood protection from the Whitechurch Stream for some 52 residential and commercial properties when complete.

The construction of the Whitechurch Stream FAS is being undertaken by the OPW's direct labour force, with approximately 75% of the linear meters of flood defences completed to date. The substantial completion date for the Whitechurch Stream FAS is programmed for the end of 2026. Temporary flood defences will remain in place for the remaining duration of the construction phase, and will be rechecked for effectiveness ahead of all flood forecast warnings.

South Dublin County Council that has responsibility for flood emergency response and planning, has advised that it will provide sandbags to local residents for flood mitigation, in advance of any future forecast flood events pending the scheme's completion.

Pension Provisions

Ceisteanna (338)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

338. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the reason that the January 2024 pay increase paid to medical scientists following restoration of parity with biochemists was not passed on to medical scientists who retired prior to 2024 despite reaching all the parameters set down by DEPR (File Ref: P18-13-2018) entitled "Pay Parity" as Pension increase policy, in line with the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68229/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation

The pay adjustments arising from the Medical Scientist Grades Assessment were implemented following a 2023 Labour Court recommendation, which provides for their application no later than 1 January 2024 and subsequently formed part of the Pubic Service Agreement 2024-2026.

The revised rates introduced under Circular 2/2024 represented a regrading and movement to a new salary scale for Medical Scientist grades, effective from 1 January 2024. It is established practice that in such cases, the changes are not passed on to those who retired before its implementation.

The application of the new Medical Scientist Grade is in line with Public Service Pension Policy in this regard, i.e. where a post is upgraded, the terms of the upgrade apply from the date of the sanctioned upgrade. Terms do not apply retrospectively to previous post-holders, either employees who formerly held the post or retirees who previously held the post. This pertains across all grades of staff across the public service. This policy position has been subsequently supported by the Labour Court.

Accordingly, the exclusion of Medical Scientists who retired before 1 January 2024 from these specific adjustments is consistent with long-standing practice across the public service and with the operation of pension parity arrangements.

It is important to note that retired medical scientists, who are in pre-existing schemes, have benefited from general round increases of 9.25% provided for in the Public Service Pay Agreement 2024 – 2026 over the lifetime of the agreement.

Office of Government Procurement

Ceisteanna (339)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

339. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the proposed replacement tender for the provision of a service (details supplied) and associated services following the cancellation of the competition by the Office of Government Procurement; whether a revised tender has been published; if so, the date of publication, tender reference number and estimated value of the contract; and the changes made following the concerns raised by an interested party. [68567/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation

The Office of Government Procurement (OGP), a Division of my Department, acts as a Central Purchasing Body for a range of goods and services, including ICT.

As part of the preparatory work for the replacement procurement, the OGP published a Pre-Market Consultation (PMC) on the Renewal of Existing Microsoft Solutions and Associated Microsoft Licensing Services on 16 September 2026. The purpose of the PMC is to provide the market with an opportunity to provide feedback on key procurement design considerations and to inform the development of the revised competition.

No tender has yet been published. Accordingly, a tender publication date, tender reference number and estimated contract value are not available at this stage of the procurement process. The final design of the revised competition, including any changes arising from the preparatory and consultation process, will be determined following consideration of the feedback received through the PMC.

The timing of publication of the revised competition will be informed by the responses received through the PMC, with the objective of establishing the new Framework Agreement before the existing Framework Agreement expires in September 2027. The existing Framework Agreement remains available to Public Service Bodies in the interim.

Seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge

Ceisteanna (340)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

340. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Caiteachais Phoiblí, Bonneagair, Athchóiriúcháin Seirbhíse Poiblí agus Digitiúcháin an bhfuil aon phlean ann chun na fostaithe atá dátheangach (Gaeilge agus Béarla) a úsáid nó a spreagadh go réamhghníomhach chun seirbhísí dátheangacha a chur ar fáil don phobal; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [68503/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation

Mar is eol don Teachta, faoi alt 58 den Acht um Bainistíocht na Seirbhíse Poiblí (Earcaíocht agus Ceapacháin), 2004, táim freagrach as nithe a bhaineann le hearcaíocht sa Státseirbhís. Is faoin Aire ábhartha atá freagracht as gach earnáil den tSeirbhís Phoiblí.

I gcás na Státseirbhíse, tá obair ar bun i gcónaí chun cumas sa Ghaeilge a fheabhsú agus chun tacú le baint amach na gcuspóirí atá leagtha amach san Acht um Theangacha Oifigiúla agus sa Phlean Náisiúnta do Sheirbhísí Gaeilge sa tSeirbhís Phoiblí.

Tá soláthar seirbhísí dátheangacha i nGaeilge agus i mBéarla ina ghné thábhachtach de thacaíocht a thabhairt do chur chun feidhme an Achta um Theangacha Oifigiúla 2003, arna leasú, agus do thiomantas an Rialtais infhaighteacht agus cáilíocht seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge a mhéadú.

Tá comhlachtaí Státseirbhíse freagrach as a chinntiú go bhfuil an cumas agus an acmhainn riachtanach acu chun a n-oibleagáidí reachtúla maidir le soláthar seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge a chomhlíonadh. Áirítear leis sin baill foirne a bhfuil inniúlacht sa Ghaeilge acu a aithint agus leas éifeachtach a bhaint astu, de réir mar is cuí, chomh maith le tacú le fostaithe a scileanna teanga a fhorbairt agus a úsáid san ionad oibre. Cabhróidh foilsiú na gcaighdeán Gaeilge don tseirbhís phoiblí, atá le teacht go luath, le heagraíochtaí na caighdeáin is gá chun seirbhísí a sholáthar trí Ghaeilge a thuiscint, agus chun foireann nua a earcú agus chun scileanna na foirne reatha a fhorbairt dá réir.

Tá réimse beart ar fáil ar fud na Státseirbhíse chun úsáid na Gaeilge a chur chun cinn, lena n-áirítear oiliúint teanga agus tionscnaimh feasachta, chomh maith le bearta earcaíochta atá dírithe ar chumas Gaeilge a neartú. Spreagtar comhlachtaí Státseirbhíse chun machnamh a dhéanamh ar an mbealach is fearr leis na hacmhainní teanga atá ar fáil a úsáid chun freastal ar riachtanais seachadta seirbhíse agus chun rochtain an phobail ar sheirbhísí dátheangacha a fheabhsú.

To ask whether there are any plans to proactively utilise or encourage employees who are bilingual (Irish and English) to provide bilingual services to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.”

As the Deputy may be aware, under section 58 of the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004, I am responsible for matters relating to recruitment in the Civil Service. Responsibility for each sector of the Public Service is a matter for the relevant Minister.

In the case of the Civil Service, work is continuing to enhance Irish language capacity and to support the achievement of the objectives set out in the Official Languages Act and the National Plan for Public Service Irish Language Services.

The provision of bilingual services in Irish and English is an important element of supporting the implementation of the Official Languages Act 2003, as amended, and the Government's commitment to increasing the availability and quality of services through Irish.

Civil service bodies are responsible for ensuring that they have the necessary capability and capacity to meet their statutory obligations regarding the provision of services in Irish. This includes identifying and making effective use of staff who possess Irish language proficiency, where appropriate, and supporting employees to develop and utilise their language skills in the workplace. The forthcoming release of Irish language standards for the public service will assist organisations to understand the standards required for delivery of services through Irish, and to recruit, and to upskills existing staff, accordingly.

A range of measures is available across the civil service to support the increased use of Irish, including language training and awareness initiatives, as well as recruitment measures designed to strengthen Irish language capability. Civil service bodies are encouraged to consider how best to deploy available linguistic resources to meet service delivery needs and to improve access to bilingual services for the public.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (341)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

341. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether he will preserve the option for existing Garda members to retire at age 62 without an additional pension penalty arising from a future increase in retirement age, while allowing those who wish to continue beyond 62 to do so voluntarily, subject to appropriate fitness requirements. [68659/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation

The Deputy appears to be inquiring as to the retention of members of An Garda Síochána beyond age 62 on a voluntary basis, subject to meeting appropriate fitness requirements, and the continuation of existing pension arrangements in the event of a future increase in the mandatory retirement age for members of An Garda Síochána.

Firstly, retirement and retention policy, together with the corresponding legislation in respect of An Garda Síochána, are matters for the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.

The legislation governing the pre-2013 pension schemes for members of An Garda Síochána also rests with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. The Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation may exercise approval or consent in this regard where provided for in legislation.

The Minister has policy and legislative responsibility for the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, of which Garda members first appointed to the public service on or after 1 January 2013 are members. There are currently no proposals to amend the provisions of the Single Scheme as they apply to members of An Garda Síochána.

For information, Gardaí may accrue pension benefits throughout their careers and may retire from age 55. In the case of Garda members appointed before 1 April 2004, retirement is possible from age 50 where 30 years' service has been completed. Members of An Garda Síochána have the option to continue serving up to age 62, which is the current mandatory retirement age.

An Garda Síochána

Ceisteanna (342)

Donna McGettigan

Ceist:

342. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the up-to-date position regarding the new Garda dog training centre; and the timeline of this project progressing to the next stage. [68646/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation

The prioritisation of An Garda Síochána capital projects is a matter for the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and An Garda Síochána to agree.

Until a Brief of Requirements for the National Centre of Excellence for the Garda Dog Unit is issued to the Office of Public Works by An Garda Síochána it is not possible for the Office of Public Works to provide a timeline for this project.

Office of Public Works

Ceisteanna (343)

Albert Dolan

Ceist:

343. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for a detailed and definitive update on the long-delayed Turoe Stone project in Bullaun, Loughrea, Co. Galway; the current status of the Office of Public Works review of the detailed design; whether that review has now been completed; if ministerial consent has been sought; and, if not, the reasons for the delay; the specific outstanding actions preventing the project from proceeding to tender; the target dates for obtaining all necessary approvals, commencing the tender process and beginning construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68668/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation

The Office of Public Works has concluded its process of detailed design in respect of a scheme to relocate the Turoe stone and present it to the public.

However, at the direction of the National Monuments Service in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, there is currently a review underway to examine all possible options for the presentation of the Turoe Stone to the public.

It is necessary to ensure that the return of the Stone to the Turoe Farm location is the optimum place for it to be displayed into the future. The D/HLGH, is engaging with the Director of the National Museum of Ireland in this regard.

Public Appointments Service

Ceisteanna (344)

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

344. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether the Public Appointments Service records the source through which applicants for HSE consultant posts learned of the vacancy; the breakdown of such sources for consultant campaigns in 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the amount spent by the Public Appointments Service on advertising consultant campaigns in medical journals in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68803/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation

Summary of the advertising costs from start of 2024 to present (VAT included).

Most of the costs are for adverts in the British Medical Journal. All these costs are recovered from the client and not ultimately borne by publicjobs.

YEAR	2024	2025	2026	Grand Total
Grand Total	61,990.06	32,155.69	5,833.72	99,979.47

Breakdown of Candidate Information Sources:

	Publicjobs Medical Microsite	LinkedIn	HSE Website	Training bodies website	Journals**	Other*
2024	66%	3%	20%	1.5%		9%
2025	59%	9%	23%	2%	0.5%	6%
2026	44%	14%	30%	4.5%	<0.5%	7%

* Responses to other included professional bodies/communities, social media, colleagues.

** The recruitment unit liaise directly with the advertising agency and provide quotes to clients for either print/online ads. For online ads, a link to the ad is shared with the client and they will usually include this on their own website also. The ads on The BMJ website do include links back to the advertising organisation.

• Written Answers Nos. 305-324
• Written Answers Nos. 345-365