Written Answers Nos. 345-365
345. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if his Department can confirm the permanent defence measures in place to protect an area of county Clare (details supplied) from flooding. [68817/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Shannon Town and Environs Flood Relief Scheme will provide protection to some 1,400 properties from a 1 in 100 year flood event. The scheme is currently at the design stage and is expected to be submitted for planning consent by Clare County Council, to An Coimisiún Pleanála in Q2 2027.
The Government recognises that flood risk is an increasingly significant challenge, with implications for households, businesses, the insurance market, and the State. The Department of Finance has lead policy responsibility for matters in relation to Insurance, including flood insurance and has therefore prioritised reform in this area via the Action Plan for Insurance Reform 2025 - 2029.
The Department of Finance has advised that it is currently engaging with multiple stakeholders on the development of a long-term strategic approach to the provision of flood insurance, to consider potential solutions, specific to Ireland, to increase the availability and affordability of flood insurance.
In this light, the Government has recently agreed to the establishment of the Flood Insurance Protection Gap Working Group, which will assess various policy options to narrow the flood insurance protection gap. This approach will seek to ensure the market remains involved in the provision of cover and any proposed measure does not lead to a sharp increase in premiums, less risk reduction and fewer adaptation measures, lower risk awareness, or inadvertently widening rather than narrowing the insurance protection gaps over time.
The insurance industry has its own flood modelling tools for assessing the level of risk that it is willing to underwrite in relation to individual properties. The decision on whether to offer insurance, the level of premiums charged and the policy terms applied are matters for individual insurers. Insurance companies make commercial decisions on the provision of insurance cover based on their assessment of the risks they would be accepting on a case-by-case basis. Neither the Minister for Finance or the Central Bank of Ireland can direct the provision or pricing of insurance products, in accordance with the EU framework for insurance (Solvency II Directive).
The OPW, through the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, carried out the largest ever flood risk study in Ireland to date, which assessed 80% of properties at risk from Ireland’s main causes of flooding. The OPW Flood Maps, that show the flood risk for 300 communities, are a key output of the study together with 29 Flood Risk Management Plans, with the proposed flood relief measures to address the flood risk in each of those communities.
The Flood Maps are available for the public to view at: www.floodinfo.ie - However, it is important to note that they are community based maps. The maps were not designed to designate individual properties at risk. The maps show the probable extent of flooding based on future projections. The Disclaimer and Conditions for Use of OPW flood maps on www.floodinfo.ie includes a provision that users of the website must not use the flood maps, or any other content of the website for commercial purposes. As such, the Disclaimer prevents insurance companies from using the flood maps generated by the OPW. Insurance Ireland, the representative body of the insurance industry has confirmed that the insurance companies do not use the OPW maps. As set out above the insurance industry has its own flood modelling tools for assessing the level of risk that it is willing to underwrite in relation to individual properties.
Insurance Ireland operates an Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance, which can be contacted at 01 676 1914 or feedback@insuranceireland.eu. Similarly, Brokers Ireland, the representative body for insurance brokers in Ireland, has access to a wide range of providers and products and can offer advice for customers when sourcing cover. Brokers Ireland can be reached at 01 661 3067. Furthermore, where an individual considers that they have been treated unfairly, they have the option of making a complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO). The FSPO can be contacted either by email at info@fspo.ie or by telephone at 01 567 7000.
346. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to Parliamentary Question No. 65398/26 of 16 September 2026, the allocation and provisional expenditure to the end of August 2026 in respect of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, broken down by Vote, in tabular form. [68767/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Revised Estimates 2026, published in December 2025, allocated €0.3 billion by Vote for costs relating to Ireland’s hosting of the EU Presidency in second half of 2026.
To the end of August, based on provisional spending return figures reported by Departments, €0.075 billion has been spent. Expenditure Returns from each Department for costs associated with the EU presidency are set out in the table below in euro millions.
|
EU Presidency Expenditure (€000) |
€m |
|
Taoiseach's |
0.3 |
|
Finance |
3.1 |
|
Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Vote Group (excluding OPW) |
0.03 |
|
Office of Public Works (OPW) |
19.6 |
|
Justice, Home Affairs and Migration |
26.3 |
|
Education and Youth |
0.4 |
|
Foreign Affairs and Trade |
20.3 |
|
Climate, Energy and the Environment |
0.5 |
|
Agriculture, Food and the Marine |
0.2 |
|
Transport |
0.6 |
|
Enterprise, Tourism and Employment |
1.1 |
|
Culture, Communications and Sport |
0.6 |
|
Housing, Local Government & Heritage |
1.1 |
|
Defence |
0.1 |
|
Social Protection |
0.1 |
|
Health |
0.2 |
|
Children, Disability and Equality |
0.3 |
|
Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht |
0.003 |
|
Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science |
0.5 |
|
Total |
75.2 |
347. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the names of external HR companies that are contracted to provide services to his Department in 2025 and to date in 2026; and the nature of services each of those companies provided in each year, in tabular form. [68045/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease see below, in tabular form, details of the external HR company contracted to provide services to the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in 2025 and 2026 to date.
|
Year |
External HR Company |
Nature of Services Provide |
|
2025 |
Osborne Recruitment |
Recruitment Services • Shortlisting support • Interview Board Member Support • End to end recruitment support |
|
2026 |
Osborne Recruitment |
Recruitment Services • End to end recruitment support |
348. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether his Department advises companies against advertising services in occupied territories as if they were within the sovereign territory of the occupier. [68078/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s role is to support the development of a competitive and sustainable enterprise sector and to provide for an appropriate legal and regulatory framework for business activity, including in areas such as company law, employment law, competition and consumer protection.
Decisions concerning the markets in which an enterprise operates, and how it presents or markets its services in those markets, are ultimately matters for the enterprise concerned, subject at all times to compliance with applicable Irish, EU and international legal obligations. More specifically, I note that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued advice, available on its website, on investment in Israeli settlements in Occupied Palestinian Territory, setting out the risks related to economic and financial activities in the settlements, and making clear that the Government does not encourage or offer support in any way to such activity.
349. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his plans to increase tourism to the historically significant town of Ferns, County Wexford, particularly in the context of 2027 being the Year of the Normans. [68090/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy and implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. The matter raised by the Deputy is primarily an operational matter for both agencies.
As an island destination, direct, convenient and competitive access services are critical to achieving growth in inbound tourism. Tourism Ireland, therefore, works closely with the ferry companies operating services from Normandy to Ireland, to grow tourism from France. This also aligns with Tourism Ireland's ambitions around "slow tourism" which raises awareness of SailRail and targets French holidaymakers interested in slow travel / train journeys in Europe.
I am advised that representatives of Tourism Ireland met recently in Paris with representatives of the Normandy Government to discuss plans for ‘The Year of the Normans – People of Europe’ initiative in 2027.
Tourism Ireland advises that it will be ready to play its part to maximise any opportunities that may arise to grow tourism from France, including from Normandy, as part of the initiative. In addition, Fáilte Ireland continues to engage with tourism stakeholders across Co. Wexford through destination development and industry engagement initiatives that support the enhancement of the visitor experience and sustainable tourism growth across the county and is supporting Wexford County Council to enhance the region’s tourism offering in progressing a new Norman Experience in New Ross, which is expected to enhance Wexford’s appeal as a heritage destination and support the local tourism economy. Ferns specifically, is represented within the North Wexford Tourism Cluster, one of three tourism clusters established by Failte Ireland in Co. Wexford to encourage collaboration, networking and engagement among tourism stakeholders.
350. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment what budget has been allocated to the AI Summit being organised by the Department for the 14th of October as part of Ireland's EU presidency. [68145/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe AI Summit is being organised on a cross-government basis, with relevant Departments and public bodies contributing to its delivery.
I’m informed by officials in my Department that the overall budget for the International AI Summit has not yet been finalised. At this stage, €341,000 has been allocated from the EU Presidency budget from within my Department. Given the nature and scale of the event, my enterprise agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland have also provided expertise and support, within their existing budgets.
The final expenditure incurred in respect of the International AI Summit will be confirmed following the conclusion of the event once all associated costs have been discharged and the necessary financial reconciliation has been completed.
351. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the work of the AI Office of Ireland since its establishment earlier this year. [68166/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe AI Office of Ireland commenced operations on 31 July 2026 and has made significant progress in putting in place the systems, relationships and organisational capacity required to carry out its functions under the EU AI Act.
Since its establishment, the AI Office has put in place its public-facing website and Service Desk, commenced engagement with relevant Market Surveillance Authorities and with counterparts at EU level, and begun the development of the internal governance, risk, resourcing and operational processes required by the new organisation. The Board of the AI Office has also met for the first time in September.
The Service Desk provides a dedicated channel through which members of the public and organisations can raise queries and complaints with the Office. This provides the Office with a structured means of receiving, tracking and responding to contacts as its regulatory functions develop.
The Office is also undertaking an active programme of stakeholder engagement. This includes engagement with regulatory and public bodies, industry, research and innovation organisations and other stakeholders, as well as engagement with the EU AI Office, other Member States and relevant EU structures. The purpose of this engagement is to build the relationships required for effective implementation of the AI Act and to understand emerging regulatory, innovation and implementation issues.
The AI Office acts as the central coordinating body for the implementation of the EU AI Act in Ireland. In particular, the Office:
• Co-ordinates the effective implementation of the AI Act in Ireland;
• Acts as the Single Point of Contact for the EU AI Act for the European Commission, national sectoral regulators and the public;
• Facilitates access to technical expertise by other competent authorities, as required; and
• Supports responsible AI innovation and adoption, including through the development of Ireland's AI regulatory sandbox and through its wider role as a focal point for AI regulation, innovation, deployment and AI literacy.
Over the coming 12 months, the AI Office will continue to build the capacity required to carry out these functions effectively. Priorities include developing the regulatory sandbox, progressing an AI literacy programme, establishing a pool of technical expertise that can support Market Surveillance Authorities in AI Act-related investigations, market surveillance and sandbox activities, and further developing the Office's regulatory processes and procedures.
The Office is continuing to build its organisational and specialist capacity, with recruitment underway across a number of functions. In parallel, work is progressing on the systems, processes and operational arrangements required to support the Office in carrying out its functions under the EU AI Act.
352. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on the Programme for Government commitment to develop a new national life sciences strategy; and the expected timeline for its publication. [68282/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Life Sciences sector is one of the strongest drivers of our economy, fuelling both growth and exports. It combines a thriving indigenous enterprise base with some of the world's largest multinational companies, underpinned by a continually advancing world-class research ecosystem. Today, the sector employs over 117,000 people across the length and breadth of the country.
The Programme for Government has committed to the development of a National Life Sciences Strategy to ensure this important sector remains competitive, as well as adopting a coherent and ambitious approach to future opportunities.
The Strategy is being developed under the oversight of a High-Level Inter-Departmental Steering Group and a dedicated working group. Extensive stakeholder engagement has been undertaken, including a public consultation and thematic consultative forums with industry, Government, research organisations, and patient representatives. The feedback received is informing the drafting of the Strategy particularly in areas such as innovation, investment, skills, sustainability, patient outcomes and regulatory excellence.
Given the extensive stakeholder engagement undertaken, and richness of the quality of the material gathered, it is important that this input is thoroughly analysed and appropriately reflected in the Strategy. My officials are therefore actively engaged in the drafting process, which is expected to conclude by the end of this year. Subject to the completion of this work and the necessary Government approvals, it is anticipated that the Strategy will be published in early 2027.
353. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the budget that has been allocated to the High Level Conference on The Future of Work being organised by his Department as part of Ireland's EU presidency. [68165/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union is an important opportunity for Ireland to shape Europe’s policy direction, lead important aspects of the EU’s work, and showcase Ireland’s engagement, expertise and values at the heart of the European Union.
The Government has committed in the Programme for Government to resourcing and delivering a successful Presidency. This engagement includes the facilitation of a number of events to complement the Presidency programme and enhance the debate on key policy priorities for Ireland, such as the promotion of quality jobs and European competitiveness.
My Department is collaborating with the European Commission on the development and delivery of a High-Level Conference on the Future of Work. This event will take place on the 1st of December in Dublin and will engage stakeholders from across the world of work, including the political system, the EU institutions, employers and workers.
My Department has set in place a budget allocation of €72,000 for this event, with co-funding also requested from the European Commission. This figure is based on estimated costs and remains subject to change pending the final confirmation of the programme.
Every effort is being made to manage the financial requirements for this event and steps taken to ensure costs are being well managed and that value for money is secured.
354. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the measures that have been undertaken by Government to support the agreement of international treaties on the development of artificial intelligence. [68221/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials from the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment represented Ireland in the Council of Europe’s Committee on Artificial Intelligence, which negotiated the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law.
The Convention, adopted by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers on 17 May 2024 and opened for signature on 5 September 2024, is the first legally binding international treaty in this field. It provides a technology-neutral framework for ensuring that AI systems are developed and used consistently with human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
The EU, represented by the Commission, and with the support of Member States including Ireland, participated very actively in the negotiations of this Convention. The convention is consistent with the EU AI Act as well as with other European Union law. The Convention is being implemented in the EU by means of the AI Act, which contains generally fully harmonised rules for the placing on the market, putting into service and use of AI systems, complemented by other relevant Union acquis, where applicable.
At the start of UN General Assembly week in September, Ireland signed a joint statement[[] on along with 21 countries and European Commission President Von der Leyen, calling for UN Member States to build on existing international mechanisms and explore creating an international institution, able to set standards, enable verification and convene States when capability thresholds are crossed.
355. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to outline the work ongoing to put in place to establish a national, Government-wide policy on artificial intelligence. [68188/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment published the new National Digital and AI Strategy, Digital Ireland: Connecting our People, Securing our Future, in February 2026. The Strategy sets out a clear and ambitious roadmap for strengthening Ireland's digital and AI capabilities in the years ahead, underpinning digital competitiveness as a foundation for economic resilience.
The Strategy takes a whole-of-Government approach to advance Ireland’s digital and AI ambitions, spanning public services, digital infrastructure, enterprise adoption, skills development and robust digital regulation. It contains 20 high-level objectives and 90 specific deliverables, reflecting the breadth of our ambition and the shared responsibility across Government to deliver it.
Central to our ambition is to champion AI as a strategic transformative technology, supporting Ireland’s commitment to harness AI for economic and societal benefit. My Department's focus in Digital Ireland is to:-
• Fast-track AI adoption across the enterprise base, to boost productivity and competitiveness.
• Position Ireland as a location of choice for AI and Digital startups, and a global hub for applied AI innovation.
• Strengthen Ireland’s attractiveness as a location for global technology businesses.
Recognising that AI adoption pathways differ across sectors, we are developing a sector-specific AI adoption strategy for enterprise, initially focused on manufacturing, ICT services, tourism and construction, which together represent a significant share of Ireland’s businesses and employment. Enterprise Ireland is also appointing AI Sector Champions to highlight AI opportunities in various sectors and is also developing AI adoption roadmaps for its client companies.
The recently established Oifig IS na hÉireann (the AI Office of Ireland) which was established on 31st July 2026 is a major milestone. The Office will promote safe AI adoption, support innovation, and provide regulatory clarity for enterprises through implementation of the EU AI Act, along with overseeing the development of an AI regulatory sandbox.
Implementation of Digital Ireland is being driven from the centre of Government by the Department of the Taoiseach. Successful implementation and delivery will be informed by regular engagement with stakeholders, across all pillars of the Strategy.
356. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his assessment of the fact that the Central Bank quarterly report of September 16 noted that all net new jobs created in second quarter were filled by non nationals. [68625/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the findings contained in the Central Bank's Quarterly Bulletin No. 3 2026, which notes that non-Irish workers accounted for all the net increase in employment in the year to Q2 2026, while employment among Irish workers was broadly unchanged over the period. The Central Bank also highlights the increasingly important role that inward migration is playing in supporting labour supply and economic growth.
It is important to consider this finding in the context of an economy that is operating at close to full employment. Employment remains at a record high level, with over 2.8 million people employed, while the unemployment rate stood at 5.0% in August 2026. The Central Bank continues to characterise the Irish labour market as one operating at or close to full employment, notwithstanding some moderation in hiring activity compared with the strong growth seen in recent years.
The Central Bank notes that demographic change and net inward migration are becoming increasingly important sources of labour supply. Population estimates published by the CSO show that net inward migration accounted for almost three-quarters of population growth in the year to April 2026. In a labour market characterised by skills shortages across a number of sectors, inward migration has helped employers fill vacancies, support business expansion and sustain economic growth.
The Government remains committed to maximising participation in the labour market. Through ongoing investment in education, training, apprenticeships, further and higher education, childcare provision and labour market activation measures, Government policy seeks to maximise labour force participation and support workers in acquiring the skills required in a changing economy.
At the same time, access to international talent remains an important component of Ireland's economic success. Ireland's employment permits system plays a key role in addressing identified skills shortages and supporting sectors experiencing recruitment difficulties, while complementing wider efforts to develop the domestic workforce.
While the Central Bank expects employment growth to moderate compared with previous years, it continues to forecast further employment growth over the medium term, with labour market conditions remaining strong by both historical and international standards.
The Department will continue to monitor labour market developments closely and work across Government to ensure that Ireland maintains a strong, dynamic and inclusive labour market that supports both enterprise growth and employment opportunities for all.
357. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department will prepare an impact assessment and transition plan to support those impacted in Ireland by the recent decision of the EU REACH Committee to phase out the use of lead in ammunition. [68714/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe proposed restriction on lead in ammunition is being considered under the EU REACH Regulation, which provides a harmonised framework for the regulation of chemicals across the European Union. Any restriction adopted under REACH applies directly in all Member States and does not require transposition into Irish law.
Policy responsibility for firearms, hunting, sport shooting, wildlife management, and the practical implementation of any lead-ammunition restrictions lie outside the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE). DETE administratively coordinates Ireland’s participation in the REACH Committee process. Positions on lead ammunition are developed in consultation with the Departments and agencies responsible for these sectors.
The proposal remains under consideration at EU level and is primarily intended to protect wild birds in the environment as well as hunters and their families from the toxic effects of lead pollution from spent ammunition. These matters are not within DETE’s remit. In this regard the relevant bodies that may have a role would be the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment; the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Justice. Therefore, no impact assessments or transition arrangements are being developed by DETE. Any questions regarding the regulation of firearms, hunting activities or support measures for affected firearm owners are matters for the relevant competent authorities within their respective areas of responsibility.
358. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the position regarding any review of the requirement for company directors to make publicly available their name, date of birth, personal residential address and a copy of their signature; and if he is concerned about the implications on their privacy as a result of this requirement. [68533/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLimited liability is a fundamental feature of company law and is designed to encourage enterprise by allowing individuals to undertake commercial activity without unlimited personal exposure in the event of business failure. However, the law demands that, in return for the privilege of limited liability, those availing of it act in good faith and abide by minimum requirements of governance, transparency and commercial probity.
The Company Law Review Group (CLRG) prepared a report last Autumn following a review of the provisions in company law relating to the disclosure of the residential addresses of company officers and a public consultation was conducted by my Department on the intended approach. The Government has subsequently agreed to amending the Companies Act 2014 in relation to the treatment of residential addresses, in a manner which strikes a balance between the right to privacy of individuals, the importance of transparency in relation to company officers and ensuring continuing access to such addresses in particular circumstances.
A similar approach is being reflected in the drafting of the Co-operative Societies Bill and it is intended to also use this Bill as the vehicle to make the required changes to the Companies Act. The Co-operative Societies Bill is being finalised at present and it is expected that the final Bill will be brought to Government before end year and with a view to progressing through the Oireachtas as soon as possible thereafter.
359. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether retail businesses, including mobile phone accessory shops and vape shops, are eligible for local enterprise office start-up grants; the eligibility criteria applied to such businesses; and the oversight mechanisms that are in place to ensure grant funding is awarded only to qualifying enterprises. [68886/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) located within the 31 Local Authorities, provide their services direct to all small businesses and promote entrepreneurship within towns and communities across the country.
LEOs provide a wide range of high-quality business and management development programmes and productivity supports in the areas of Green, Digital and Lean. These supports are intended to help small businesses improve productivity, adopt new technologies, enhance sustainability and remain competitive, and are therefore available to small businesses across a broad range of sectors including retail.
The LEO’s start-up Priming and Feasibility grants, are specifically targeted at businesses operating in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors, where the objective is to incentivise the establishment and growth of businesses capable of generating additional employment, productivity gains and export earnings. Retail businesses are excluded due to the recognised risks of deadweight and displacement, as grant-aided activity in local market-facing sectors may primarily compete for existing demand rather than create new economic activity.
The oversight mechanism for the awarding of LEO Grants is set out in the County Enterprise Boards (Dissolution) Act 2014, through this legislation, Enterprise Ireland is charged with the statutory responsibility and accountability for the functions of the Local Enterprise Offices and in doing so, is responsible for making arrangements with Local Authorities to deliver these functions. Enterprise Ireland’s statutory responsibility is detailed within a Service Level Agreement in place with each Local Authority.
The Local Enterprise Office Evaluation and Approvals Committee (EVAC) is a subcommittee of the Local Authority. The Chief Executive of each Local Authority has delegated power to the LEO EVAC, to approve all financial supports under the Acts detailed in the EVAC Terms of Reference and in line with the agreed Service Level Agreement.
361. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the measures that are in place, or his plans for measures, concerning the use of agentic AI with financial services and products in Ireland. [68222/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for raising this important matter.
Artificial Intelligence presents significant opportunities for Ireland’s economy, productivity and competitiveness. At the same time, we need to be clear-eyed about its potential risks.
The EU AI Act provides us a comprehensive regulatory framework to build on our existing foundations and harness AI for our greater good, while ensuing appropriate safeguards are in place to ensure it is developed and deployed safely and ethically. It establishes a horizontal, risk-based framework for AI systems developed or used in the European Union. The obligations on providers and deployers vary according to an AI system’s purpose, use and risk classification.
The Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Act 2026, which commenced in July, gives effect to the EU AI Act in Ireland and puts in place the national institutional and enforcement architecture required to apply the EU AI Act's provisions and provides a comprehensive legal framework for ensuring that the AI sector in Ireland develops in a responsible and ethical manner. The framework includes the recently established AI Office of Ireland, which promotes the safe, responsible and trusted use of artificial intelligence across Ireland. It works alongside the relevant sectoral competent authorities responsible for monitoring and enforcement under Ireland’s distributed regulatory model.
Fifteen public bodies are designated as competent authorities across relevant sectors and product areas, including financial services.
The Central Bank of Ireland is the designated market surveillance authority for the regulated financial services sector in Ireland. In particular, it is responsible for the supervision and enforcement of prohibited AI practices specified in Article 5(1)(a), (b) and (c) of the EU AI Act. It also oversees the high-risk AI systems identified in Annex III, points 5(b) and 5(c), where those systems are placed in service or used by regulated financial service providers in direct connection with regulated financial services.
The term AI agent is not legally defined under European law and is used colloquially for different kinds of artefacts. As such, while AI agents are not a separate category of AI under the AI Act, the definitions of an AI system in Article 3(1) AI Act and of a GPAI model in Article 3(63) AI Act are sufficient to cover AI agents. This means that the rules applicable to AI systems and GPAI models under the AI Act also apply to AI agents.
The European Commission’s AI Office have the power to monitor and supervise the compliance of all AI systems based on general-purpose AI (GPAI) models, where the model and the system are developed by the same provider, as well as all AI systems embedded in or constituting very large online platforms or search engines, even if the system and GPAI model provider are different. National Market Surveillance Authorities may request the Commission to exercise those powers where it is necessary and proportionate to assist with the fulfilment of their tasks, nationally, under the AI Act.
Under the AI Act, providers of General Purpose AI (GPAI) models, which are the foundation for agentic AI, are required to continuously assess and mitigate systemic risks, including by taking appropriate measures along the entire model’s lifecycle. The GPAI models must also comply with the transparency obligations and make it clear to users that they are interacting with an AI system.
The European Commission has published Guidelines and a Code of Practice to help providers understand and meet their obligations.
I am aware that the EU AI Office has formally sent requests for information to a number of providers of general-purpose AI models based in different regions of the world. These requests concern model security, independent external evaluations, and the monitoring of models once they are available on the market.
I want to assure the Deputy that the Government remains committed to the safe, human-centric and trustworthy development and use of AI. Taken together, the EU AI Act, the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Act 2026, the newly established AI Office of Ireland and the designated sectoral regulators provide a comprehensive and proportionate regulatory framework for the safe and ethical development of AI in Ireland.
362. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the process by which a school can apply for a home liaison officer. [68039/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAddressing educational disadvantage in all schools is a key priority for me as Minister for Education and Youth. The Home-School Community Liaison (HSCL) scheme is a core element of the DEIS programme and of the wider Tusla Education Support Service (TESS). HSCL coordinators are teachers assigned for a maximum of five years to work directly with parents, guardians, school staff and community services to strengthen engagement between home, school and the community. The overarching aim of HSCL is to improve attendance, participation and retention, particularly for children and young people experiencing educational disadvantage.
Urban DEIS primary schools, all DEIS post-primary schools and all schools in the DEIS Plus scheme are currently included in the HSCL scheme. However, I am aware that there are children and young people at risk of educational disadvantage in all schools.
The DEIS Strategy to 2035, launched in March, is first long-term, whole-system approach to addressing educational disadvantage. This strategy acknowledges that students at risk of educational disadvantage are present in all schools.
Under the DEIS Strategy to 2035, a pilot project was introduced to extend Home-School-Community-Liaison (HSCL) provision to approximately 130 schools that are in the DEIS Rural band and outside the DEIS programme. This pilot provides an important opportunity to trial the extension of this support to additional schools and to inform future policy development in relation to the scheme.
Schools included in the HSCL pilot project were identified using nationally available data relating to concentrations of educational disadvantage. Operational factors, including clustering feasibility and regional capacity requirements, were also considered to support implementation of the pilot at this stage.
Any future allocation of resources, including any potential further extension of the pilot, will be considered over the lifetime of the DEIS Strategy to 2035 and in the context of available resources.
363. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the actions she will take to specifically intervene in the case of a school (details supplied) whereby their allocation of secretary hours has not kept pace with significant growth in pupil numbers and if this can be actioned outside of the national review. [68048/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAfter Fórsa accepted the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) agreement about salaries and leave for grant-funded school secretaries, the secretaries who accepted the agreement were added to the Department of Education and Youth’s payroll from September 2023.
Work is currently underway to develop an allocation model for school secretaries which will inform schools of the level of resources permitted within each school. However, this is subject to available funding via the annual estimates process. Information will be provided to schools when it becomes available. The department will be engaging with Management Bodies in due course. Currently there is no allocation model for secretaries. The allocation model will be a first step in standardising the level of secretary resources in schools.
364. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will increase the capitation grant for schools in the budget. [68003/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra374. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if there are plans to increase capitation funding for schools in budget 2027 to ensure they can cover the costs of heating, electricity, cleaning and insurance. [68288/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra380. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding any review of the capitation grant paid to school in light of significant cost increases. [68189/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra385. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Education and Youth her plans to increase capitation funding in 2027. [68349/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra399. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on capitation funding for primary schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68549/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra403. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Youth to significantly increase the capitation funding for schools in the upcoming budget. [68606/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra407. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her attention has been drawn to the financial pressures being experienced by primary schools arising from increases in day-to-day running costs such as heating, electricity, cleaning and insurance; if she will outline the current level of capitation funding available to primary schools; and her plans to increase the primary school capitation grant in Budget 2027. [68651/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 364, 374, 380, 385, 399, 403 and 407 together.
The Government is committed to increasing funding to support schools and the Programme for Government commits to increasing capitation funding to schools of all types to ensure that schools can meet the elevated day-to-day running costs.
This commitment builds on the progress made in recent years. The Department of Education and Youth has secured €39 million in Budget 2026 towards increased capitation funding for primary, post-primary and special schools to provide additional financial support towards their running costs. This will see an increase in the standard capitation rates paid to schools of €50 per pupil for primary schools from €224 to €274 and of €20 per student for post-primary schools from €386 to €406.
This will also allow for an increase of €20 in capitation rates for Urban Band One DEIS primary schools, and DEIS Plus primary schools, increasing the mainstream pupil rate in these schools to €294. The increased capitation rates will also see special schools now receive the same rates of mainstream capitation, for young people aged 12 and over, as for their peers in mainstream post-primary schools. These increases will take effect from September 2026. This funding will benefit schools around the country in managing their day-to-day running costs.
The increases announced in Budget 2026 are in addition to the 12% increases as part of Budget 2025. The last three budgets have resulted in an increase in the level of mainstream capitation grant rates of 49.7% (€91) paid to primary schools and 28.5% (€90) paid to post-primary schools.
The department is committed to providing funding to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the capitation grant to cater for day-to-day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance and general up-keep, and the ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. Schools have the flexibility to use capitation funding provided for general running costs and ancillary funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities, except for the employment of relevant secretaries as per Circular 0036/2022. Primary schools with fewer than 60 pupils are paid the capitation and the ancillary grants on the basis of having 60 pupils. Enhanced rates are also paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils.
OGP frameworks are available to schools for a number of categories including facilities management, managed services, professional services, and utilities. Schools are encouraged to avail of the available OGP procurement frameworks in order to get the best value for money for all school expenditure, in accordance with Circular 0060/2013. The benefits arising from these frameworks include cash savings, administrative savings from reduced duplication of tendering, greater purchasing expertise, improved consistency, enhanced service levels and legal certainty. Schools Procurement Unit (SPU), funded by the department, is an important source of advice and support to schools on procurement matters- www.spu.ie.
The Financial Support Services Unit (FSSU), funded by the department, is an important source of advice and support to schools on financial matters.
The Government remains committed to funding recognised primary and post-primary schools under the Free Education Scheme to help meet day-to-day running costs as set out in the Programme for Government. The priority is to continue to deliver on Programme for Government commitments. Budget 2027 negotiations are ongoing, and any further funding measures will be considered as part of that process.
365. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will intervene to ensure a student (details supplied) can avail of a suitable secondary school place in order that he can complete his studies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68056/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla Education Support Service (TESS), which includes the statutory Educational Welfare Service (EWS), is under the remit of my department and operates under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000. The primary role of the EWS is to ensure that every child either attends school regularly or otherwise receives a certain minimum education to ensure and secure every child’s entitlement to education.
Educational welfare officers (EWOs) are based throughout the country to offer advice and guidance to parents who need support in ensuring that their child attends schools regularly. They work with children, young people and their families who are experiencing difficulty with school attendance; this is done through, home visits, educational welfare conferences and collaboratively working with different agencies. The main priority of the work is around the welfare of children and young people and to ensure that concerns around attendance are addressed before attendance becomes a crisis issue. EWOs also support parents and guardians who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school placement for their child.
All referrals received by the EWS are screened and assessed by a Senior EWO. Referrals to the EWS may be made throughout the school year. A referral for a child without a school place is prioritised by the EWS and an EWO is assigned immediately to support families who are in this situation. It will remain an open case until such time as a school place is offered and accepted.
TESS has confirmed that the young person in question is currently an open case to the service and an EWO has provided support and guidance to the family. I have been informed that a school place has been offered to and accepted by the young person in question. I understand this young person is due to commence attendance at the school on Monday 28th September 2026.
