Written Answers Nos. 272-290
272. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Finance to provide details of undeveloped sites, by county, in his Department’s portfolio; the value of the property; the length of time they have lain undeveloped; and the reason for the lack of development, in tabular form. [6248/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is provided with accommodation by the OPW and does not own any undeveloped sites.
273. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Finance if he has examined the viability of having the same VAT rate for hairdressing and beauty services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6298/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy should note that at present the VAT rate for hairdressing and beauty services is 13.5%. This is the higher of the two reduced VAT rates, which Ireland currently avails of. The other reduced rate is 9%.
However, the basis for the 13.5% rate differs for both services.
In relation, to hairdressing the EU VAT Directive, with which Irish VAT Law must comply, contains provisions under Annex III, which allows for a reduced rate of VAT on specific goods and services. Hairdressing is included in Annex III thus enabling the reduced rate to be applied to these services. However, beauty salons are not listed in Annex III, and therefore under EU law a reduced rate cannot be applied to them.
However, because of a historical derogation, beauty services are subject to the reduced rate of 13.5%. This arises from the fact that many of the goods and services to which Ireland applies a reduced rate of VAT, including services related to care of the human body, have their basis under the aforementioned EU derogation that provides that as Ireland applied a reduced rate to these items on 1 January 1991, we are entitled to continue applying that reduced rate to those items. However, this is conditional on the rate being no less than 12%. These are known as ‘parked’ items, and as the services provided by beauticians are part of these parked items, it is not possible for Ireland to apply the reduced rate of 9% to them. This restriction does not however apply to hairdressing services due to them being covered by Annex III of the VAT Directive.
274. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Finance the status of the Programme for Government commitment to legislate for the “Right To Be Forgotten”, which would require insurers to disregard a cancer diagnosis where treatment ended more than seven years prior to application; the timeline he is working towards in legislating; if this piece of legislation will be included on the Spring legislative programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6319/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, I would like to acknowledge the sensitivity of this issue and assure you that the Government recognises the importance of ensuring that the "Right to be Forgotten" is provided for in an appropriate manner in future legislation.
The Programme for Government 2025- Securing Ireland’s Future commits to legislate for a ‘Right to be Forgotten’ for cancer survivors, requiring insurers to disregard a cancer diagnosis where treatment ended more than 7 years prior to application (or more than 5 years if the applicant was under 18 at the time of diagnosis), taking account of EU requirements.
I understand that Insurance Ireland, the industry representative group for the insurance sector, introduced a Code of Practice for Underwriting Mortgage Protection Insurance for Cancer Survivors on 6 December 2023. The first review of the implementation of the Code is currently underway and is expected to be completed in the coming months. Insurance Ireland have appointed an external reviewer to ensure that the provisions of the Code of Practice have been implemented and are being adhered to. There is ongoing engagement at official and Ministerial level with stakeholders in this area. Minister of State Troy is scheduled to meet the Irish Cancer Society next month in anticipation of the Code of Practice review and to discuss ongoing developments. Furthermore when Minister of State Troy met with Insurance Ireland earlier this month, this issue was one of the specific items discussed and the Minister drew Insurance Ireland's attention to the Government's 5 year programme and the commitment to legislate for this matter during the lifetime of this Government.
In addition, the Department continues to monitor ongoing policy developments at EU-level to address fair access for cancer survivors to financial services. For example, in February 2022, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on Strengthening Europe in the Fight Against Cancer, which included calls for Member States to implement the “Right to be Forgotten” for people who have completed cancer treatment after a specified period of time. Additionally, the European Commission has signalled its intention to introduce an EU wide Code of Conduct as part of its ‘Beating Cancer Plan’. It is important that as a small domestic market we are aligned to the greatest extent possible with developments in other EU markets so as to ensure Ireland is not an outlier.
The Deputy may also be aware, that under existing legislation, the Consumer Credit Act 1995, lenders are permitted to provide a mortgage in situations where a borrower may be unable to obtain life insurance, or where such insurance is unduly costly compared to that payable by borrowers generally. My Department will continue to monitor developments and work closely with key stakeholders at national and EU levels to progress this important piece of legislation.
275. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has taken advice in respect of the use of artificial intelligence, AI, within his Department in 2024 and to date in 2025; if any section of his Department currently makes use of artificial intelligence; if he will outline the purposes it is utilised for and costs associated with same; if he has consulted with any consultancy firms in respect of the use of AI; if he will provide a schedule of consultants engaged and costs of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6337/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm for the Deputy that the government approved Interim Guidelines for the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Public Service in January 2024. I can confirm that my department follows these guidelines and that these guidelines were circulated to all staff within my department.
My department also follows guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) released in June 2023, entitled “Cyber Security Guidance on Generative AI for Public Sector Bodies”. This guidance inter alia recommends that GenAI should not be used to generate responses to correspondence such as Parliamentary Questions or public representations; or to assist in designing or drafting Government policy. The NCSC guidance also recommended that new technology should only be adopted based on a clearly defined business need following an appropriate risk assessment.
I can confirm that my department does not currently use artificial intelligence tools or programs and has not consulted with any consultancy firms in respect of the use of A.I.
276. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department received funding support for projects of any kind from the United States of America International Development for the period 2016 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5654/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my neither Department nor any of the bodies under its aegis have received any such funding in the timeframe specified.
277. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to review the pension entitlements of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5669/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Single Public Service Pension Scheme was introduced in 2013 to place publicly-funded retirement benefits on a more sustainable footing. The Single Scheme is the default public service pension scheme for all new entrant public servants since 1 January 2013. The Single Scheme is underpinned by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 ('the Act').
In the case of persons taking up pensionable public service employment on or after 1 January 2013, pension scheme assignment is governed by Section 10 of the Act. In general, that section provides that membership of the Single Scheme will apply to all first-time new entrants to the public service on or after that date, as well as previous public servants unless they qualify for one of the exemptions provided in the 2012 Act.
The most common exemption is set out in Section 10(5) of the 2012 Act and applies where a public servant previously held membership of a pre-existing public service pension scheme and did not subsequently have a break in public service employment of more than 26 weeks. Such persons normally become members of the pre-existing public service pension scheme operating in their new workplace.
There is no facility to transfer service accrued in pre-existing public service pension schemes into the Single Scheme, nor can benefits accrued or contributions paid in pre-existing schemes be recognised in the Single Scheme.
Where an individual holds a pension entitlement under both a pre-existing public service pension scheme and the Single Scheme, this will give rise to separate benefits payable in accordance with the terms of the scheme(s) concerned.
The specific rules and features of the Defence Forces pre-existing pension schemes are a matter for the Department of Defence and I am not in a position to comment on these.
278. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the visitor numbers to each visitor attraction operated by the Office of Public Works each month in 2023 and 2024; in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5683/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for caring, maintaining and operating the country’s most important heritage sites. The mission of OPW Heritage Services is to conserve and protect the nation’s built heritage in our care whilst providing public access, interpretation and encouraging the public to visit and engage with our Nation's heritage. The OPW strives to manage heritage sites in a manner that balances our remit to protect the heritage assets with the provision of informative and excellent guided visitor experiences, modern interactive interpretation and ensuring inclusive access for all visitors.
My officials are currently evaluating and auditing 2024 Visitor Data. Once the information has been collated in the coming weeks, I will respond directly to the Deputy and this data will be published online.
The annual visitor data for 2023 is available online at the following link, and is set out in tabular form on the attached document.
gov.ie - Office of Public Works welcomes strong visitor numbers at its heritage sites in 2023
279. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the details of the investment that has been made in the development and management of the OPW sites at Scattery Island and the Ennis Friary, County Clare in 2024; the investment planned for the sites in 2025 and 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5684/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) remains committed to the ongoing investment, development, and management of Scattery Island and Ennis Friary, County Clare, with plans in place for further works in 2025 and 2026 to enhance these important heritage sites.
Scattery Island
Scattery Island, or Inis Cathaigh, is located approximately 20 kilometres east of the mouth of the Shannon Estuary and two kilometres southeast of Kilrush. It is legally protected as part of the Lower River Shannon Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and the River Shannon and Fergus Estuaries Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds. Acquired by the State in 1991, the island is now a National Monument in State care under the responsibility of the OPW.
The OPW operates a guided visitor service on Scattery Island from May to September, supported by a visitor centre on the island. In 2024, the island welcomed 4,271 visitors, who travelled by boat to explore its rich 1,500-year history.
In 2024, the OPW invested €152,681 in the refurbishment and conservation of "The Street," a row of cottages, as well as the restoration of two farmsteads and the former Keane summerhouse. Further development of the visitor offering is planned for 2025 and 2026.
Ennis Friary
Ennis Friary, a National Monument (No. 170), has been in State ownership since the late 19th century. Founded in the early 13th century by the O’Briens of Thomond, the Friary houses an exceptional collection of 15th- and 16th-century stone carvings, including a striking representation of St. Francis displaying the stigmata.
The OPW operates a daily guided service at Ennis Friary from March to November, and in 2024, the site welcomed 15,425 visitors. The OPW continues to focus on enhancing the visitor experience at the Friary.
In 2024, €17,056 was allocated to a complete overhaul of the exhibition signage, including internal displays, external wayfinding panels, and directional signage. A new accommodation unit to support OPW staff was installed on site in 2025 at a cost of €82,803.30. The OPW will continue to maintain and conserve the site in 2025 and 2026, with further improvements planned for staff welfare facilities. New information panels will be introduced in 2025 to enhance visitor engagement and understanding of the site's significance. Additionally, Clare County Council is extending the car park adjoining Ennis Friary to widen the entrance and improve visitor access.
The OPW remains dedicated to the conservation, maintenance, and promotion of Ireland’s iconic heritage sites. Through strategic investment in Scattery Island and Ennis Friary, we are ensuring these historically and culturally significant sites are preserved and enhanced for future generations to enjoy.
280. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the measures that have been introduced at National Shared Services Offices to improve accessibility for all users including, but not exclusively, the introduction of screen reading software for visually impaired users; and the further accessibility improvements planned for the offices. [5685/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the NSSO that it currently utilises accessibility software and platforms, such as Jaws, NVDA and Zoom Text, depending on the individual needs of its staff and customers and that it strives to improve the user experience of its customers and staff.
281. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if a matter (details supplied) has been brought to his attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5830/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) have leased a property at 111 George’s Street Lower, Dun Laoghaire since 1994. This property was used to meet various State requirements during the lease term and most recently was used by the Revenue Commissioners. The property was last used in February 2024.
As the OPW no longer have a requirement for the property they are in the process of surrendering it back to the Landlord in accordance with the terms of the lease.
282. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the gender breakdown of his Department in respect of principal officers, assistant secretaries and secretaries general, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5858/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe gender breakdown in my Department at the grades specified by the Deputy is set out in the table below:
|
- |
Male |
Female |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
- |
|
Assistant Secretary |
4 |
4 |
|
Principal Officer |
34 |
28 |
283. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the names of the companies currently on the Office of Government Procurement framework for installing and-or the maintenance of gas boilers for public bodies within Dublin region; and when the contact for each of the companies is due to expire. [5969/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Government Procurement is responsible for establishing central purchasing arrangements for commonly required goods and services across 11 master categories of expenditure (Professional Services, Banking and Insurance, Consultancy and Advisory, Electricity and Gas, ICT, Facilities Management, Office Supplies, Travel Management, HR Services, Fleet, and Corporate Office Support Service).
Expenditure related to the installation and/or the maintenance of gas boilers for public bodies within the Dublin region is not in scope for OGP, and thus does not have a Framework in place.
284. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide details of the empty buildings, by county, in his Department’s portfolio; the value of the property; the length of time they have lain empty; and the physical status of each building, in tabular form. [6236/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra285. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide details of undeveloped sites, by county, in his Department’s portfolio; the value of the property; the length of time they have lain undeveloped; and the reason for the lack of development, in tabular form. [6259/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 484 and 485 together.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility, on behalf of the State, for managing and maintaining a substantial and complex estate of approximately 2,500 properties.
This extensive and diverse portfolio of State properties includes office accommodation for all Government Departments, the property estate for An Garda Síochána and numerous properties for many State Agencies. The portfolio also encompasses specialised spaces such as public offices, laboratories and cultural institutions, in addition to warehouses, heritage properties, visitor centres and sites.
In any major portfolio, there will always be a certain level of vacant or non-operational properties, at any given time, as the portfolio could not function without the flexibility that it provides. Not all vacant properties will be deemed surplus to the State’s requirements or suitable for disposal.
There are currently 67 vacant properties owned by the OPW, consisting of 45 buildings and 22 sites.
The OPW has provided a full list of its owned surplus vacant properties to the following bodies, so that they could assess them for suitability for social or humanitarian housing purposes or for other State use:
• The Land Development Agency
• The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
• The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
• The relevant Local Authority
The OPW, like other State bodies, is obliged to follow central Government policies on the disposal of surplus properties and the arrangements involved are set out in the following Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) Circulars:
• Circular 11/2015: Protocols for the Transfer and Sharing of State Property Assets
• Circular 17/2016: Policy for Property Acquisition and for Disposal of Surplus Property
As a matter of policy, no property is disposed of until there is absolute certainty that there is no alternative State use for that property.
The OPW’s Policy in managing vacant, surplus properties is firstly, to establish if the property is required for alternative State use, including the potential for it to be re-purposed for either Government Departments or the wider public service. A number of strategic properties are retained in anticipation of potential State use/development in line with service demands arising from Government policy changes to public service provision.
Secondly, if no State use is identified, the OPW considers if open market disposal is an option, depending on prevailing market conditions.
Thirdly, the OPW may consider community involvement, subject to a detailed submission that demonstrates that the community or voluntary group seeking to use the property has the means to insure, maintain and manage it in order to reduce costs to the Exchequer.
A list of the current vacant properties and the length of time, if known, that each unit has been vacant is attached at Appendix 1. This does not include those properties that are an intrinsic part of heritage estates or gardens managed by the OPW that are not considered to be surplus to requirements or part of the OPW's disposal programme.
The current value of the properties listed at Appendix 1 will be obtained prior to the properties being brought to market.
The OPW will respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the condition of the buildings.
286. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the amount collected in admission fees in each heritage site under the remit of the OPW in 2024, in tabular form. [6288/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for caring, maintaining and operating the country’s most important heritage sites. The mission of OPW Heritage Services is to conserve and protect the nation’s built heritage in our care whilst providing public access, interpretation and encouraging the public to visit and engage with our Nation's heritage. The OPW strive to manage heritage sites in a manner that balances our remit to protect heritage assets with increased, more interactive, empowering and inclusive access for visitors.
The admission fees collected at each heritage site under the remit of the OPW in 2024 is set out in tabular form in the attached document. It is noted that this income is inclusive of both general admissions and tour operator admissions at these sites.
287. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his reaction to comments made last week by US President Donald Trump that he would specifically target tariffs at the pharmaceutical industry, and what preparations we are making were this to happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5779/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the operational aspects of the transfer of particular files and functions regarding trade policy will be managed between my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade over the coming period, this matter is one that I am updated regularly on.
I can confirm that the Government is fully aware that there may be implications from potential measures by the Trump administration that could impact Ireland's trading environment and bilateral EU-US trade. We will work with EU partners to measure the impact of tariffs across all sectors, and we will calibrate our response on that basis. Increased protectionism is not in the interests of businesses or the global economic environment, and would not benefit the EU, Ireland or the US.
With regard to the specifics of the pharmaceutical sector, the 1994 WTO agreement on trade in pharmaceutical products, eliminates tariffs on a large number of pharmaceutical products. Both the US and the EU are signatories to that agreement.
My Department is not complacent about Ireland’s competitiveness position regarding FDI, and policies, strategies and the legislative toolkit are constantly kept under review to ensure objectives set out in this critical part of the economy are met. In turn, IDA Ireland continues to review its highly successful enterprise policy, ensuring we remain an attractive place to invest in.
FDI plays an important role in Ireland’s continued economic success. Total employment in IDA client companies in Ireland stands at 302,566, holding above 300,000 jobs for the third consecutive year.
The Life Sciences sector is a cornerstone of Ireland’s industrial success, driving significant exports and attracting foreign and indigenous investments in R&D, capital expenditure and employment. Indeed, it is a highly successful sector which has grown from strength to strength in Ireland.
The new Programme for Government has mandated 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. In this regard, my Department will soon begin arrangements for developing the scope and timelines for the proposed strategy, along with considerations for engagement with stakeholders, and taking into account EU developments. Indeed, we understand that the European Commission may develop a EU Life Sciences Strategy, which we look forward to engaging on and incorporating the relevant opportunities for Ireland it will give rise to, as part of our national strategic response.
288. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the potential loss of jobs in a company (details supplied) following an announcement by their parent company; if the Minister is engaging with this company to ensure fair treatment of their staff in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5521/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWorkday established a presence in Ireland via acquisition in 2008 when it acquired Cape Clear, a Dublin-based software company. Employment has increased from the initial 25 employed in Cape Clear in 2008 to over 2,000 today, drawn from 67 different countries. The Dublin office has become Workday’s EMEA (Europe the Middle-East and Africa) HQ with enterprise technical support, sales/marketing, HR, legal, real estate and finance activities. It is also the EU Centre for its Product Development and Infrastructure Engineering teams.
On Wednesday February 5th 2025, Workday announced plans, via an "8-k Investor SEC Filing" to reduce its global workforce by c. 8.5%. It is the first major layoff in Workday’s history. The company has said that it announced these plans as it is seeking to pivot structures and resources to prioritise investments such as AI. Consequently, this will negatively impact on certain roles as the company restructures. Workday has also indicated that it will continue to invest in strategic areas of the business and prioritise resources and structures to meet customer and market demands. In these regards, Ireland is Workday’s European EMEA headquarters and also a significant product and engineering hub, thus making it a really highly strategic location for the company.
Last week, my Department received a Collective Redundancy Notification indicating that some 142 staff are to be made redundant by the company as part of its global downsizing. My foremost concern is with those employees and their families who will now be directly impacted. Government will be on hand to provide supports to those who need it, which includes:
• Provision of a detailed skills profile for the employees on the site; and when individuals will be available, which can be shared with other potential employers.• Recruitment opportunities through identification and connection with other employers who may be hiring across the locality and wider region.• Information sessions by the Department of Social Protection's Intreo Office to impacted employees on social welfare services and employment support services to support impacted employees’ transition to new employment opportunities.• Identification and provision of training and further education opportunities for employees e.g. ETBs; Skillnet; Universities.• Exploring opportunities to start your own business through LEOs and Enterprise Ireland.
IDA Ireland is fully engaged with the company both in Ireland and at Corporate level and remains in close contact with them at this time.
289. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department received funding support for projects of any kind from the United States of America International Development for the period 2016 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5646/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and the Offices under its aegis has not received funding support for projects of any kind from the United States of America International Development (USAID) for the period of 2016 to date in 2025. In respect of the Agencies that come within my remit, they are statutorily independent in their functions and this is an operational matter for them. I have asked the Agencies to respond to the Deputy directly.
290. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the gender breakdown of his Department in respect of principal officers, assistant secretaries and secretaries general, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5850/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOverall for 2024, the Department’s workforce broken down by gender is 57% female and 43% male, and our Gender Pay Gap (GPG) is 9.55%, a slight reduction on our 2023 GPG (10.86%). While female staff are well represented at most levels of our organisation, including at the senior management levels of Assistant Principal and Principal Officer, I am aware that the most senior tier of management is imbalanced.
My Department is committed to improving this, and has taken the time to understand the reasons behind our Gender Pay Gap and what specific strategies can be taken to improve it. Over 2023 and 2024, the HR team conducted an in-depth study into female career progression in the Department; the resulting report outlined a number of actions for follow-up, including improved manager training and support, improving communication around competitions, reviewing our Maternity Leave policy, and communicating the findings of the report to staff.
My Department sees learning and career development initiatives as a core part of our strategy to improve our ability to develop a strong and gender-balanced pipeline of future senior leaders. Particular priority is placed on coaching and mentoring programmes as a means to build leadership capability, with a strong focus on female participation. 85 staff participated in coaching and mentoring programmes in 2024, with 55% female participation. Last year also saw a new pilot HEO Executive Coaching programme, with 70% of participants female.
These approaches are each linked to a broader strategy for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, which was launched last June. The vision of this strategy is to ensure that everyone in our workplace is empowered to achieve to their full potential, and that for staff, career development is available on an equal footing to all.
The table below provides the details of my Department’s gender breakdown in respect of principal officers, assistant secretaries and secretary generals.
|
Grade |
Male |
Female |
|
Secretary General |
1 |
0 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
6 |
2 |
|
Principal Officer |
31 |
32 |
