I thank the Deputy for his question. When we saw the huge volatility and the energy crisis that resulted from events in the Middle East, we introduced unprecedented supports. We expanded the fuel allowance for an additional four weeks, which provided some comfort for those who use home heating oil. Notwithstanding the pressures that energy costs are putting on many families and recognising the scale of the intervention that has already been delivered, we also recognise what is still required. That is why, through t…

I take the points the Deputy has raised. We will feed in the challenges that many households that rely on kerosene face. The task force will engage with other Departments such as the Department of Social Protection on how the fuel allowance can better support those who require it. That is exactly how this should be structured. There should not be just one published document, but a phased approach in which we see immediate measures being delivered in budget 2027 as well as further targeted actions, which can be fina…

I thank the Deputy for the question. The framework for governance and oversight of the deposit return scheme, DRS, is set out in the Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations 2024, the ministerial approval issued under those regulations and the code of corporate governance for compliance schemes. While Re-turn is responsible for all operational and funding matters relating to the DRS, officials from my Department monitor performance of the scheme closely and meet Re-turn monthly to review progress. In…

On accessibility, support and engagement are ongoing for those who require more adaptable Re-turn machines. The matter has certainly been brought to the attention of Re-turn and we have raised it. It is an operational issue for it. As the scheme continues to mature, more new initiatives will be included, not just through retailers but as part of the current review process. In terms of the unredeemed deposits, the huge amounts that are sitting with a return are a significant issue, but it is also an opportunity. Tha…

Through the ongoing governance and reviews, we get monthly operational and monitoring data. That is reviewed by our Department. We also get quarterly governance and strategic reviews. This is part of the statutory approval process, notwithstanding the strict corporate code of practice around this scheme. In response to the Deputy's point, we will continue to bring forward new initiatives if they are raised within this House and can be practically implemented. Overall, nationally we have seen a high uptake. More tha…

I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 38 together. I thank the Deputy for his question. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities, CRU, is currently undertaking a multi-annual review of electricity network tariffs. Electricity network tariffs recover the costs of developing, operating, and maintaining the networks from the users connected to the electricity networks. The review will seek to put in place a framework for how network tariffs should be structured to ensure they are in the best interest of consumers,…

I again thank the Deputy for the points he raises. I fully understand the concerns. Householders need confidence when switching to electricity that it will save them money. We have seen with the number of applications for SEAI grants but also for solar PV grants that those investments are reaping rewards. Electrification, when combined with efficiency and renewables, will lower energy costs over time for households. That is very much what we are focused on. Heat pumps in well-insulated homes reduce household heatin…

I understand the points the Deputy raised. The challenge of high electricity prices is well understood. That is actively shaping Government policy in terms of regulatory discussions and decisions, but also how we continue to prioritise investment through price review, PR6, through ESB Networks and EirGrid. That is precisely also why we have commissioned the regulator of utilities to undertake an in-depth, fundamental and multi-annual review of the electricity network tariffs. That review is very important in ensuri…

I thank the Deputy for his question. The warmer homes scheme aims to improve home energy efficiency and warmth for people at risk of energy poverty. It is a nationwide scheme delivering 100% funded energy efficiency improvements to the homes of people in receipt of certain welfare payments, thereby making their homes more comfortable and energy efficient and reducing their energy costs. The scheme is operated by the SEAI on behalf of the Department and is funded through carbon tax receipts and the European Regional…

I thank the Deputy for raising those important points. He has been consistent in his advocacy for improvements in waiting times for the scheme. The Minister will meet again with SEAI representatives to try to progress and build more efficiencies into the programme. We are not where we want to be. We want to make the scheme more agile. Demand for it has increased significantly, as I said, because it is fully funded. We understand the real benefits it provides to households. At the same time, the level of work involv…

I again thank the Deputy for his work to try to streamline the process. I know he has engaged directly with the SEAI on a case-by-case basis regarding the operational details. There is no lack of oversight by the Department. We are very closely monitoring the overall performance with a view to improving it. We want to drive improvements and deliver more capacity within the schemes. That in itself will provide many more of the upgrades that people desperately need and that will reduce their reliance on fossil fuels …

Hear, hear.

I welcome the opportunity to close this debate. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Charlie McConalogue, for his opening remarks, which I will expand on. As he outlined, the Government opposes the motion brought forward by the Independent Ireland Deputies. The Government is acutely aware of the pressures faced by many households and businesses across the country as a result of the increased energy and fuel prices on the back of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In response, we have taken a flexible approac…

I thank the Senator for raising this important question. I am taking this on behalf of the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Thomas Byrne. I will begin by outlining the background to this issue. Irish has been a treaty language since 1973, the year of Ireland's accession, meaning that only the EU treaties were translated into Irish. In 2005, after a long period of campaigning, the Irish Government applied for Irish to become an official and working language in the EU. It was g…

I again thank Senator Mullen for raising this important issue and for his advocacy for the Irish language. I endeavour to use the Irish language whenever I can. When I visit the European Parliament or we have ministerial engagements in Brussels, I use it as much as I can, at the start and at the end. I acknowledge the commitment of all our MEPs on this issue. Cynthia Ní Mhurchú is one who continues to advocate for the Irish language and puts it front and centre, along with many others. I assure the Senator that the…

I thank the Senator for raising this important Commencement matter, which provides an important opportunity to again acknowledge the very real and ongoing impact of long Covid on a small number of healthcare workers. I am, as the Senator said, taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, who is acutely aware that, while the acute phase of the pandemic has passed, its effects have not disappeared for everyone. Recent public discussion, including media reporting on the li…

Again, I wish to assure the Senator and the House that this issue continues to receive very careful and compassionate attention at the highest level of the Government. I welcome the Taoiseach’s engagement with the nursing unions. From discussions with the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, I know she is working closely with the Taoiseach’s office, the HSE and with staff representatives to monitor the position to ensure existing supports make an impact as extended but also to consider the further long-ter…

I thank the Deputies for their contributions and for their constructive and useful feedback, which I certainly welcome. Many supported the broad thrust of the Bill and its underlying objectives. The Bill will further enhance the ability of the enterprise development agencies, IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, to drive investment and employment across the country. It will also ensure the enterprise agencies have the legislative tools they will need to incentivise companies to accelerate their green and digital tra…

I move: That the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment pursuant to Standing Orders 103 and 188.

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue and providing me with the opportunity to address it on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy John Cummins. The current mandatory retirement age of firefighters is 62, which was raised from 58 in 2024. It is the same for all uniformed services, including the Irish Prison Service, An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. A firefighter may retire upon attaining the minimum age of 55 years. If a firefighter wishes to serve beyond that age, the fire authority that employs them…