Alan Dillon
Mayo · Fine Gael · Ireland
“Landlords are generally not in a position to supervise day-to-day waste management practices within occupied properties. The Government therefore has significant concerns regarding both the practicality and effectiveness of these provisions.”
“The Government has commissioned an independent study to examine the feasibility of moving Ireland's household waste collection system from the current side-by-side competition model to a franchise-based system. That study is examining the environmental, economic, operational and consumer implications of alternative market structures.”
“If the evidence supports significant changes to the market structure, the Government will consider those recommendations carefully. If the evidence suggests improvements can be achieved through strengthened regulation, enhanced enforcement or targeted reforms within the existing framework, those options should also be considered.”
“We also want to see a well-designed waste collection system that not only delivers environmental benefits but also provides householders with the opportunity to reduce their own household waste costs through reducing residual waste, correctly segregating recyclable materials and correctly segregating organic materials.”
“We have a lack of capacity so we need to continue that, and investment certainty is really important in that regard but also to enable Ireland to meet both our national and European obligations, which are far reaching. These will all benefit from a stable and predictable policy framework.”
“Ireland requires continued investment across the waste and resource sector. We need investment in collection infrastructure, recycling capacity, material recovery technologies, organic waste treatment, digital systems and innovation. Those making long-term investments require certainty regarding Government policy.”
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“I will take amendments Nos. 2 to 6, inclusive, and respond to the Senators on their proposed amendments. On amendment No. 2, I thank Senator Higgins for her suggested addition. Amendment No. 2 relates to inserting a new subsection providing that money borrowed by ESB shall not be used for energy infrastructure related to data centres. As outlined to Senator Collins, the draft decision under PR6, which I am sure many Senators have read the detail of, takes account of Government targets across many sectors and clearly identifies what the grid investment will underpin. As we said earlier, it will support key priorities in the areas of infrastructure, housing and our competitiveness, investment growth and climate action.”
“Through the equity investment in the ESB and the further equity investment we will make in EirGrid, we are reducing the amount of borrowing required. The CRU sets the network tariff to align with the grid investment plan. It would not be appropriate to legislate to restrict activities relating to that effort.”
“If we do not deliver that project, wind farms will not be able to generate at their capacity and we will be paying to turn them off. It makes absolute sense for this key infrastructure to be built. We must work collaboratively with local communities to ensure it is delivered. The proposed new subsection (4C) would prevent any borrowing activity by the ESB that could lead to increases in domestic electricity tariff rates beyond inflation and would require the ESB to publish an annual statement confirming compliance. Under its legal mandate, the CRU, as the independent regulator, is responsible for the network tariffs and grid investment plans. Network charges are primarily a means by which grid infrastructure is funded.”
“The CRU will announce by the end of the year when it expects the impact of its major infrastructural delivery plan to be seen on people's bills. The cost of that work will be spread over a 25- to 50-year life span in terms of how it is recouped by ESB Networks for customers. Certainly, this investment in our grid will lead to lower system costs and reduced constraints on the network, including a reduced need to turn off wind turbines. A significant investment that will drive down the overall cost of electricity is in the North-South interconnector. That is critical to delivering grid resilience and expansion and bringing the excess renewable energy produced in Northern Ireland to the areas of high-energy demand in the South.”
“It will ensure value for money while also, and most importantly, focusing on assisting ESB Networks in any way possible to remove any roadblocks to delivery. Regarding the impact of ESB borrowing on customer electricity prices, the amount charged to customers by electricity suppliers is a matter for those companies. We have already published the interim report of the national energy affordability task force and we introduced some additional measures in the budget. We are working on further long-term measures as we look towards the publication of the final report in 2026. We will look at issues such as network charges and the length of borrowing repayments with a view to reducing the charge on customers.”
“As part of that agreement, the ESB will be required to deliver a quarterly report to the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, in relation to its ongoing expenditure, project management and delivery on the core infrastructure projects under PR6. There will, of course, be the capability for the ESB, EirGrid and others to appear before the Oireachtas committees when required to do so, and rightly so. In addition to oversight by out Department, the CRU underpins the PR6 guidelines, which require a significant increase in reporting by ESB Networks on its expenditure and programme delivery. I am sure Members will agree that the combined effort of the CRU and my officials will result in significantly increased oversight of the Government's investment on behalf of its people.”
“While challenges remain, it is important to recognise that things have been done well, although we must do a lot more and in a quicker fashion. The proposed subsection (4B) would place specific reporting requirements on the ESB regarding its borrowing. Those borrowings are already outlined and published in the ESB's annual report and its accounts are audited. In light of the significant investment by the State, and as part of the ongoing engagement with the ESB, we will develop a shared subscription agreement that will require ESB Networks to provide significant detail on how it is financing its programme of investment, including its debt-raising.”
“I assure the Senator that PR6 takes many Government targets into account including, for example, the connection of up to 50,000 new homes per year and up to 1 million EVs. Under EU law, connection and supply must be carried out in a non-discriminatory manner. We are currently considering this matter and will be happy to share this information once the review has concluded. Within PR6 there are 29 very significant projects for onshore network development planned and the vast majority of these will serve multiple needs. I have already mentioned enhanced security of supply, grid resilience and grid expansion. The project will enable us to bring additional renewable energy generation and distribution onto the grid. Ireland is a European leader when it comes to integration of renewables into our grid.”
“That framework would require investment in the grid to prioritise particular elements while excluding upgrades of connections of data centres. I genuinely recognise the positive intent of the proposal, which is to ensure that our electricity network development prioritises the connection and supply of hospitals, Garda stations, water systems and, of course, housing. However, we have seen the draft decision on PR6 and how it clearly itemises and identifies exactly what this grid investment is underpinning. It is underpinning the housing requirements of this country, the social infrastructure that we need, like schools, and the industrial infrastructure that we will require to facilitate future growth.”
“Unquestionably, we have a country that continues to grow and we have seen that in the demographics and in the national planning framework. There is ongoing monumental change in terms of usage and demand for electricity, so investment in the grid is critical. It will allow us not just to expand but also to modernise and reinforce our electricity network infrastructure. This legislation underpins PR6, which is our investment in the electricity grid and network over the course of the remainder of this decade. Again, I thank Senator Collins for her suggested additions. She has explained that, under amendment No. 1, the proposed new subsection (4A) would involve the creation of a prioritisation framework.”
“I join the Acting Chairman in wishing Kilmeena GAA club the very best of luck in the county final. I also acknowledge the tremendous Relay for Life team and committee. It is an outstanding organisation that has done Trojan work in terms of funding and continues to go above and beyond. In response to Senator Collins, I thank her for her amendments. We certainly appreciate the wide support for this important legislation which is very much focused on the largest and most significant investment in our grid infrastructure in the history of the State. It is akin to rural electrification. This Bill is important because it allows the ESB to increase its borrowing and provides, for the first time, for an equity injection in the ESB which will reduce its overall borrowing.”
“I appreciate the concerns the Deputy has raised. For any business owners, it is incumbent on the Government and the LEOs to ensure they are sustainable, have resilience built into their business plan and have access to the mentoring, training and advice that are essential to keeping businesses afloat. Raising the importance of financial literacy and ensuring businesses have access to training workshops is part of the local enterprise offering. They have peer-to-peer learning and engagement with key advisers within each local authority. We want to continue to support this through tailor-made programmes. The start your own business programme has an important financial module. Enterprise Ireland also invests in early-stage leadership development to ensure companies on that journey are supported.”
“I absolutely agree with the points the Deputy raises. Financial literacy is a cornerstone of competitiveness and that is why we have the LEOs ensuring small businesses have the tools to manage their finances effectively. They are on hand to assist at county level, including financial mentoring, training workshops and management development programmes. It is important that owners who want to advance their financial planning skills are supported, that any perceived challenges around financial management are demystified and that business owners make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls. For start-ups, we have the start your own business programme. That has a specific finance module wherein the LEOs provide specialist mentoring to entrepreneurs and owners on strategies around pricing, cash flow and profit and loss.”
“The LEOs also offer a start your own business training programme aimed at those who have a business idea or have recently set up a small business. This programme includes a dedicated finance module to ensure new entrepreneurs gain essential financial knowledge.”
“Training programmes are scheduled based on local demand and delivered on a tailored basis to meet the specific needs of small businesses. LEOs are consistently encouraged to prioritise financial literacy when designing their training calendars. This year, the LEOs delivered a wide range of targeted courses to enhance the financial understanding of SMEs. Each course is designed to equip small businesses with practical skills in financial planning, cash flow forecasting and understanding profitability. Among the courses delivered were financial foundations for small businesses, managing cash flow in business, managing your cash flow, fundamentals in business finance and bookkeeping and accountancy for small businesses.”
“I thank the Deputy for his question. It comes from an accountant and, with the Minister being an accountant, I feel less qualified to answer it but I will do my best. The local enterprise offices, LEOs, are located in 31 local authorities to promote a suite of supports designed to assist small businesses to reduce their costs and become more productive and competitive. The LEOs provide consultancy and grants to small businesses across all sectors in the areas of lean, green and digital. These supports focus on enhancing productivity while improving competitiveness, and they can help business owners identify opportunities to save money, time and energy. The LEOs also play a crucial role in supporting small businesses to build financial capability, including a practical understanding of profit, loss and cash flow management.”
“As I said earlier, there are 220,000 jobs nationwide and we want to continue to support the Deputy's constituents in Offaly through sustainability and the competitiveness agenda, but also see how we can make it easier for businesses to access supports.”
“We are undertaking a review of the local enterprise offices to streamline them, reduce the administrative burden and make it easier for SMEs and businesses to access supports. We are conscious that we need to strengthen the role of the local enterprise offices because they have the local knowledge and are the touchpoint for many of these businesses in towns and villages across the country. They need that expert advice and mentoring to ensure that their businesses remain resilient and sustainable into the future. Through the work that we are doing in the cost of business advisory forum and the immediate financial relief that we are providing through the green transition and energy efficiency improvements, we want to support that because we know how important the retail sector is.”
“We are working with other Departments and with the Minister of State, Deputy Cummins, on planning statements around a retail strategy. That will ensure we have a balanced retail presence of physical stores and digitally integrated ones.”
“Retail is evolving rapidly. We have seen significant changes in consumer habits. Shoppers now expect an online channel or experience, not just the physical presence on our high streets, as the Deputy experiences in Offaly, but also for them to offer multiple touchpoints, such as the implementation of websites, the digitalisation journey, mobile applications and in-store options. The Government is supporting businesses in that. There is a grow digital voucher of up to €5,000 for e-commerce platforms. We are also supporting business with consultancy advisers in digital transformation and local enterprise offices, LEOs. The Offaly office provides mentoring training and grants for lean, green and digital initiatives. We need to continue to support the retail sector, because we know how important it is.”
“In 2024, the Government introduced the power-up grant and the increased cost of business, ICOB, scheme, which paid out over €400 million to businesses. Included in this was a second ICOB payment and a €4,000 power-up grant for businesses in the retail sector. The Department opened a reclassification appeals process this July, which allowed businesses in the retail sector that had initially misclassified their business category an opportunity to reclassify. The cost of business advisory forum has been established, comprising SME and industry representative organisations, and the forum held its inaugural meeting in July. A report is due to the Government in the first quarter of next year, which will outline the forum's findings and highlight the steps that can be taken to mitigate rising costs.”
“The hub brings together information and resources of over 250 Government supports from 32 different Departments and State agencies. The grow digital voucher offers up to €5,000 to small businesses, including retailers, to invest in technology such as e-commerce software, online booking systems and stock control, which are designed to enhance productivity and competitiveness. The energy efficiency grant provides up to a maximum of €10,000, with a 75% contribution rate from the Government to support investment in technologies and equipment identified in a green for business, GreenStart or Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, energy audit. The aim of the scheme is to reduce the impact of enterprises on the environment, thereby increasing the agility and resilience of these businesses.”
“I thank the Deputy for his question. The Government acknowledges that the retail sector contributes to the economy of every city, town and village in Ireland. The sector provides highly important employment with over 220,000 people directly employed in retail. The programme for Government is clear on the intention to support small businesses and as the Minister of State with responsibility for retail, I am aware of the issues facing retailers. The broad range of supports for the retail sector, including training programmes and funding to help retailers adapt to new challenges and opportunities in retail, can be found on the national enterprise hub, NEH. The NEH is an all-of-government service staffed by expertly trained advisers and is focused on helping businesses to access a range of Government supports.”
“We want to ensure we are shaping this, that there is a governance standard in place and that, in the context of the Deputy's point, we can support many companies that need of capital at this time in their business journeys.”
“I agree with the Deputy. Our Department is very much about keeping Irish companies scaling and ensuring that they continue to realise their export potential and create anchor jobs within the regions and right across the country. The purpose in this regard is to protect vital jobs that are the backbone of our economy. That is why we want the strategy to operate on the basis of their needs. Enterprise Ireland already does tremendous work in this space. There is an expert advisory panel comprising industrial leaders, venture capitalists, Scale Ireland and tax specialists. The panel has met on four occasions since December 2024.”
“The State's role is to act as a catalyst as opposed to replacing private markets. We need to support that. The fund will be right-sized within the capital plan.”
“I thank the Deputy for the points he has raised. I assure him that the fund is being designed in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland. We hope it will be operational in 2026. We expect that there will be direct investment in start-ups first. To the Deputy's point, we need to support indigenous Irish SMEs. That will enable Enterprise Ireland, which does tremendous work in the context of co-investing alongside private leads. Enterprise Ireland has a great reputation as being the honest broker in regard to seed and venture capital schemes. We want to sequence this to ensure that SMEs have early deployment and long-term leverage, and that we can give them investment when it is required. On the size of the equity gap, we estimate that to be in the region of €860 million to €1.3 billion.”
“The finance for scale-ups working group examined good practices in other countries and established an international subgroup specifically to examine policy interventions in other EU member states, including Denmark, Finland, France, Spain and Sweden. It also looked at the UK and Singapore. The recommendations in the report were informed by the research of the international subgroup and included the introduction of a State-backed scaling fund.”
“The work to have a fund in place in 2026 will be progressed over the coming months. It is important to note that the SME scaling fund is only part of a suite of instruments to be delivered across two phases that will work to enhance the ecosystem and, consequently, reduce the gap in the market. For example, policy actions to further incentivise private capital to invest more at the scaling stage will be developed in the second phase of the work which is already under way. All of this work follows on from the report of the finance for scale-ups working group entitled the Use of Finance as a Catalyst to Develop a Scaling Ecosystem, which was published by the Department in July 2024 and which is available online.”
“Ireland has a strong start-up ecosystem, but scaling remains a challenge due to limited access to long-term patent capital and finance. My Department is finalising a finance for scaling implementation strategy. This strategy will align with the commitments outlined in the programme for Government and supports the specific actions set out in the action plan on competitiveness and productivity. The purpose of the strategy is to move towards an ecosystem in which firms will have a reliable range of funding options to scale and expand. The strategy will include an SME scaling fund administered by Enterprise Ireland. The exact design features of the fund are being developed, but my Department, together with Enterprise Ireland, intends to have the fund in place as soon as possible.”
“We want to ensure that participation in the AI Act allows us to have this openness and equal access to treatment among member states.”
“I agree with Deputy Geoghegan. It will be an important opportunity when Ireland takes over the Presidency to showcase our SMEs, the work we are doing in the AI sector and the steps we are taking in the Government. The AI office will have statutory independence, reporting annually to the Oireachtas and the AI committee. It will also co-ordinate regulators under a clear governance structure. Ireland has a long track record with regard to regulation and the integrity of the system we implement in many sectors, not only in technology but also in life science and medtech. We are a very attractive place to do business due to our regulations and our principles on integrity, justice and transparency. This is very important from an EU perspective as it gives us a competitive advantage.”
“We want to become a leader among many competitive members in the EU to ensure we are at the fore of AI regulation. This initiative is very important on that journey.”
“I thank Deputy Geoghegan for his interest in the AI Act. There are questions here today and certainly his welcome for the AI office is crucial. The Minister, Deputy Burke, allocated more than €1.4 million for its establishment, with the staffing plan now in place, and to ensure the sandbox is operational by August next year, which is not far away. We are also working with the EU digital innovation hubs and CeADAR to provide technical expertise and support for businesses. We need to continue to ensure the AI office can be functional in this time. For us, the sandbox is not another bureaucratic hurdle; it is certainly a tool that can support SMEs on their innovation journey. They can test AI systems safely, reduce compliance uncertainty and speed up market access. We have a good story to tell in regard to new start-ups in the AI sector.”
“It is important to note that in addition to preparing practical guidance to support member states setting up national sandboxes, the European Commission is also required to adopt implementing acts for sandboxes, setting out principles regarding participation, co-operation and procedures. Officials are actively involved in EU working groups related to these matters and we await the first drafts of these proposals from the Commission, which are expected in the first quarter of 2026. The Department will continue to engage with the European Commission, other member states, industry, the SME sector and our regulators to look for opportunities to help inform and shape preparations and to identify opportunities to collaborate in establishing an operational AI regulatory sandbox.”
“Additional information not given on the floor of the House. They should facilitate regulatory learning for both authorities and businesses. The participation in the AI regulatory sandbox should focus on issues that raise legal uncertainty for providers and prospective providers to innovate, experiment with AI in the European Union and contribute to evidence-based regulatory learning. The AI office of Ireland will act as the central co-ordinating body for the EU AI Act and provide a focal point for the promotion and adoption of transparent and safe AI in Ireland to ensure that we fully capture the strategic opportunity that AI presents. The office will also be responsible for ensuring the timely establishment of the national AI regulatory sandbox.”
“The Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment has also been designated to act as Ireland's single point of contact, as required by the AI Act, to facilitate co-ordination and to provide a number of centralised functions for the distributed model until a new independent entity, the AI office of Ireland, is established on a statutory basis to carry out this role. As Deputy Geoghegan noted, the AI Act stipulates that member states should ensure their competent authorities establish at least one AI regulatory sandbox at national level to be operational by 2 August 2026. The AI Act introduces AI regulatory sandboxes as a key mechanism to foster innovation. They should aim to enhance legal certainty for innovators and the competent authorities' oversight and understanding of the opportunities, emerging risks and impacts of AI use.”
“The Department is leading across government on the national implementation of the AI Act, and officials are working closely with colleagues in other Departments to devise the optimal configuration of a national competent authority for the Act to ensure comprehensive, robust and effective implementation in Ireland. To date, 13 public bodies have been designated as market surveillance authorities and four as notifying authorities, with some of these public bodies having a dual role.”
“As Deputy Geoghegan is aware, the EU Artificial Intelligence Act entered into force in August 2024 and provides a harmonised regulatory framework for AI systems developed or deployed in the EU. It is designed to provide a high level of protection to people's health, safety and fundamental rights, while simultaneously promoting the adoption of human-centric, trustworthy AI. Its provisions will start to apply in a phased manner over the period to August 2027. Earlier this year, the Government agreed to adopt a distributed model of competent authorities, leveraging the State's established sectoral regulatory authorities, to carry out supervisory and enforcement roles for the purposes of the AI Act.”
“This portal-based system has made the application process easier, more secure and more intuitive, resulting in a more streamlined processing experience for applicants. It sits on a Microsoft Power platform, which is based on similar technologies that the Department of justice will use, and it is expected to move to and support the infrastructure required for a single application process across both Departments.”
“The initial focus of this group will be on streamlining the existing processes and co-ordinating external communication; scoping the feasibility of technological, legislative and data-sharing solutions; and agreeing and laying the groundwork for subsequent implementation. The expected delivery date for this complex project is 2027. I and my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, recently met with officials from both Departments and we remain actively engaged with regard to driving momentum to ensure progress is maintained and milestones are achieved with regard to work on the single permit directive. The modernisation and integration of the IT systems in both Departments are integral to delivering this project. I am pleased to report that earlier this year, my Department launched the new employment permits online system.”
“I thank the Deputy. Over the last number of years, my officials, in collaboration with officials in the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, have been working strenuously to deliver a more efficient and streamlined employment permit and visa system. A key element of this is the implementation of a single application procedure for both employment permits and immigration permissions, in line with the single permit directive. It is expected that this will reduce the complexity of the current system, ensuring that the process responds effectively and quickly to meet skills and labour needs into the future. A programme implementation team, co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, has been established.”
“I again thank the Senator for raising this important issue. The Government is committed to implementing the national maternity strategy and, in doing so, improving services for the mid-west region. As the Senator said, this includes the colocation of Limerick's maternity hospital with UHL. That project is at an early stage of planning and will progress through the infrastructural guidelines approval process. When the Minister engages with the Senator - which I am sure will happen on a continual basis - she will be able to provide further updates in respect of that matter. We are focused on ensuring we continue to provide safe, high-quality maternity services, with increased choices for women. That is at the centre of the continued investment and reform to deliver on this vision.”
“The Minister for Health and the Government are very much focused on continuing to drive improvements in maternity care services right across the mid-west and look forward to working with the Senator in that regard.”
“Enabling works are under way for a second 96-bed block, with a third 16-bed ward planned for 2026. While the new hospital is under appraisal, the Government is continuing to invest in University Maternity Hospital Limerick. This includes two new neonatal expansions, relocation of clinical staff and the construction of new neonatal spaces. A maternity and newborn clinical management system, a fully electronic health record, went live in UMHL in July, 2025. That is enabling the seamless sharing of maternal and new-born information. From 2021 to 2025, development funding allowed for the addition of 39.7 full-time equivalent staff, including nursing and midwifery specialists, who have been embedded into the maternity strategy model of care.”
“Vincent’s campus at Elm Park. Construction will progress now that the procurement process has concluded. The co-location of University Maternity Hospital Limerick to the University Hospital Limerick campus at Dooradoyle is intended to be the next maternity co-location project. This is a major capital project subject to the infrastructural guidelines published in December 2023. The proposal is at an early appraisal stage with a strategic assessment report and preliminary business case now under development. This process will consider the best options for delivering the new maternity hospital and how it will integrate with ongoing investment in UHL, which continues at pace. On 13 October 2025, the Minister opened the first 96-bed block at UHL. Since 2020, 236 new beds have been delivered.”
“On behalf of the Minister for Health, I thank Senator Conway for the opportunity to address the House on the funding of maternity services in the mid-west. I know how passionate he is about the delivery of high-quality services for the people he represents in County Clare and the wider mid-west region. The National Maternity Strategy 2016-2026 has delivered significant developments in maternity care. Central to the strategy is a service that is woman-centric, provides safe, high-quality integrated team-based care and offers increased choice for women. Co-location of maternity services with adult services ensures mothers have access to a full range of medical and support services should they need them. This is Government policy and reflects international best practice. The new national maternity hospital will be co-located with St.”
“These types of projects that have already been initiated should be prioritised. We should be looking at investment that is aligned with the national disability policy. I again thank the Senator for raising this. I will take her message back to the Minister.”
“I will certainly take back the Senator's frustration in regard to the response to the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. As she said, it is very important to shine a light on where the phase 1 review is currently at. I will seek clarity in regard to that from the HSE capital planning expert group. We are all in agreement that we need to make more effort in regard to the promotion of community inclusion and reducing the reliance on institutional care. As she eloquently expressed and outlined, this Teach An Saol project complements many of the initiatives through Sláintecare and under the UNCRPD. While we have increased the capital budget within disability services, which has increased significantly through a multi-annual strategy, we need to look at how projects are prioritised.”
“It is important to note that phase 1 does not include residential respite or assisted living. These may be considered under phase 2 and will be subject to a separate approval and resources process. The Government is committed to disability rights, as demonstrated by UNCRPD implementation through the national human rights strategy. Organisations like Teach an Saol are central to this vision. We will continue to support their work through funding, policy and strong collaboration. The Government and the Department of Health are very much committed to building an inclusive society where every person with a disability has the opportunity to live both independently and with dignity. Teach an Saol is part of that journey. We are very much working to ensure its progress.”