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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“As with any other measure, it will be assessed against the financial, legal and European constraints as part of the budgetary process. I am sure the Minister of Finance will carefully review and analyse this proposal, based on our discussion today and the discussions that will happen over the coming weeks and months, with a view to supporting the sector, which we all want to see grow and thrive into the future.”
“I again thank Senator Kennelly for his contribution on this really important issue. I wish Kerry the very best of luck at the weekend. I know that he, a strong Kerry supporter, will be shouting for Mayo on Saturday. I know he will want us to get the job done. I am sure Senator Eileen Lynch, who is beside him, will have a different opinion on that. She is wearing red today. To get back to this really important issue, the pub sector and the wider hospitality industry remain a vital part of the Irish economy and the social fabric. We recognise the cost pressures the sector is facing. The proposal from the Vintners Federation of Ireland is very constructive. As I said earlier, it is targeted. It will be given full consideration in advance of the budget.”
“This means that Ireland cannot apply reduced excise duty rates to alcohol sold in pubs, restaurants or other licensed premises. Any changes to alcohol excise duty must make no distinction as to the point of sale. As this is a targeted tax measure, from an EU state aid perspective, consideration would need to be given as to whether it would be compliant with state aid rules. Ultimately, I also note that any changes to tax policy as part of the budget are a matter for the Minister for Finance. I accept the importance of small pubs in rural Ireland and their significant decline over recent years. They remain a real focal point for communities, providing a social environment where people can engage and find a bit of belonging and connectivity. I thank the Senator for raising this important matter.”
“The measure would also need to be considered with reference to the Department of Finance's tax expenditure guidelines, which provide for the evaluation of tax expenditures, including tax credits, to give consideration as to when these are best used. As the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance has stated previously, this measure would need to be considered in line with the alcohol structures directive, which provides for a harmonised framework for the taxation of alcohol across the EU. The Tánaiste has stated that it is unclear whether the proposed on-trade sustainability scheme would be permissible under that directive if its effect, in practice, would be to give relief from the rate of excise duty paid on alcohol products. The directive does not allow for differentiated excise duty rates between the on-trade and off-trade sectors.”
“It is my understanding that the proposed scheme would provide a tax credit of €20 for every 50 litre keg of draught beer and cider, based on verified purchases from the previous year and capped at €20,000 per premises per year. I further understand that the intention is to support smaller pubs in particular. With regard to the specifics, I understand that this is a proposal that will be advanced in the preparation of the upcoming budget. However, I am cognisant that the measure would need to be considered in light of the available fiscal parameters for budget 2027 and the wider range of priorities for the budget. It is my understanding that the Vintners Federation of Ireland has estimated the cost of the proposed scheme to be in the region of €75 million annually.”
“I thank Senator Kennelly for raising this really important issue. I am very conscious of the significant pressures that pubs and the wider hospitality sector are facing, particularly in recent years as the result of rising costs across energy, labour, insurance and compliance. We need to be clear that the Government fully recognises the importance of the pub sector and specifically its social and cultural importance to communities right across Ireland rather than just its economic importance. I am aware of the proposal made by the Vintners Federation of Ireland to introduce a tax credit to support the on-trade sector, which would be linked to the supply of draught products. It merits careful consideration.”
“A sum to the tune of over €250 million was allocated in the last round. We would hope a lot of that will be directed into sports facilities. The large-scale and regional sports programmes are very important. Our focus now is on ensuring sustainable investment in every parish, community, town and village right across the country. This can support communities and enterprise, create jobs and ensure our long-term economic growth.”
“Again, I thank Senator Duffy for raising this important issue and acknowledge his contribution in seeking investment into Mayo. The IIP, as outlined, was successful in its time. When the Irish economy had hit rock bottom, it generated significant investment when most needed, to the tune of over €1.2 billion. However, it has fulfilled its purpose, notwithstanding the recent announcements on Knockmore GAA, Westport United and, more locally to me, the Islandeady community development committee, which received €3.6 million. That is reflective of the amount of work they have put in. The Minister for justice has outlined that there are no plans to reintroduce the scheme or replace it. Thankfully, the Minister for sport, Deputy Patrick O'Donovan, will soon launch the sports capital programme.”
“Ireland's approach, however, is focused on sustainable investment, job creation and enterprise development through a range of established channels, including the work of agencies such as IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. At present, there are no plans to reintroduce the IIP or to establish a scheme to replace it. That said, the Government continually reviews how best to support investment, innovation and economic growth. As part of that ongoing work, we remain open to examining measures that can encourage investment in Ireland while also ensuring that our immigration system retains its integrity.”
“The IIP unit within the Department is committed to ensuring that all current applications will be examined on their merits and will endeavour to conclude all decisions in a timely manner. The IIP unit also communicates with projects seeking to benefit from investments made in connection with an IIP application, more specifically in relation to how the terms of the programme apply to a particular project. The unit also engages with projects and monitors them for compliance with IIP requirements. The Government remains committed to attracting foreign direct investment and supporting economic development right across the country.”
“Appropriate arrangements in relation to the orderly winding down of the programme were also put in place. The closing of the IIP did not affect already approved applicants and projects under the programme. The programme is fundamentally one for investors, not for projects or funders. The investor is the primary applicant and makes an application for an immigration permission, and nominates a proposed project as part of that application. The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has continued to process applications for immigration permissions in respect of approved investments, that is, investments applied for prior to the closure of the programme that have been approved by the IIP evaluation committee.”
“I thank Senator Mark Duffy for raising this important matter, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for justice, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan. As the Senator stated, the immigrant investor fund was introduced by the Government in 2012, when the struggling Irish economy needed investment to create business and employment opportunities across the State. During its operation, it generated over €1.2 billion in investment for projects right across the country. The programme fulfilled its purpose and, as the Senator will be aware, the Government agreed to close the IIP to further applications on 15 February 2023. The decision to close the programme followed a comprehensive review and reflected wider policy considerations, including recommendations at European level regarding investor residence schemes.”
“The Government supports and recognises the work of these educators. Notwithstanding that, this is a complex industrial relations matter involving independent employers, trade unions and funders. The Senator has to recognise that. It must also be recognised that the Department is not the direct employer here. A funder offer has been made, which is also important to recognise, and the dispute has been progressed to the WRC. Our priority in this House and in the Dáil is fairness and for a sustainable resolution to be arrived at. There is an offer on the table. Again, I want to recognise the contribution of all the staff who operate within available resources. I acknowledge the work they do to avoid disruption to any of the learners. It is important that we see a resolution. I would very much support that.”
“It is important that matters progress through the industrial relations machinery of the State and, specifically, the WRC, with conciliation under way. The Senator raising the issue here today is import and timely. The Government strongly supports reaching a resolution through the established industrial relations mechanism. We hope the issue will be resolved in a swift manner.”
“They operate with their own boards of directors as employers. The Department is not the direct employer of staff in the CTCs, and pay matters arise within the employer-employee relationship. I am aware that there is an ongoing pay dispute, which is something the Government regrets. SIPTU is seeking a 9.25% pay increase which aligns with the Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, agreement relating to section 39 organisations. While the Department, through SOLAS, has supported an offer of 7%, following budget 2026, with funding ring-fenced for that purpose, agreement has not yet been reached and members have been balloted for industrial action. The Department and the Government have engaged extensively with stakeholders, including IACTO, as their employer body, SOLAS, as their funder, and SIPTU representatives.”
“I welcome the opportunity to address this important issue. I thank Senator Cosgrove for raising it. I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Further and Higher Education Research, Innovation and Science. I want to begin by acknowledging the vital work carried out by the staff in our community training centres. These staff play a critical role in respect of some of the most vulnerable young people in our communities, including early school leavers and those at risk of disengagement from education. I have visited many of the centres across Mayo, and their contribution is very much recognised, valued and deeply appreciated. It is important to set out the context. Community training centres are independent, non-profit organisations that are grant funded by education and training boards.”
“Our responsibility is twofold: to support workers affected today but also to ensure that workers are equipped for the jobs of the future. Ireland's workforce is ready to grow and thrive in an AI environment.”
“We have engaged with the research from the expert group on future skills needs, which very much highlights the rapid growth of AI adoption in Ireland, the strong demand for AI-related roles and the robust pipeline we have in terms of skilled workers that are emerging. It is important to re-emphasise that notwithstanding the adaptation that will be required and the significant challenges that will present in terms of how that transition is managed, that is why we have funding for research which is very much focused on future skills needs. We are also supporting lifelong learning in terms of reskilling and monitoring the labour market in real time. We are not being passive in this space. We are very much engaging with the Department of further and higher education and many industrial sectors.”
“I thank the Deputies for their contribution. The Government fully understands the impact jobs losses have on workers, their families and communities. In the immediate term, we are very much providing the supports, which are being mobilised. We are also engaging with the IDA, the State agency, in terms of redeployment. That is actively being pursued. Engagement with the company is ongoing. Looking beyond the immediate situation here, we have recognised that technological change, in particular AI, will certainly reshape our labour market. We have been very clear on that. My Department continues to monitor this very closely and the impact it will have on our labour market.”
“We have published the national digital and AI strategy which is very much focused on how we can invest in upskilling and reskilling, and how we can support workers to adapt and ensure Ireland continues to remain competitive in a changing global economy. We must deal with the immediate impact of job losses while also preparing for the long-term transition of work.”
“I think we need to be clear and honest that artificial intelligence is a transformative technology with significant potential for Ireland's economy and competitiveness. Equally, there is a challenge in that we are all trying to predict how work will evolve. We recognise the very real concerns about job displacement but the evidence suggests that AI is more likely to augment jobs than replace them. We will see some displacements, which is natural, but the nature of work will also change significantly. That is why Government policy is very much focused on preparing workers for that transition.”
“In respect of impacted employees, the IDA is proactively engaging across its client base to identify potential redeployment opportunities where there is a skills match. The IDA has also facilitated connections between interested companies and company representatives, and this work is ongoing. On the broader comments, I will talk to Deputy Gibney’s point regarding the Government’s publication of the action plan on collective bargaining, which has been welcomed by the social partners. That is currently being implemented to ensure that employees’ and employers’ voices are recognised. The situation also raises a broader issue which was mentioned - the impact of artificial intelligence and technology on the changing labour market and on jobs.”
“I thank the Deputies for bringing this important matter to the floor the Dáil. As they are aware, on 27 April 2026 Covalen informed its employees of its intention to reduce its workforce. My understanding is that the company has been impacted by a shift in client demand, resulting in a reduction in the volume of services required and a requirement to adjust operations accordingly. My first and most immediate concern, and that of the Government, is the potential impact on employees and their families during this uncertain time. In response, the IDA has been engaging at a senior level with the company to ensure it is aware of the full range of IDA supports available at this time and will continue to do so. IDA Ireland has established an internal process for managing potential job-loss situations with its client companies.”
“As I mentioned in my opening remarks, the implementation of the model of care for neurological services, including the hub and spoke system, is a key part of this, because this will focus on reducing waiting lists, ensure early diagnostics and also deliver timely treatment for patients. It will also improve the quality of life and outcomes for those living with neurological conditions. Regarding Mullingar itself, strengthening services, reducing delays and delivering care close to home is a key priority that the Government wants to achieve. The Minister remains fully committed to improving neurological services right across the country, including for patients in Mullingar and across the midlands, with regard to reducing waiting times, expanding capacity and ensuring patients can access neurological care closer to home when they need to.”
“Again, I thank Deputy Clarke for raising this important issue. I fully acknowledge that too many patients are still waiting far too long for appointments and treatment. I recognise the real strain that is placing on individuals and families. As outlined, neurological services in the midlands are delivered through a combination of local supports in Mullingar and specialist regional services. Urgent patients continue to be prioritised and every effort is being made to reduce waiting lists for routine appointments. It is important to recognise that significant investment has been made to expand neurological services, which will help to address the service gaps and improve access to care for patients right across the regions.”
“Improving access to specialist care remains a priority for this Government and the HSE is continuing to work with the national clinical programme for neurology to strengthen neurological services.”
“The model will include one model 4 hospital hub per health region, catering for the most complex neurological care. These sites will support model 3 spoke sites, including Mullingar, which will provide services for people with less complex needs. Many hospitals already have well-developed neurological services, but funding received in 2025 is enabling the delivery of phase 1 of the hub and spoke model. It is expected that this proposed hub and spoke model will enable a reduction in waiting lists and timely access to diagnosis and treatment and thus improve quality of life and prognosis for people with neurological symptoms. This will cater for people with all neurological conditions and will deliver on the Sláintecare principle of delivering care closer to the patient's home.”
“The HSE anticipates that these positions will be filled during 2026, helping to address some of the service gaps identified and improve access to care for patients. This service development is supporting progress on the implementation of the HSE's model of care for neurology. The focus of the neurology initiative is aimed at improving access to appropriate neurological services; improving safety and quality in the delivery of patient-centred neurological care; and improving value for both patient and health services across neurological services. More broadly, the national clinical programme for neurology is actively working on a hub and spoke model to guide equitable neurology services across the country. This aligns with the health regions and aims to tackle the gaps in neurology services nationally.”
“Indeed, the challenges facing neurological services are not unique to the midlands. The national clinical programme for neurology has acknowledged that demand for neurological services has grown significantly in recent years. To address this, the Minister for Health allocated significant investment in 2025 to expand regional neurological services. This included €4 million in funding for the recruitment of five additional consultant neurologists and six clinical nurse specialists specifically to support services in model 3 hospitals, including Mullingar. A further 16 neurological nurse specialist posts and three health and social care professional posts were funded across a range of specialist neurological services.”
“While there is currently no onsite specialist neurological services at Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar, it is important to be clear that access to specialist neurological options for patients in the midlands is available through the established referral pathway to specialist services at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital. The HSE continues to monitor demand for neurological services in Mullingar and across the midlands and is working with clinical teams to maximise available capacity, improve patient pathways and ensure that patients are prioritised according to clinical need. Patients requiring urgent assessment continue to be seen as a priority through available referral pathways while every effort is being made to reduce waiting times for routine appointments.”
“I thank Deputy Clarke for the opportunity to address the House today on an issue that I know is of real importance to her constituents and to the midlands. I am taking this Topical Issue debate on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. The HSE recognises the vital importance of timely access to neurological services for patients across the midlands and acknowledges the significant impact that delays in accessing specialist care can have on patients and their families. The HSE has advised that, currently, neurological services for patients in the midlands are provided through a combination of local services at Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar and specialist regional neurological services.”
“As I said in my earlier contribution we have seen real, practical outcomes in regard to its implementation, such as with the Agri-Food Regulator legislation. SMEs employing fewer than 50 staff were excluded from the initial analysis in the employment permit system. Processes were simplified and digitalised and fees were made more flexible. As for regulatory thresholds, we have looked at turnover limits, which were introduced to protect small businesses from compliance costs. These are really practical and meaningful changes that directly benefit small businesses. Through the enhanced framework, every memorandum for Government must include a completed SME test or explicitly explain why one is not required. That is a fundamental shift in how we protect small businesses from undue cost burdens and regulatory impact.”
“The Minister, Deputy Burke, has been very vocal in ensuring it is in the Cabinet handbook that all Departments that are bringing memos to Government on new legislation or initiatives undertake the SME test to look at any untoward cost impact on businesses. It has been effective in its implementation so far.”
“I again thank the Deputy. The Minister, Deputy Burke, and I are looking at how we streamline the application processes for a lot of businesses and SMEs that take the opportunity to apply for grants. We have undertaken a simplification process to do with the LEOs. We are also looking at more systemic reform within the LEOs to make them more accessible to small businesses across the 31 local authorities. We will ensure that we engage with businesses to make sure their feedback feeds in to the enhancement process. That is really important. Overall, the SME test and the consistency of its application is really important.”
“For example, in the development of additional powers for the Agri-Food Regulator, engagement identified a potential burden on smaller firms, thereby resulting in small businesses with up to 50 full-time equivalent staff being excluded from the scope of the legislation. In our Department, its application to the employment permits Bill identified options to mitigate impacts on SMEs.”
“In addition, the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity commits that all Departments will apply the SME test to all measures and in particular to policy initiatives where it is proposed to increase costs on small business and include the SME test in the Government handbook. As for impact, we are seeing a growing and more consistent use of the SME test. In 2025, 33 SME tests were applied by ten Departments. This compares with 26 SME tests applied by eight Departments in 2024. The year-on-year growth of almost 27% in the number of tests applied in 2025 is a good indication the enhancements, implementation groups and Government commitments are having an impact. The SME test is influencing outcomes and helping small businesses in a practical way.”
“I thank the Deputy very much for the question. The SME test encourages policymakers across Government to apply the principle of thinking small first, to consider the impact any measures may have on SMEs and to mitigate any impacts where possible. This approach helps small businesses by ensuring new policies are designed in a way that supports SMEs and reduces unnecessary burdens on them. In May 2024, the Government committed to ensuring an enhanced SME test would be applied to all major new measures. In October 2024 the Government formally approved the enhanced SME test and guidelines. Under the current programme for Government we have committed to rigorously implementing the SME test to scrutinise every piece of legislation and regulation for its impact on SMEs.”
“IDA Ireland is doing a great job and the Minister, Deputy Burke, is actively working with the agency on a day-to-day basis.”
“It is important to build on tech, data centres and everything that goes with them for job creation. It is also important that the infrastructure and planning continue to evolve to meet the needs of the local regions and areas. There are various strategies that the Government is currently working on and that will be brought forward, such as the new national semiconductor strategy and the new life science strategy. There will also be investment in infrastructure through the national development plan. These are all important competitive measures that will set Ireland apart for future investments in our regions. We are competing globally. There is no denying that it has been a challenging period to attract more international companies here to Ireland.”
“I again thank the Deputies for their questions and their support for continued investment in the regions of Offaly and Galway. The Minister is continuing to progress the next generation sites. That is important. He is progressing the west, which is important, initially. I hope we will have an announcement shortly in that regard. It is important that what we announce is serviced. There is a plan to ensure the site can be energised and there is access to utilities, critical services, etc. At Government level, that memo has been brought and approved, but not yet announced. With regard to regional balance, the action plan for competitive productivity is important for how we continue to deliver the skills and talent within the regions. Offaly has had recent success with Bord na Móna's collaboration with Amazon.”
“This is about ensuring the high-value sectors Deputy Dolan talked about and the life sciences and semiconductor sectors, which create high-quality jobs and that anchor within regions, bring considerable employment but also act as a catalyst for indigenous companies to service the big multinationals. That is very important. We need to continue to work across government to make sure that happens.”
“I contend, in the knowledge that I am speaking to two rural TDs, that we are very much focused on ensuring the Government is investing but that investment benefits every region in the country. That is why over 57% of all new investments were based in regional Ireland. That is not accidental; that is a result of Government policy. It is also about targeting regional property development and the next-generation sites to ensure they are serviced and brought forward, but also that we have strategic planning from IDA Ireland and that IDA Ireland is considering all the four corners and not just at our main cities and thoroughfares.”
“I thank the Deputies for their questions. I absolutely agree that competitiveness is not just for today; it is about preparing for the next decade. That is really important. That is why the Government is developing Enterprise 2035, which will be a long-term strategy focused on enterprise growth while also ensuring we have widespread job creation throughout the regions. It will be focused on skills, lifelong learning, innovation, access to finance, digital and green transitions, and building resilience against the uncertainty within our global economy. We have seen from global shocks how exposed we are. We have had the trade and tariff wars. We have had the challenge of supply chain disruption with the Middle East.”
“My colleague, the Minister, Deputy Burke, will assume the chair of the EU Competitiveness Council in July and we will have an opportunity then to progress really important files to align with European ambition in this regard.”
“A total of 323 investments were secured by IDA Ireland during 2025, representing a 38% increase on the previous year and the highest number of projects on record secured by the agency. Employment in IDA Ireland client companies increased by 1.5% year on year in 2025 to 312,400. The Government is fully aware of the competitiveness challenges this country faces as we continue to compete for FDI. We are taking the necessary steps to position Ireland for the future and we will continue to place cost, planning, energy and research and development at the centre of forward-looking policymaking. Competitiveness is a matter for all of Europe. The Government announced last week our Presidency priorities, which are centred on three key areas: competitiveness, values and security.”
“Building on the excellent performance over the previous strategy, IDA Ireland is targeting 55% of investments in regional locations over the five years of the current strategy. Last year the Department launched Silicon Island: Ireland's National Semiconductor Strategy, which aims to make Ireland a global leader in semiconductors. The strategy promotes national policies and investments to further stimulate chip design and manufacturing capabilities. Later this year, we will also launch a national life sciences strategy, reflecting the level of importance of this sector to both foreign and domestic companies and the opportunities for its further development. Investment remains strong.”
“The action plan strengthens Ireland's attractiveness for FDI by improving the business environment through measures on innovation, skills, infrastructure and cost competitiveness, ensuring Ireland remains a stable, competitive and future-ready location for global investors. Complementing this approach is IDA Ireland's own strategy, Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation 2025–29. This strategy identifies clear opportunities for Ireland to win investment in key growth areas such as digitalisation and artificial intelligence, semiconductors, health and sustainability. This strategy reaffirms IDA Ireland's focus on maximising opportunities for existing and new clients to invest in regional locations.”
“I propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 149 together. FDI is a key element of our economic strategy, with investments by IDA Ireland client companies consistently generating high-skilled jobs nationwide. The Department works closely with IDA Ireland and other stakeholders to ensure a strong pipeline of FDI into Ireland. In light of the rapidly evolving global landscape and given the challenging international economic and trading environment, the Government is implementing a whole-of-government response to the challenges Ireland is facing, as set out in the Action Plan for Competitiveness and Productivity.”
“I take the Deputy's point that early planning is very important for businesses, and that is why we need advice from experts to develop the associated skill set but also the plan for how to adopt the technology, having regard to how important it will be for businesses.”
“I would certainly like to see more investment and I support the call made by the Deputy for having more centres of excellence in the west of Ireland around AI adoption. It is part of the Government’s policy for balanced regional development. I know the project in Dexcom, in the Deputy's area, is significant and needs to be supported. The new AI office will ensure that innovation is very much balanced and that safeguards are put in place. We are very much focused on the digital skills and talent area. We have one of the highest graduate levels in science, technology, engineering and maths, STEM, and we need to capitalise on this in respect of how AI is adopted.”