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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“This new modern capacity allows for the integration of a large volume of wind and solar energy projects that displace the need to run fossil fuel plants and thus reduce wholesale market prices. This capacity is procured through competitive auctions in the all-island capacity remuneration mechanism, and the most recent auction delivered a range of technologies, including long-duration storage and demand-side responses which lessen Ireland's dependence on fossil fuel imports.”
“Our intent is to deliver a balanced approach to facilitating additional demand for energy while also ensuring the competitiveness of our energy system. It should be noted that the core driver of high energy bills for Irish households, consumers and businesses in recent years has been high wholesale energy prices. Ireland is a price taker on international energy markets and the rise in wholesale gas prices since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the connections between gas and electricity prices has, therefore, had a serious impact on householders' energy costs. Delivery of modern, flexible, detachable generation capacity is important to support a high renewable electricity system.”
“I thank the Deputy for the question. The programme for Government acknowledges the increased energy cost pressures on households and businesses, and aims to bring forward a number of measures to help contain energy costs. These include ard taxation measures to help contain energy costs. We have established a cross-government energy affordability task force to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses. We will also carry out a review of the regulatory framework with a view to increasing Ireland's overall supply and interdependence. The Government also recognises that data centres are critically important infrastructure for our modern economy. They provide the foundation for almost all online aspects of life.”
“It presents a real opportunity to unlock, produce and consume electricity more efficiently. I have no doubt there is significant opportunity in Ireland, with a lot of tech companies using AI and with their data centres, for us to enhance our competitiveness. We can also reduce our emissions. It is the technology of the future. We have set out the principles within Government that new data centre grid connections will be considered by system operators on a case-by-case basis. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities, CRU, is in place to conduct a review of connections of large energy users. We are using every lever at our disposal to ensure we do this in a sustainable manner that does not impact on our climate ambition but ensures tech companies, which as I said create thousands of jobs, are supported and secured.”
“It is the Government's preference for data centres to demonstrate decarbonisation in their design and additionality around renewable energy usage. That has been discussed with the sector and the IDA to provide a balance in continuing economic growth, ensuring that the future of tech companies, which provide thousands of jobs to this country, can be secured.”
“There has been a commonality in People Before Profit to demonise data centres. I just saw the Deputy using her phone. Phones are central to everything data centres present around AI and online storage. They are critical to the infrastructure of a modern economy in Ireland. We will continue to deliver a balanced approach to facilitate additional demand for energy by data centres. The Government has outlined clear principles for sustainable data centre development. In July 2022, we published the Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Strategy. It provided clear guidance to decision-makers in the planning process and encouragement for the data centre sector to implement decarbonised energy solutions and increase efficiency.”
“In its greenhouse gas emissions projections report, published in May 2024, the buildings sector was projected to overachieve on its target of a 45% reduction in emissions between 2018 and 2030 by 15% in a with-additional-measures scenario. However, the EPA projected the electricity sectoral emissions ceiling could underachieve a target of 75% emissions reduction from 2018 to 2030 by 9% in a with-additional-measures scenario.”
“Ireland, similarly, has ambitious climate goals and the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act has set us on a legally binding path to net zero emissions no later than 2050 and to a 51% reduction in emissions by the end of this decade. Ireland also has very ambitious goals in relation to economic growth, digitalisation and data centre development. Emissions from data centres are captured under the electricity and buildings sectoral emissions ceilings, corresponding to their primary and secondary energy supply respectively. According to the EPA’s Provisional Greenhouse Gas Emissions 1990-2023 report, annual emission reductions of 10.3% are required for 2024-2025 in the electricity sector to achieve compliance with the sectoral emission ceiling for the carbon budget 1 period, and 2.9% for the buildings sector.”
“I thank the Deputy for her question. Ireland has attracted the best data centres and tech companies in the world. This is a really important relationship and the Government continues to work with the sector towards a secure and decarbonised energy future. However, data centres, like all large energy users, have to exist within the boundaries of our climate legislation and targets. The programme for Government addresses the challenges regarding the sustainability of data centres by committing to allowing data centres that contribute to both economic growth and effective grid use by enhancing the use of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency technology and energy-effective solutions.”
“Regarding the tariffs and challenges we have regarding the all-Ireland economy, we are working to ensure that supply chains on the island, which are deeply connected and integrated, are supported as we face the challenges ahead.”
“In the US, more than 770 Irish companies are now creating more than 200,000 jobs. We are the sixth largest investor in the US. This is extremely important if we look at the scale of what Ireland has to offer and the mutual relationship between the countries. Additionally, Ireland has certainly built a strong reputation for global business and this is based on more than just our tax policy. Global companies are certainly here not because of tax loopholes but because Ireland is a launch pad for many of them to have their EU headquarters based here and have access to the block of more than 450 million citizens. This is not going to change. I am confident Ireland can remain a compelling destination for investment well into the future.”
“-----to the current unemployment rates, nor to the more than 2.8 million people now employed in our economy. Indeed, these FDI companies support our strong indigenous companies. Indirectly, we have seen thousands of-----”
“In one sense, the Deputies need to reflect on that point. It is quite disrespectful and incorrect to describe these companies as what the Deputies have described them. They need to reflect on this point. Certainly, no reference was made-----”
“They are not providing political solutions to the challenges we face. I wonder whether the Deputies have met many of these high-quality employees who provide a unique service to these companies that are extremely important to rural Ireland. If we look at the number of jobs in the regions, these companies provide more than 31,000 jobs in the west. More than 16 companies, as I said, are providing more than 5,500 jobs. These are, then, far from transitional jobs-----”
“I think the simple answer is "No". FDI has been an integral part of our economic success. We have many sites throughout the country where leading global companies are playing a key role in providing goods and services that underpin our modern global economy. It is concerning that Aontú has described the high-quality employment provided by many of these large FDI and multinational companies by referring to their profitability receipts as bargain basement. This is a commonality Deputy Tóibín has brought up in this Dáil numerous times. I remind Deputy Tóibín, from County Meath, and Deputy Lawless, from County Mayo, that these are counties that are home to many of these multinational companies. There are 16 companies in County Mayo supporting more than 5,500-----”
“Ireland's economy is currently robust and we must not lose sight of this amid the noise. Our public finances are in good order, our employment levels remain strong and our investment attractiveness is undiminished. We remain one of the top countries globally for competitiveness. We have a young, skilled and mobile workforce and we offer stability, legal certainty and a strong regulatory environment. We are also the largest English-speaking country in the EU, with access to more than 450 million consumers. We have proven time and again that we can respond to disruption not with panic but with purpose. We have navigated previous crises in the past, be it Brexit or Covid, with strong leadership and know-how. This moment is no different. Some have asked whether our model of foreign direct investment is under threat.”
“Following the announcement of the new tariffs, the Tánaiste immediately convened the Government's trade forum. This meeting brought together key Ministers, enterprise bodies and business leaders to shape and inform about potential risks. Additionally, it sought to ensure that we have a co-ordinated response. The development of a detailed trade diversification action plan was agreed, which will support Irish exporters in exploring new markets, while also leveraging existing EU trade agreements and strengthening our international presence. We will continue to assess the exposure of sectors to these tariffs. Our enterprise agencies stand ready to assist. Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and our diplomatic network will keep supporting firms in accessing alternative markets, navigating new trade conditions and adapting their strategies.”
“This visit is not just symbolic but a vital opportunity for the Government to reiterate our message that these tariffs are harmful to both sides and create unnecessary economic pain and there is still time to de-escalate through negotiations. The Tánaiste will also raise the crucial role played by companies based in Ireland in US pharmaceutical supply chains. This is a reminder that in today's world, economic interdependencies run deep. Indeed, this is a sector that starkly demonstrates that punitive trade barriers not only hurt foreign exporters but also damage domestic supply chains, customer access and health services. Several Deputies raised concerns about the potential impact of these developments on Irish businesses, especially SMEs. I reassure the Dáil that the Government is taking these concerns very seriously.”
“This is very much welcome. The Government has conveyed at every opportunity our sensitivities in this regard to the European Commission. The approach at the EU level is determined and disciplined. Ireland has helped to shape this response, not with threats or treaties, but with strategy, solidarity and sustained engagement. As the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, referred to earlier, our efforts to de-escalate this dispute also extend to direct contact with the Government of the United States. The Tánaiste recently had a call with the US Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, and will meet him in Washington DC today. Indeed, the Tánaiste spearheaded several engagements prior to the announcement of this series of tariffs with the trade ministers of many EU member states sharing similar economies and sectorial challenges.”
“There was an unequivocal message of unity around the table that the EU's response would be firm, proportionate and measured and that the EU would continue to seek negotiations and dialogue with the US. At that meeting, the European Commission updated Ministers on the timeline and the scope of potential countermeasures, including those designed in response to earlier US tariffs on steel, aluminium and derivative products that took effect in March. It was confirmed that the intention was to proceed with counterbalancing measures, which are expected to take effect from 15 April. It is also important to note that the countermeasures have been designed to reflect the EU's commitment to targeted and proportionate responses. We understand that dairy and spirits products have been removed from the list of EU countermeasures.”
“Several themes have emerged throughout this debate, including concerns around sectorial vulnerabilities, questions about Ireland's preparedness, fears about our place in the global economy and legitimate anxiety about what the next developments might mean for jobs, investment and growth. Let me address some of these themes. Ireland is a full and equal partner in contributing to the European Union's collective response. In doing so from the outset of this trade dispute, we have been both a vocal and a constructive voice at the table, ensuring that the EU's approach is a measured and proportionate response. Alongside his counterparts for all 27 member states, the Tánaiste attended an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on trade last Monday.”
“I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach and wish her luck in her new role chairing the Dáil. I thank all the Deputies for their engagement in today's debate. The interventions we heard reflect not only the gravity of the current situation, but also the breadth of concerns across the Dáil for our economy, our trading relationships and Ireland's place in a changing world. We are all experiencing and getting to grips with a fundamental change in how the world's largest economy has decided, at least for now, to conduct its trade policy. The implications of a blanket 20% tariff on all EU goods represent the most serious challenge to transatlantic economic relationships in generations.”
“The Senator should also be aware that there would be a significant cost. Indeed, in budget 2025 we increased the thresholds across groups A and B to the tune of €88 million. We will continue to review it. Options are also available for setting CAT thresholds. This must be balanced against competing demands. As with all tax matters, the Department of Finance will consider the CAT exemption levels and related group thresholds throughout the process and will advise the Minister accordingly.”
“I again thank the Senator for her contribution on this issue. I note the concerns she raised in her contributions. The Minister for Finance and his Department, however, are satisfied as to the constitutionality of the existing CAT legislation. It should also be noted that contrary to the Senator's arguments, there are exemptions in place currently for CAT. This is the case where dwelling houses can be provided to individuals, in the context of people who have passed on, who have lived in the dwellings in question for a specific time before the inheritance and will continue to live in the houses for a specific period afterwards. There are, therefore, exemptions in place now. There are no proposals at this time to make any changes to the existing arrangements to address the particular matters referred to.”
“The relief allows a niece or nephew who qualifies for the relief to avail of the group A threshold. Qualifying nieces or nephews are those who have worked substantially on a full-time basis for a period of five years prior to the gift or inheritance being given in carrying on, or assisting in the carrying on, the trade, business or profession of the disponer. The Senator should note that the existing CAT regime, as with all legislation, was created with the benefit of advice from the Attorney General. In this regard, all legislation enjoys the presumption of constitutionality unless the courts determine otherwise. Superior courts review the constitutionality of legislation when specific cases are presented. Therefore, we do not believe the current CAT is unconstitutional.”
“Where a person takes an inheritance of a dwelling house, that person may be able to avail of the dwelling house exemption. To qualify for the exemption, the inherited property must have been the disponer’s principal private residence at the date of death. The beneficiary must also have lived in the house for three years prior to the date of the inheritance and must continue to live in the house for six years after that date. In addition, the beneficiary must not have a beneficial interest in any other residential property. Detailed guidance on the dwelling house exemption is published on the Revenue website. In addition, nieces or nephews of that disponer may qualify for favourite niece or favourite nephew relief in respect of gifts or inheritances of business assets.”
“All can avail of the group A threshold in respect of gifts and inheritances received from that disponer. The group B threshold, currently €40,000, applies where the beneficiary is a brother, sister, nephew, niece or lineal ancestor or lineal descendant, such as a grandchild of the disponer. The group C threshold, currently €20,000, applies in all other cases. Where a person receives gifts or inheritances in excess of the relevant tax-free threshold, CAT at a rate of 33% applies on the excess benefit. There are several exemptions and reliefs from this tax that may apply depending on the circumstances of the case, some of which do not require that any specific family relationship applies. One such exemption is the CAT dwelling house exemption.”
“I thank the Senator for her question. I note the concerns and cases raised. I am taking this Commencement matter on behalf of the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe. As the Senator stated, CAT is a beneficiary-orientated tax payable by the recipient of a gift or inheritance, as opposed to the person providing that gift or inheritance. For CAT purposes, the relationship between the person giving a gift or inheritance, the disponer, and the person who receives it, the beneficiary, determines the maximum amount, known as the “group threshold”, below which CAT does not arise. The group A threshold, currently €400,000, applies where the beneficiary is a child of the disponer. For clarity, it is useful to note the definition for children for CAT purposes includes any stepchildren, adopted children or certain foster children.”
“I understand the Deputy's frustration and the passion he has for the delivery of this in the areas he represents. However, there has been significant progress in the priority areas such as deployment to schools and enterprise hubs and in ensuring that they have the right manpower in each of the areas to cover each of the regions. We have seen the success in many communities in terms of what the connection to NBI has made to the lives of those who need it. I will take the points the Deputy raised. NBI has opened an Oireachtas line for any engagement regarding potential timelines. I will take the Deputy's feedback back to NBI and ensure that we have continuous monitoring of the surveys, build and construction and that those who order or preorder get connected in a timely manner.”
“All households and businesses will be covered by a gigabit network no later than 2028. In parallel with the NBI plan, we are making significant progress to strengthen and build more resilience into our telecommunications system.”
“The Deputy raised an important point. NBI has done a tremendous job on the roll-out. It is an all-of-Ireland contract across each of the Twenty-six Counties and significant progress has been made, as I said. More than 65,000 homes, farms and businesses are being moved to early completion dates in 2025, nine months earlier than had been originally scheduled, so NBI has made significant progress. I come from a rural constituency and there are people in deployment areas who have to wait that bit longer while they see their neighbours being connected up the road. It is just the nature of the contract that NBI has engaged in. There are other elements within the Department around the digital connectivity strategy where we are looking at the roll-out of 5G across the country by 2030.”
“The NBI is now passing more than 10,000 new homes and businesses with high-speed broadband every month, which leaves the NBI plan well placed to completed by the end of 2026 and within budget.”
“The NBI roll-out will include the Dunmanway, Ballingeary and Carriganimmy deployment areas, with 4,391, 874 and 4,061 premises, respectively. Dunmanway is at survey complete stage with a timeline of July 2026. Ballingeary is also at the survey complete stage with a timeframe of July 2026 to December 2026, and Carriganimmy deployment is at the survey under way stage with a timeline of July 2026 to December 2026. The NBI has maintained momentum across the State throughout 2024 and the roll-out is progressing ahead of schedule, with more than 326,000 premises available for connection at the end of 2024, and more than 420,000 forecast for the end of 2025.”
“I thank Deputy Moynihan for raising this important issue. The national broadband plan, NBP, is the Government's initiative to deliver high-speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland. National Broadband Ireland is connecting more than 4,000 homes each month. In the Deputy’s own county of Cork, more than 36,490 premises are passed with a high-speed broadband network and 40,345 are available to order or preorder, with 12,891 premises now connected. A further 45,505 premises in Cork will be passed by the NBI’s high-speed broadband by the end of the contract. In addition, 91 schools are connected to high-speed broadband through the strategic connection points. Further details are available on specific areas within County Cork and can be monitored via the NBI's website and email.”
“This is something that the Department is engaging with the industry on, including with many of the key stakeholders in the industry who are working in the area of hydrogen itself, along with the Health and Safety Authority, HSA. We are working on this from a safety point of view, as well as in terms of best practice to ensure that we have the best and safest practices going forward. As regards the actions, milestones and the ownership timelines and dependencies, a working group is currently in place which was established around the three pillars of safety and regulations infrastructure, the integrated energy system market, and commercialisation. That group is tasked with the ultimate delivery of these milestones and actions. We are currently working on these themes through the working group.”
“That is really important. Later this year we will provide further clarity on the programme once it is approved in the second quarter of 2025.”
“Certainly, the potential is enormous. I talked to the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and officials about this really important matter yesterday. Work has commenced on the implementation of the strategy in parallel with the delivery of many of the 21 actions currently in place that I outlined earlier. The delivery and commencement programme this year will be an important step forward in that regard and will ultimately be key to the long-term success of this sector. We have a very ambitious renewable energy programme and hydrogen is a key component of that. A number of key Government stakeholders are involved, including the Departments of transport and enterprise. They are all playing their part in trying to bring forward the best possible programme to ensure that we have proper management and governance and that we can deliver on our actions.”
“Implementation will involve a number of Departments including the Department of Transport and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and other stakeholders. Careful planning and management structures are essential. Once completed, further clarity on the status of all actions set out within the strategy and the annual work programmes to deliver on these will be communicated. It is expected that the detailed implementation plan will be finalised in quarter 2 of this year.”
“These actions aim to remove barriers to early hydrogen project developments and to enhance our knowledge through targeted research and innovation across the hydrogen value chain, laying the groundwork to deliver on our long-term strategic vision. These actions have varying timelines for completion by 2030 and work has started on a number of them. These include identifying the amount of surplus renewable energy that will be available for hydrogen production, putting in place the legal and regulatory framework for this new industry, and examining the feasibility of exporting hydrogen. We are currently finalising a detailed implementation plan for the multi-year work programme set out in the strategy to ensure appropriate governance arrangements are in place to support delivery of the actions set out within the strategy.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. The national hydrogen strategy was published in July 2023 and is our first major policy statement on renewable hydrogen. It marks an important first step in developing an indigenous hydrogen industry in Ireland. The strategy sets out our strategic vision for the role that hydrogen will play in Ireland’s energy system and as a key component of our zero-carbon economy. The three primary strategic reasons for developing an indigenous hydrogen sector in Ireland are to decarbonise our economy, enhance our energy security, and create industrial and export market opportunities. There are 21 actions set out within the strategy to enable the development of the hydrogen sector in Ireland.”
“We have a really strong track record in respect of our Office of Government Procurement and contract obligations. I am not aware of the situation the Deputy has raised with the company in question. There is a cohort of mechanisms in place within the employment law framework here in Ireland in conjunction with the Labour Court and the WRC, and also within the Departments of enterprise and social protection. If there are any issues the Deputy would like to raise with me, I can take them off-line.”
“We have national rules governing public procurement that must comply with EU requirements, as I said earlier. It is important also to note that employment law and its enforcement, both public and private, is a matter for the State authorities including the WRC and the Labour Court in conjunction with the Departments of enterprise and of social protection.”
“I thank the Deputy. I am not fully familiar with the Veolia situation. The current approach is comprehensive, adequate and proportionate and aligns with the EU principles of openness, fairness and transparency. With all State contracts, each bidder in the procurement process must sign a statement confirming that if it is awarded any service contract, it will in the performance of that contract comply with all applicable obligations in the field of labour law and social and environmental law. That is really important. During the life cycle of the contract, the contract manager has the power to act in respect of breaches by contractors of employment or law obligations. That can lead to termination of the contract. There are severe consequences in place for those who do not comply with their legal obligations.”
“Following contract award, contractors are required to ensure ongoing compliance with the contract provisions, including those relating to employment law. If required, the contractor must furnish information relating to the terms and conditions of the employment of all persons providing the services. Where the contractor fails to comply with their obligations under the contract and fails to remedy the situation, the contract can be terminated.”
“These obligations apply at the place where the works are carried out or where services are provided. They are established by EU and national law, collective agreements or by international, environmental, social, and labour law. The Office of Government Procurement, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General and the Chief State Solicitor’s Office, provides guidance and a suite of procurement documentation to help contracting authorities to ensure that successful tenderers and subcontractors comply with all such applicable obligations. As part of the procurement process, my Department checks compliance with the tendering documentation, including all tenderer’s declarations and statements.”
“I thank Deputy Coppinger for raising this important matter. My Department complies with public procurement guidelines for goods and services and relevant EU and national legal requirements and obligations. The aim of these European and national rules is to promote an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which delivers best value for money. Public procurement rules include provisions that require a tenderer to meet certain standards when applying for public contracts. Applicants are required to make declarations in relation to their financial and legal standing and in relation to payment of taxes and social contributions. Procurement regulations require tenderers to comply with applicable obligations in the fields of environmental, social and labour law.”
“This aspect needs to be factored in before we make any decision concerning the implementation or abolition of the subminimum youth rates. We will take this in the context of moving forward in the months to come.”
“Go raibh maith agat. It is an issue I have raised with the Department in preparation for today's Oral Questions. We do want this economic impact assessment to be provided, evaluated and reviewed. As I said, we have made substantial increases in the national minimum wage. The current system for youth rates is a percentage of the full minimum wage. They have also seen an increase in recent times. We have also made progressive changes in policies impacting all workers across all ranges, including banning zero-hour contracts, enacting the tips legislation and learning from the pandemic around statutory sick pay. We have, therefore, undertaken substantial measures. However, we must also consider the real impact, cost and competitive pressures on certain sectors, such as in hospitality, retail and accommodation.”
“It has been referred to the issues we need to assess. We have made substantial support available and given a commitment to support workers. We have a very strong record of introducing new workers' rights and we have also seen the introduction of many measures relating to the minimum wage, requests for remote working and statutory sick leave, as well as tips and gratuities which was a recent progressive initiative undertaken by the Government.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta. Certainly, it is a more nuanced issue than he is suggesting. It is really important that our Department compiles the economic impact assessment which will provide more up-to-date data. The previous Low Pay Commission and ESRI reports on the use of subminimum rates were back in 2022. We want to independently evaluate the economic impact. We also want to model the impact on making the changes to the youth rates on firms of different sizes and in different sectors, such as accommodation, hospitality and retail, and also within the regions. We also want to examine any potential unintended impact from making changes, such as an increase in unemployment of youth workers and also the possibility of young people exiting formal education in favour of entering the workforce. It is complex.”