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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“We do all meet those types of business owners. However, the Government has looked at how we can respond and how we can support many businesses that are feeling the impact of rising costs. Through the cost of business advisory forum we have had SME representatives very much at the heart of reviewing the structural costs within their businesses and, indeed, we will be shaping the next phase of measures once that report comes before the Government. How we respond will be crucially important in terms of the practical measures and the evidence-based decisions. We are also undertaking a review in regard to the grants that are being administered through the local enterprise offices. We will have more details in the coming weeks on whether the grants are doing what they should be doing.”
“Access to these supports have also been simplified to the national enterprise hub that supports over 250 Government supports. Enterprise Ireland also continues to support job creation and indigenous enterprise growth right across Mayo, with over 6,500 people employed in Enterprise Ireland-supported companies.”
“In tourism and hospitality, which are critically important right across the country, Fáilte Ireland provides practical, cost-management supports including free food and beverage and energy costs toolkits and confidential one-to-one clinics. These supports are designed specifically to help small, seasonal operators protect margins, reduce waste and improve resilience. At a local level, the local enterprise office in Mayo plays a central role, and in 2025 alone it supported 200 client businesses and over 1,380 jobs, with a strong focus on competitiveness, digitalisation and energy efficiency. Mayo businesses have also seen a strong uptake in grants such as the energy efficiency grant, green for business, grow digital and LEAN for business.”
“As Deputy Keogh said, family-run and seasonal businesses are the backbone of rural economies like ours in County Mayo. They sustain employment, support tourism and hold communities together while often operating on tight margins and facing unique challenges linked to seasonality, distance and volatility. The Government fully recognises this reality. Rather than narrow, sector-specific schemes, our approach is to ensure that enterprise supports are flexible, accessible and responsive to businesses with different operating models, including those that are seasonal or family owned. My Department works closely with Fáilte Ireland, the local enterprise offices and Enterprise Ireland to help rural businesses extend trading seasons, manage costs, upskill staff and adapt to changing economic conditions.”
“That is why we have introduced A New Era for Irish Tourism, which is a five-year strategy that is backed with real money through a capital programme.”
“I reassure all our transport operators that the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, along with the Government, have introduced a substantial package of over €40 million a month to support our transport services, coach operators and haulage contractors. As someone who knows the importance of tourism in County Mayo, I look forward to Friday's launch of the Wild Mayo tourism strategy, which has a firm focus in regard to north Mayo and Achill Island. These are gems on the Wild Atlantic Way that we need to continue to promote and invest in. The Minister, Deputy Burke, has been working actively with Fáilte Ireland to drive our tourism programme to increase our visitor numbers because we know how vital it is to support more than 5,500 jobs locally. It also benefits the local economy to the tune of over €250 million.”
“We also have targeted schemes for transport operators, for agriculture, fisheries and contractors and SMEs dotted across our rural communities and across the country who need targeted supports at the most critical time of the season when they are very busy and have huge fuel consumption. We have put a real package of substance together to deal with the immediacy and the urgency in the here and now.”
“I thank the Deputy. I respect the concerns that she has raised, but do not accept the suggestion that we are leaving SMEs behind. Sinn Féin's talk around spending vast and wide in regard to budget surpluses is irresponsible. We have surpluses on the back of prudent and careful management of our economy. SMEs have been the beneficiaries in regard to the resources that we have at our disposal in recent weeks. These are designed precisely at a moment when our SMEs are exposed to fuel shocks at this magnitude. That is why we have ensured that we have seen reductions immediately at the pumps.”
“We are also ensuring access to finance through the growth and sustainability loan scheme, offering long-term, low-cost loans of up to €3 million. Finally, we are also tackling cost pressures structurally through the action plan on competitiveness and productivity and the cost of doing business advisory forum.”
“This is immediate, real relief at the pumps for businesses that cannot pass these costs on. However, we did not stop there. We also strengthened sector-specific supports where fuel is a non-negotiable input. These include an increase in the diesel rebate scheme, rising to 12 cent per litre; a new road transporter's support scheme for haulage and coach operators; and €100 million for a fuel subsidy support scheme for our farmers, contractors and fishers during peak fuel use months. These are targeted interventions. At the same time, we are backing SMEs to reduce their dependency on volatile fuel markets through SEAI grants, energy audits, business energy upgrades and supports for microgeneration. Firms are being helped to permanently reduce their operating costs.”
“I thank the Deputy for her question. The Government understands the pressures that rising fuel and energy costs are placing on small and medium enterprises, SMEs. These are not abstract figures. These are family businesses, local employers and community anchors in every town and village across our country. That is why the Government has acted quickly, decisively and in a targeted way. In March and April, we introduced a substantial package of fuel supports to the tune of €750 million to cushion businesses against the current fuel shocks. These include VAT inclusive reductions of up to 32 cent on diesel, 27 cent on petrol and 7.4 cent on green diesel, alongside a reduction in the NORA levy and the deferral of planned carbon tax increases until budget time.”
“That very much re-emphasises the Government's priority, which is to make sure remote working works for everyone and that those who want to work remotely have the legislative framework and code of practice under the WRC.”
“The numbers speak for themselves. Close to 1 million people work remotely in either blended or hybrid models. That is the reality. The shift since the Covid-19 pandemic has been enormous. It has been supported by the Government through the national remote working strategy. We have continued to roll out the national broadband plan, which will reach more than 1.1 million people in the most rural areas. That allows them to bridge the gap between jobs for which they might have to relocate to cities and jobs they can do at home. The Government has gone even further. We have legislated for the right to disconnect. The national hubs network has more than 400 remote working hubs nationwide and more than €3 billion has been invested in high-speed broadband.”
“While we are supporting workers, we are also ensuring business needs are met through challenging periods. That is really our focus as regards the right to request remote working.”
“The fuel crisis is exactly why flexibility matters. It is exactly why we introduced this legislation and, where remote or blended working is feasible, it can immediately reduce the cost of commuting and mean lower household expenses. It can also ease pressure on workers. We have put the legislative framework in place. It is already in use. It has been very beneficial to those who use it. At the same time, we have also introduced packages to support workers with energy costs. Remote working is part of the solution but it is not the only solution the Government has introduced to deal with the cost-of-energy crisis. Our approach is focused on the fact there are different realities in different workplaces. Not all jobs can be done remotely.”
“The review found that, when used, the legislation works effectively and that the majority of requests are approved either fully or partially, demonstrating that the legislation can facilitate compromise. The reported level of administrative burden is also low. However, the key findings also looked at the challenges around awareness, with fewer than half of employees being aware of their right to request remote working. As with Ireland’s broader suite of employment legislation, the legislation will be kept under ongoing review. However, providing a right to request strikes the right balance between flexibility and the need for businesses to remain competitive, profitable and viable.”
“Ireland was among the first in the EU to introduce a right to request remote working and this was commenced for all workers through the Work Life Balance Act 2024. The legislation is accompanied by a code of practice that provides guidance for employers and employees on how to comply with the legislation. My Department recently concluded a statutory review of the operation of the right to request remote working legislation and a report of the review was laid before the Houses in early March. The findings of the review were informed by a nationally representative survey, a public consultation that received more than 8,000 responses and engagement with the Workplace Relations Commission, WRC.”
“I thank the Deputy for her question. There has been a significant and lasting shift in attitudes towards remote working in recent years. Central Statistics Office data show that nearly 1 million people were working from home, either usually or sometimes, in the fourth quarter of 2025 and that figure has remained broadly stable since the pandemic. The national remote work strategy and Our Rural Future highlight the role remote working can play in expanding employment opportunities outside Ireland’s largest urban centres. The 2025 programme for Government reaffirms our commitment to this and recognises that flexible working arrangements can deliver economic, social and environmental benefits for workers and employers.”
“The progress made in recent years has been real and tangible. It demonstrates a clear commitment to fairness and dignity and the opportunities in the workplace. While challenges remain, the direction of travel is clear. We will continue to listen, to review and act ensuring that Ireland remains a country where good work is supported, workers are protected and enterprises can grow and provide sustainable employment. I commend these measures to the House and reaffirm the Government's ongoing commitment to building a labour market that works for every worker right across this country in every sector.”
“Ireland's action plan to promote collective bargaining represents a significant milestone. It reflects a renewed focus on social dialogue, effective employee representation and strong industrial relation institutions, all of which are the cornerstone of a stable, high-quality labour market. Through phased implementation, robust governance and close engagement with employers and trade unions, we are building an industrial relations framework that is both resilient, balanced and responsive to future challenges. It is also important to be clear about the fact that improving the quality of work does not fall to any single measure or piece of legislation. It requires steady and co-ordinated action across pay, work conditions, representation, enforcement and economic policy. This is precisely the approach that the Government continues to take.”
“These include substantial increases in the national minimum wage, continued progress towards a living wage, stronger regulation to sectorial employment orders and employment regulatory orders and enhanced protections for agency workers. Together, these measures demonstrate a sustained commitment to improve job quality and addressing insecurity at work. I also want to be clear that there are no constitutional or legal barriers preventing workers or employers in Ireland from freely exercising their right to collective bargaining where both parties choose to do so. The voluntary process is supported by an extensive statutory framework that underpins and reinforces collective bargaining, promotes constructive engagement between the social partners and ensures that dialogue and representation operate in a fair, structured and effective manner.”
“We have responded to profound changes in how people work through the right to request remote working and flexible working, enhanced protections around working times, strengthened sick pay entitlements and the right to disconnect. We have modernised our employment framework to reflect the change in the labour market. Where legislation has been introduced, the Government has committed not only to implement it but also to review it in order to ensure that measures operating as intended can be refined, where necessary. At the same time, decisive action has been taken to improve pay and conditions for low-paid and vulnerable workers.”
“I thank all the Deputies who contributed to this debate. I reiterate that the Government's approach to employment legislation in recent years has been deliberate, balanced and firmly grounded in the lived realities of both workers and employers. Across remote and flexible working, sick leave, pay, collective bargaining and sector specific protections, we have pursued reforms that strengthen security predictability and fairness at work, while also recognising the need to maintain competitiveness and economic sustainability. Importantly, these reforms are not developed in isolation. They are informed by research consultation with social partners, engagement with regulators and evidence gathered through statutory reviews and economic analysis.”
“5 is a minor technical correction to ensure accurate cross-referencing within section 13 and to reflect the current title of the Act. It has no policy affect.”
“The amendment also further provides comprehensive protections for existing staff and all current employees are deemed to have been appointed under the new statutory framework with the clear guarantee that their existing terms and conditions, including remuneration, will be no less favourable than before. Crucially, previous service with Microfinance Ireland continues to be fully reckonable for the purpose of a wide range of employment protection legislation ensuring continuity of rights and avoidance of any detriment arising from the transition to a new governance framework. Overall, this is a necessary and proportionate change that strengthens governance and provides legal certainty and supports Microfinance Ireland in continuing to operate as a professional, accountable, State-backed lender. Amendment No.”
“It is also important to note that the amendments build on the governance arrangements that are already in place and that Microfinance Ireland already complies with the code of practice for the governance of State bodies, is subject to the audit of the Comptroller and Auditor General and operates within established public sector accountability and ethics frameworks. The amendments also include standard public sector safeguards where a staff member is elected or nominated to public office. In such cases, the individual is placed on secondment without pay and the period does not reckon for superannuation. These provisions protect the political neutrality of the organisation and are consistent with practices across the wider public sector.”
“These amendments insert new sections, 16A and 16B, into the Microenterprise Loan Fund Act 2012. It puts the staffing arrangements of Microfinance Ireland on a clear statutory footing. It also provides explicitly in legislation for Microfinance Ireland to appoint staff and to determine grades, numbers, terms and conditions, including pay, subject at all times to ministerial approval and public expenditure consent. It strengthens governance and accountability while allowing the organisation to operate effectively.”
“The amendments in group 1 are technical Government amendments. Amendment No. 1 is grouped with amendments Nos. 2, 3 and 6 to 11, inclusive. These amendments update the references throughout the Bill to reflect the revised title of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and the associated Departments and the revised title of the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, as provided for in the relevant statutory instrument.”
“To answer the question, we met as recently as yesterday in regard to it. We hope to have the review published before the end of the year. I understand the urgency around it. We listen to the frustration from communities that are giving their time and energy in trying to get these projects off the ground. We are very much committed to the community-enabling grants. That has not changed and we want to ensure that anything we implement is legally sound and can be delivered safely. That is why we have an independent technical review - the tariff review - under way. Once that is complete, processing enabling grants will be a priority. We will have clarity and certainty for the communities that want to deliver these projects because we know how beneficial they are and we know what impact they will have locally.”
“The Government is very much working to ensure that we can have more viable projects in the pipeline and that they can be delivered faster and with certainty, protect communities and are designed to be simple in nature while having maximum impact.”
“I fully accept that the uptake must increase. I know there is one project in Kerry and there is also a project in my own constituency of Mayo. That is exactly what we are working to do, to unlock the barriers. In terms of our commitment, we are reviewing whether 100% community ownership remains the right model. We are also examining options of partnership between communities and developers, and also aligning the tariffs and supports for projects, that they are deliverable, bankable and compliant. We have to do this within the parameters of getting state aid rules right, to ensure we are not putting communities at any financial risk.”
“In February 2026, my Department commenced a review of the tariffs available under SRESS. This review is being undertaken to ensure the scheme continues to provide appropriate support. It is expected that the review will be completed later this year. In the meantime, the existing SRESS rates continue to be available and apply until the review process is complete.”
“These guides cover various issues such as community groups and governance, stakeholder engagement, business planning and grid connection. The SEAI has also undertaken 13 county-level grid studies to help communities identify economically viable connection areas. In 2025, my Department published an assessment of barriers and potential of development of renewable energy communities, as required by the renewable energy directive. My Department has also secured funding under the European Commission's technical support instrument to further assess barriers and propose recommendations to further support community energy development. This assessment is being carried out by the OECD, with initial policy recommendations due this year, which will help inform future policy approaches.”
“The programme for Government commits to promoting the SRESS to simplify market access for communities, SMEs and farmer-owned solar and wind projects. The SRESS export tariff is designed for community, SME and farmer export-only projects above 50 kW to 6 MW. SRESS offers a simpler route to market for those groups, with fixed tariffs for solar and wind. All export projects up to 1 MW can also apply to SRESS, and need not be community, SME or farmer-owned projects. To further support communities, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, provides a range of supports to develop renewable energy projects, including free access to specialist technical advisers and free comprehensive guides, available on the SEAI website.”
“We are trying to have a civil conversation on oral parliamentary questions. As I said earlier, we have reduced our CO2 emissions below 1990 baseline figures for the second consecutive year, and we are making significant progress on expanding home retrofits and bringing more renewable energy on stream. The best response we have made in recent years is that our emissions are falling. That is the reality. Our investment is unprecedented, and we want to do even more. Our policies are being implemented across all sectors, including energy, homes, transport and land use. Most importantly, in the here and now, we have not paid 1 cent in EU fines, absolutely not. Not €1 has been diverted away from public services. No cheques have been written by the Government in that regard. That is because we have chosen to act, not to delay or deny.”
“As I said earlier, we are making significant progress and we need to continue that pace and ensure that we have full delivery of all planned measures in regard to our legally binding targets. That is exactly what we are intending to do. Let us be clear, we have the policies and the necessary funding in place and the governance is being strengthened. The Government has continued to remove blockages and accelerate projects. We have focused on the -impact actions. We have a climate action plan that is more focused, covering the carbon budget period. We will also have implementation oversight. We want to ensure that we continue to upgrade homes, bring more renewable generation on stream and have cleaner transport. That is our focus and that is responsible government.”
“Furthermore, the Government has approved an investment of €18.9 billion in our electricity grid which underpins our continued roll out of clean energy.”
“As the data requested by the Deputy covers a ten-year period, and given time constraints, I will provide him with a tabular statement setting out the exact emissions data for each year, as requested, and confine myself now to highlighting the most significant trends from the data. The year 2024 marks the second successive year that our national emissions have fallen below the 1990 baseline. The 2024 figures follow a substantial 4 Mt CO2 equivalent reduction in 2023, the largest annual reduction since 2010 to 2011. This demonstrates that our climate policies are taking effect. The delivery mechanisms underpinning these emissions reductions include a fivefold increase in renewable capacity since 2005 and a rapid uptake in EVs and retrofits.”
“The Government is committed to delivering on Ireland's responsibility to address the climate crisis. Work remains ongoing across Departments to carry out climate mitigation efforts every day. The roll-out of retrofitting, renewable energy and more affordable electric vehicles, EVs, continues at pace. Ireland now has the lowest level of greenhouse gas emissions in over 35 years, despite a population increase of more than 1.5 million, an additional 1 million new homes and 1 million extra vehicles on our roads. The Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, compiles Ireland's national greenhouse gas emissions inventories.”
“The Bill will also ensure that microenterprises that rely on Microfinance Ireland can continue to access essential finance when it is most needed. We have seen significant results in regard to Microfinance Ireland. Over 6,000 loans have been approved and over 11,800 jobs supported, with grants of over €102 million already distributed. I look forward to Senators' continued engagement as the Bill progresses to Committee Stage. I thank them again for their contributions.”
“Bringing the organisation into State ownership will ensure a clearer alignment with the wider enterprise support system and strengthen its collaboration with the local enterprise offices. That is important because we know that when many businesses start up they engage with the local enterprise offices, which have a local reach in our towns and villages. The LEOs also give free advice which will now be even more structured. They play a central role in supporting small businesses in our localities. By establishing the foundations through this Bill, we are enabling Microfinance Ireland to expand its capacity, extend its reach and continue to be responsive to needs and demands right across our economy.”
“To Senator Lynch's point on a review of the current €50,000 limit, we will certainly keep that under consideration and review and assess the appropriateness of responding to the needs of businesses. It is important that when this organisation is set up its board and CEO will be accountable to the Oireachtas and the Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and there will be exchanges on what we are hearing in our communities, through the different chambers of commerce and business organisations, about the appropriateness of that limit. We can discuss this further as the Bill progresses. As I said earlier, the measures in the Bill place Microfinance Ireland on a more secure and sustainable footing for the years ahead.”
“For the rest of the week, which is even better again. I thank all the Senators who have contributed to this debate and for their constructive and positive tone in regards to the transfer of Microfinance Ireland into State ownership. Many Senators have outlined the vital role the organisation plays in supporting small businesses with the challenges that many of them have when starting out through assessing their financial model and ensuring they have access to capital when it is required in order that they can bring ideas, determination and talent to the next stage of their business journey. That is essentially what we are all trying to achieve in this Bill.”
“Their collaboration, insight and commitment in supporting microenterprises has been essential in shaping this legislation. The Bill secures the long-term future of MFI. It strengthens its governance and modernises the framework within which it operates. Most importantly, it ensures that the small businesses right across this country, which often face the biggest challenges, can continue to access fair, reliable and transparent finance. I commend it to this House.”
“The additional provisions have been included in the amendments, which aim to designate the staff of MFI as public servants following its transition to public ownership and to provide transitional provisions for existing staff. The amendments aim to unequivocally establish that both current and future staff of MFI are public servants and are covered by relevant legislation. This may be a technical Bill but what it delivers is far more than technical. Every MFI loan represents real belief in an entrepreneur and a meaningful boost to local enterprise. Time and again, MFI has helped someone to protect a job, create new employment and keep a business trading. Ensuring that the framework supports this work is essential. I acknowledge the work of the SFF and MFI.”
“Section 13 provides for the preparation of a superannuation scheme for MFI's staff which must be approved by the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. This is an important step in providing staff with appropriate protections as MFI moves to a State footing. Overall, these measures strengthen MFI's governance and ensure that the organisation has a secure and modern framework as it continues its important work. I flag my intention to make amendments to the Bill on Committee Stage. Since the publication of the Bill, my Department has received legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General that the Bill's current provisions with respect to share transfer, governance and superannuation would benefit from some further enhancements.”
“The Bill will also set out the size of the board, the quorum required for meetings and the usual provisions concerning allowances, resignations and removals, as well as measures to ensure continuity during this transition. In addition, the Bill provides for the appointment of a CEO. This CEO will be appointed by the board with the consent of the Minister. The legislation defines the terms, responsibilities and oversight arrangements for the role. The Bill also makes clear that the CEO will be accountable to the Committee of Public Accounts and the Oireachtas committee on enterprise, ensuring there is transparency in line with public sector expectations. A further element of the Bill concerns staff pensions.”
“Once this transfer is complete, MFI will no longer be regarded as a subsidiary of the foundation. To give effect to this change, the Bill makes a series of technical amendments to the 2012 Act, replacing references to "the subsidiary" with "Microfinance Ireland". Section 9 of the Bill updates the governance arrangements for MFI. While MFI already operates with many of the features you would expect in a State-supported body, the move to full State ownership means some changes are needed. At the moment, the SFF appoints the board. Under the new arrangement, the responsibility will rest with the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, who will appoint the chairperson and the directors.”
“This review concluded that bringing MFI directly into State ownership would provide clearer accountability, stronger alignment between governance and funding, and greater certainty for the organisation's future. The Government has accepted that recommendation. Following engagement with the Department's review, SFI has agreed that MFI should transition into full State ownership. I acknowledge and thank SFI and MFI for their constructive engagement throughout this process. The Bill proposes to amend the Microfinance Loan Fund Act 2012 to give legislative effect to MFI's transition to State ownership. The Bill updates the 2012 Act to reflect MFI's transition to full State ownership. A key part of this is the transfer of MFI's authorised share capital from the SFF to the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.”
“Since 2021, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland has taken on the role of providing a debt facility to MFI. Furthermore, the 2020 amendments to the Microenterprise Loan Fund Act subsequently expanded MFI's financial capacity, increasing its debt fund ceiling from €25 million to €100 million and raising the permitted level of Exchequer support from €25 million to €95 million. The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment is accountable for any Exchequer funding to MFI. With the funding model for MFI evolving and its continued expansion, the Department undertook a review of the organisation's governance arrangements to identify the most appropriate long-term structure.”