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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“Microfinance Ireland has continued to expand its role as a vital source of finance for small businesses and as demand for MFI’s lending increased, it became necessary to consider whether the structures put in place back in 2012 remained appropriate. The original Act provided for MFI to operate as a subsidiary of the SFF. The SFF, created in 2007 with support from the banking sector, provided loan funding to community and social enterprises and operated under the aegis of the Department of Finance. It also provided the debt facility that supported MFI’s early lending activity, complemented by Exchequer funding. However, the landscape in which MFI operates has changed significantly. The SFF no longer falls under the Department of Finance and no longer provides loan funding to Microfinance Ireland.”
“The impact has been significant. We have seen loan approvals rise by 55% compared with the same period last year, which is a clear sign these supports are making a real difference in our communities. MFI also offers structured post-approval mentoring to its borrowers through the nationwide LEO network. This support is provided at no additional cost to approved applicants and helps to strengthen the long-term resilience and sustainability of small businesses. Since its establishment, MFI has proven to be an effective mechanism for enabling SMEs to access finance. As of September 2025, it had approved up to 6,000 loans totalling €102 million, directly supporting more than 11,800 jobs right across the country. Notably, 78% of these loans have supported businesses outside Dublin, demonstrating its vital role in balanced regional development.”
“Many early-stage and small businesses face significant barriers such as limited collateral, insufficient credit history, previous credit difficulties or higher risk profiles. This gap is particularly pronounced for start-ups, a significant proportion of which use MFI finance to establish themselves and subsequently grow into larger, sustainable enterprises. MFI’s agility has been particularly important during moments of national challenge. In the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, MFI rapidly introduced dedicated liquidity loans before many State supports were in place. In late 2023, following severe flooding and weather events, it once again responded within days when called upon by my Department. In 2024, in response to rising costs and evolving business needs, we increased the permitted limit for an MFI loan from €25,000 to €50,000.”
“Microfinance Ireland was established back in 2012 under the Microenterprise Loan Fund Act 2012. It provides unsecured business loans to viable small businesses that have both fewer than ten employees and an annual turnover of less than €2 million. It fills a gap in the market by lending to businesses that cannot obtain loans from other commercial lenders. Microfinance Ireland makes its loans available to both start-ups and established businesses across all sectors. The loan term is typically three years for working capital purposes and can be extended to five years for capital expenditures. Interest rates range from between 5.5% for clients of local enterprise offices, LEOs, to 6.5% for direct applications.”
“I welcome the opportunity to discuss the Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024 on Second Stage. This Bill provides a clear statutory framework for transferring Microfinance Ireland, MFI, into State ownership, placing it under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. It does this by amending the legislation that established MFI, the Microenterprise Loan Fund Act 2012, to transfer the authorised share capital from the Social Finance Foundation, SFF, to the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and by updating the relevant governance and accountability provisions. Before turning to the detail of the Bill, it is helpful to outline the background to Microfinance Ireland and the context in which this legislation arises.”
“That is why the Government is acting with targeted, temporary and proportionate measures to alleviate pressures now while continuing to invest in a more secure and sustainable energy future. I want to conclude by acknowledging the challenging and uncertain times we are living in. These are not easy times for households, businesses or the Government but leadership matters most when circumstances are difficult. The Government has acted and we will continue to act, not with rhetoric, but with delivery, not with populism, but with responsibility, and not with noise or instability, but with stability. For these reasons, I cannot accept this motion before the House and I instead present the Government's amendment. The motion ignores the facts, disregards the extensive actions already taken and offers no credible and costed alternative.”
“The reality should not be denied and should not be politicised. Responsibility requires telling people the truth even when it is uncomfortable. At the same time, this crisis reinforces an important lesson for the future, namely, that we must reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and strengthen our own energy independence. That is why the Government remains committed to the transition to a decarbonised economy. We all recognise that reality. That transition takes time and we are in the process of that journey - we are not at the end of it, but we are getting there. In the meantime, there are sectors that remain heavily reliant on fossil fuels and they are particularly exposed to this crisis.”
“Unemployment rates have remained below 5% for over four years, our economy continues to grow and we have run budget surpluses in recent years and expect to continue doing so over the medium term. That strength did not happen by accident. It is a result of careful economic management, disciplined public finances and responsible leadership. It is precisely because of that careful stewardship that we are able to act decisively now to support households, protect jobs and sustain critical sectors of our economy during a period of global disruption. However, we are also being honest with the public. No set of measures, no matter how extensive, can fully shield everyone from a global crisis of this magnitude. The longer international instability continues, the greater the pressure on inflation, growth and household incomes.”
“That engagement matters and reflects the seriousness with which this Government approaches its responsibility - not promising what cannot be delivered, but delivering what we can, both lawfully and effectively. Let us be clear about where pressure at the pump comes from and the one core driver of fuel pressure inflation, that is, global international crude oil markets, which dictate the prices. It is not this House and not this Government. Pretending otherwise might be politically convenient for some but it does not help families who are trying to make ends meet. The public deserves honesty and not easy soundbites. Despite the global headwinds, Ireland is facing this period of uncertainty from a position of economic strength.”
“We are monitoring developments closely, we are engaging directly with affiliated sectors and we are responding, not once, but twice, with substantial and credible supports. This is what responsible government looks like. It is also important to be honest about the constraints within which we operate. The Government does not act in a vacuum. While we can determine national taxation policy, policy options concerning fuel support measures must comply with the EU legislative framework. That includes the energy tax directive, VAT rules and the state aid regulations. We are actively engaging with the European Commission to maximise the relief we can provide within these frameworks.”
“This package includes excise reductions on petrol, diesel and marked gas oil alongside targeted supports for the transport, farming, fishing and haulage sectors, which are the sectors that quite literally keep the country moving and functioning. These measures are practical, measurable and immediate in their impact. While they are targeted, they also provide relief right across society as a whole. This is not about choosing between households and businesses. It is about supporting both because both are under pressure and both are essential to a functioning economy. It is important to contrast this approach with what often is heard from the Opposition. Instead of slogans, the Government has taken a balanced, evidence-based approach.”
“Importantly, we were clear at that point that the measures would be kept under constant review. We did not pretend that one intervention would be enough in a volatile and fast-moving, global environment. We have continuously monitored developments in international energy markets. In the past week we have seen, as a result of the escalating geopolitical instability, petrol prices have increased by approximately 4% to around €1.92 per litre. Diesel prices have also risen by approximately 12% to around €2.16 per litre. In response to those developments, the Government has acted again. We are now delivering a second package of supports costing more than €500 million, a substantial, comprehensive and far-reaching intervention.”
“It is also important to recognise that we need to be honest with people about these realities, what the Government can do and what this Government has done in response, in a way that is timely, proportionate, reasonable and fair. I welcome the opportunity to respond to the motion put forward by Sinn Féin this evening on fuel prices. It calls for maximum action to reduce costs and support workers, families and key sectors. Let us be clear. This is exactly what the Government has done. It has not ignored this problem. We have not delayed. We have not hidden behind slogans. We have acted decisively, responsibly and on the basis of the evidence put forward. In March, we introduced an initial €250 million package. That included targeted supports designed to shield the households and businesses most exposed to the rising energy and fuel costs.”
“The fact remains that we are living in an unprecedented global energy crisis. This is not abstract. It is not theoretical and it did not happen somewhere else. It is real. It is immediate and it is being felt in every household and every sector of our economy. That is something many on the Opposition benches have failed to recognise tonight. We live in a small, open economy and we are particularly exposed to global price shocks, especially during periods of geopolitical instability. The volatility we are seeing in international fuel markets is driven by events far beyond the borders of Ireland. The ongoing conflict and instability in the gulf and the Middle East are a real result and no government anywhere can fully insulate citizens from the shocks and the scale of this crisis.”
“I acknowledge this is very real for people across the country. The pressures, stress and genuine financial strain arising from fuel costs are putting enormous pressure on households, businesses and key sectors. As a Mayo TD and a member of the Government, in recent days, I have met people across my constituency and beyond. Many other Members have also referenced those hardworking people. Certainly, I have listened carefully and respectfully to those who have expressed deep frustration publicly and privately. They are asking simple and legitimate questions, such as why the costs are rising so sharply and what the Government is doing in response. They have a right to ask these questions and they deserve straight answers. That is why we are here today to implement a number of financial resolutions but also to give some further detail.”
“I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following: "notes that the Government: — remains deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and Gulf; — continues to seek de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy so that these issues can be resolved; — recognises and understands the pressures that have arisen due to rising fuel costs as a result of war in Ukraine and the Middle East, on all families and businesses; — affirms that energy affordability is a priority for this Government, and highlights that successive Budgets have provided targeted support to help households with cost-of-living pressures; — remains committed to decarbonising our society, increasing investment in renewable energy sources, and using revenues raised to protect those most vulnerable to fuel poverty through targeted welfare interventions; recognises that: — carbon tax is a key pillar underpinning the Government's Climate Action Plan to halve emissions by 2030, and reach net zero no later than 2050; — analysis undertaken using SWITCH, the ESRI tax and benefit model, to simulate the impact of the carbon tax increase, and the compensatory welfare package estimates that the net impact of the combined measures is progressive and that half of households are better off due to the measures part-funded by additional carbon tax funds, with households in the bottom four income deciles benefitting the most; and — in the long run the best way to protect Ireland from the impact of international fossil fuel prices is to reduce our dependence on them, which will be achieved through the progressive decarbonisation of the Irish economy and society, and through the steps that will be taken to meet the Government's commitment to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050; further notes that the previous package of supports announced by Government on 24th March, included measures that: — reduced the Mineral Oil Tax applying to petrol, diesel and Marked Gas Oil (MGO) by 15, 20 and 3 cents, respectively, on a Value-Added Tax (VAT) inclusive basis, until 31st May, at a cost of €150 million; — reduced the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) levy by nearly 2 cents, at a cost of €20 million in income forgone to NORA; — reduced the cost of petrol, diesel and MGO at the pump by 17, 22 and 5 cents in total, on a VAT inclusive basis; — provided targeted relief to haulage and bus passenger operators, by increasing the maximum repayment allowable under the Diesel Rebate Scheme from 7.5 cent up to 12 cent per litre of diesel, for the first two quarters of 2026, at a cost of €10 million; and — extended the fuel allowance season by four weeks, to provide essential support to those most vulnerable to fuel poverty, at a cost of €70 million; highlights that newly introduced measures will extend the duration of the reduced mineral oil tax rates from the end of May until the end of July, and apply further reductions to these rates by, on a VAT inclusive basis, 10 cent per litre on petrol, 10 cent per litre on diesel and 2.4 cent per litre on MGO, at an estimated cost of €260 million; and furthermore, notes that the combined effect of the measures announced on 24th March, and on 12th April, are to: — reduce the cost of diesel by 32 cent; — reduce the cost of petrol by 27 cent; — reduce the cost of MGO by 7.4 cent; — postpone the increase in carbon tax scheduled for 1st May, until the Budget in October, at an estimated cost of €22 million; — enhance the Transport Support Schemes for all haulage operators, local link and school transport providers, and some commercial operators, at a monthly cost of €40 million; — introduce a Fuel Subsidy Support Scheme for farming and fisheries, at a cost of €100 million, to ensure that those most exposed to fuel price increases will receive meaningful assistance at the most critical time of year; — be a significant response to real pressures being felt here, and globally; — be one of the most comprehensive support packages in the European Union; and — directly help people impacted by this unprecedented global crisis in energy supply resulting from the war in the Middle East.".”
“I thank the Senator for the amendment but we will not be accepting it as a matter of course. Our Department assesses the impact of various policy measures for which it is responsible on an ongoing basis. The Government has established, as I said earlier, the national energy affordability task force. That has a core job in identifying, assessing and implementing measures. There is that element of feedback in terms of enhancing energy affordability for households, delivering key renewable commitments and protecting security of supply along with economic sustainability. That is very much built in. That is now established and in place. Therefore, we will not be accepting the amendment.”
“We have an accelerating renewable energy task force, and a clearing house now within the Taoiseach's office to bring more renewables on stream, both onshore and offshore. We have quicker decision-making through the new Planning and Development Act. We have also seen significant funding to the national development plan with regard to grid distribution and transmission. Over €18 billion has now been allocated over the next five years out to 2030. We have directly introduced equity within EirGrid and ESB Networks to the tune of €3.5 billion. I welcome all the contributions and support for this Bill to move from Second Stage. I look forward to further consideration.”
“Sinn Féin calls hypocrisy on this side and on the other they do absolutely nothing. Indeed, I hear Senator Conor Murphy talking about excise on home heating oil. Just to correct the record, there is no excise on home heating oil. The carbon tax is excise. We are not returning on the carbon tax. It is modest, predictable and legislated for. It supports the important welfare supports and climate transition programmes, as well as supporting rural communities. It has been instrumental in targeting those in the lower deciles who are at risk of fuel poverty, low-income families and those in most need. Certainly these measures are very welcome. On Ireland's dependency on fossil fuels, we do need an accelerated transition to renewable energy. That was very apparent here in many of the contributions.”
“We will not be able to eliminate or shield everyone or every sector from this impact or from this global shock. That is important to recognise but we can cushion it and we are reducing it. That was seen on Wednesday night during votes where we cut the excise duty on petrol, diesel and marked oil. What was stark in that vote and in that debate, astonishingly, was that Sinn Féin voted against a reduction in the cost of diesel and petrol at the pumps. To hear today that they are disappointed, when in one sense they are in power up the North, where they have a Minister for the Economy and indeed they continue to blame the British when they do have Executive functions, that they are not introducing any supports until 1 July, namely, a measly €30 on electricity bills.”
“I acknowledge and thank all the Senators for their contributions. These are not normal times and this is not normal price fluctuation. This is a severe geopolitical shock that has immediate consequences, not just in Europe but globally. Certainly it is a lot more volatile and severe than what we envisaged following the invasion of Ukraine. We have seen significant damage to key infrastructure in the Gulf and the Middle East. We see huge disruption and direct threats to global oil supply. The International Energy Agency has attuned that to over 20 million barrels of oil a day that have been impacted and with limited access to the Strait of Hormuz, we do not know how long this is going to last. We are seeing exponential spikes in the prices of energy right across the board. For that reason, we need to be honest with people.”
“The ongoing conflict in the Middle East underlines once again why we must accelerate the deployment of renewables across all sectors, continue to invest in our grid, and continue to invest in retrofitting of homes and businesses across the country. The Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment secured a record allocation for fully funded and granted-assisted retrofits of €640 million in budget 2026, allowing us to target 73,000 home energy upgrades this year. Energy affordability is a priority for the Government and the reduction in the NORA levy will assist consumers in this regard. I commend the Bill to the House.”
“The interim report of the national energy affordability task force, published last November, set out measures for consideration in the budget 2026 process. The task force has now turned to the preparation of an energy affordability action plan to be completed in quarter 3 of this year. This will include examining how targeted schemes can best assist households in energy poverty and consider supports for households struggling to meet their energy costs. The Minister, Deputy O’Brien, chaired a meeting of the task force on 19 March, with a focus on the Middle East and impact to energy markets. A subsequent meeting is scheduled for this afternoon. Government is making crucial investments in renewable energy, in our electricity grid and, importantly, in energy efficiency.”
“This extension of the fuel allowance season means that eligible households will receive additional financial support to the tune of €152. The Government has established the national energy affordability task force to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses while delivering key renewable commitments and protecting security of supply and economic stability. This is a critical element of the Government’s work to improve competitiveness, complementing the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity. The work of the task force will include a full review of cost drivers within the energy sector, and consideration of how the EU action plan for affordable energy and associated guidance can be implemented in an Irish context.”
“Ireland faces particular challenges in relation to energy costs as a result of long-standing factors, including our isolated island location, low levels of interconnection, a widely dispersed population and an historical reliance on fossil fuels. The NORA levy reduction is one of a suite of temporary and targeted measures to reduce fuel prices for households and businesses, while additional supports for key sectors of the Irish economy are being introduced and may be adjusted as the situation evolves. The Government has reduced the rate of mineral oil tax for petrol, diesel and marked gas oil by 15 cent, 20 cent and 3 cent, respectively. Supports for haulage and bus passenger operators have also been introduced and the fuel allowance has been extended by four weeks, protecting the most vulnerable in society.”
“The reduction in the NORA levy for a two-month period is estimated to result in a reduction of levy income accruing to NORA of approximately €20 million. There is no Exchequer cost from the proposal. NORA has substantial financial reserves and as such the proposed reduction of the NORA levy will have no material impact on NORA’s ability to fund its activities in this time of global uncertainty. NORA has operational responsibility for the day-to-day management of Ireland’s strategic oil reserve. NORA currently holds 90 days of oil stocks. Stock may be released from Ireland’s stockholding in the event of a shortage of refined product on the domestic market or, as recently happened, to participate in an International Energy Agency collective action to alleviate a global oil shortage.”
“I thank the Acting Chair. I welcome all the Seanadóirí. I am pleased to introduce the National Oil Reserves Agency (Amendment) Bill 2026 to the Seanad. The Bill gives the necessary legal basis for a reduction in the National Oil Reserves Agency, NORA, levy from 2 cent per litre to a nominal amount for a two-month period. The reduction will come into effect from 1 April 2026, until 1 June 2026. The Bill also provides scope for the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to amend this time period at a later date, if required. The NORA levy is a charge of 2 cent per litre applied to most petroleum products sold in the market for the purpose of funding the operations of the National Oil Reserves Agency and the Climate Action Fund.”
“I again thank the Senator for raising this important matter and raising his concerns around the need to accelerate this project. For the 630 students he represents, their parents, the board of management and the principal, Tracey Edwards, those concerns have been heard loud and clear. I will bring back to the Minister the need for the Department to examine the project and carry out ongoing engagement and consultation with the school. Through continued engagement with Ramsgrange and the school management body, I will ask that the Department examine any urgent priority works that are required and try to ensure the project continues to progress through stage 2b and to tender and construction. I again thank the Senator for raising the issue.”
“The project at Ramsgrange Community School will form part of that overall consideration, in consultation with the school authority, management board and patrons.”
“The Department energy and condition survey of school estates will be finalised later in 2026 and will provide an additional evidence base for assessing priorities. Based on the ongoing prioritisation process, some projects will be added to the list over the course of 2026 and 2027, having regard to their prioritisation and the urgency the Senator outlined, the need required and the ongoing ability to progress the school project to tender and construction within the parameters of overall funding. Where appropriate, the Department will assess opportunities to undertake advanced enabling works for the most urgent and complex projects to facilitate a smooth transition to construction in 2028 and beyond.”
“The Department continues to engage with the school and the school management body to examine any urgent or priority works required at the school. That engagement is ongoing. As part of planning for the next tranche of projects to progress to tender, the Department-led prioritisation process will continue over the course of 2026 and 2027 to assess and evaluate the progression of individual projects through the design pipeline, having regard to the continued need to maximise existing capacity and determine the prioritised needs. This process will involve engagement with key stakeholders and individual schools and will ultimately inform the next tranche of programme that will go to tender.”
“As the Senator will be aware, the Department recently published a €7.55 billion NDP sectoral investment plan for the education and youth sectors to 2030. This involves a very strong emphasis on maximising existing capacity and the prioritisation of school building projects to meet the most urgent need. There will be a strong special education dimension to project roll-out. The Department recognises that there are schools with important building projects that are not included in the first tranche of proposed projects. The list of projects prioritised to proceed to tender and construction are focused on projects at a more advanced stage than the project at Ramsgrange school. Nevertheless, as the Senator outlined, the school has since raised a number of accommodation issues with the Department.”
“In December 2023, as the Senator outlined, the project was granted approval to proceed to stage 2b, detailed design of the architectural design process. This stage includes obtaining all statutory approvals, preparing a set of fully detailed tender documents and preparing an accurate pre-tender cost plan. The Department currently awaits submission of the stage 2b report. On submission of the report, the Department will carry out a detailed review from a technical and cost perspective. All projects, including this one, are subject to the full due diligence requirements set out in the Department’s infrastructure guidelines. Managing timing, scope and cost is crucial to staying within the budgetary limits of the overall programme.”
“I thank Senator Cathal Byrne for raising this important matter and giving me the opportunity the provide the current position regarding the planned school building project for Ramsgrange Community School, County Wexford. I am taking this Commencement matter on behalf of the Minster for Education, Deputy Hildegarde Naughton. The school referred to by the Senator was approved to enter the Department's pipeline for school building projects under the additional school accommodation scheme to provide ten general classrooms, one science lab, one science prep area, two special education classrooms, one music room and ancillary accommodation. This project is devolved to the school authority for delivery.”
“These improvements benefit not only employees but also people who are outside employment, those who are self-employed, those who are retired and those who are in casual or insecure work. Legislation that applies only to employees cannot be the main tool for addressing a wide population with public health challenges. For those reasons, and while fully recognising the positive intention the Labour Party is putting across within this proposal, we cannot accept or support the Bill. Nonetheless, our focus remains on promoting and strengthening the national screening service to ensure it is accessible and equitable to all.”
“The national screening service equity framework is designed to ensure that the programmes are inclusive and accessible and that everyone is eligible regardless of their background or even their employment status. The data shows that those initiatives have improved accessibility and equity and are succeeding, even though there are one or two we could improve on. The data is positive, as I explained. The national screening service has undertaken a range of additional measures to improve the accessibility of the service, such as the introduction of mobile screening units and the extension of the age cohort. The use of technology through the HSE's health app has also been an important element in this regard.”
“Also, introducing a health screening leave entitlement into that Act would cut across the long-established legal framework, which would certainly create inconsistencies for both employers and employees. Second, it is clear that increasing access into the national screening service can be done more sustainably through measures other than legislating for paid leave. I have spoken about the current targets that are being met across many of the current programmes. On the evidence presented by the Labour Party, I am not sure how paid leave will actually increase achievement of the current targets, even for those who are marginalised or who are not in employment. This measure is specifically for those who are in employment.”
“For that reason it is not appropriate that we would promote and increase access to the national screening service. Moreover, even the definition of what a national screening service encompasses is not clear. It is considered more sustainable and equitable that it would be legislated for as paid leave by the employer. I explained earlier the fundamental purpose and structure of the Organisation of Working Time Act. It has always been a statute designed to regulate work hours, rest periods and paid annual leave in line with the EU working time directive. That provides a framework on how time is managed in the workplace, not a framework for clinical entitlements or health-related benefits. That is where we have the misalignment in regard to this Private Members' Bill.”
“I acknowledge the contributions from those present. I reiterate the Government appreciates the intention behind this Private Member's Bill and the contributions that have been made. We are all in agreement that increasing the participation rates within the national screening service is something we recognise as vital to our public health priorities. Early detection saves lives and the commitment of the Bill is to supporting better health outcomes and ensuring people live a lot longer and that is very clear. However, it remains the Government's position that the Organisation of Working Time Act is not the appropriate legislative vehicle to provide health-based entitlements. Most of the entitlements the Government has in place, such as maternity leave, parental leave, care leave, medical care leave, etc., are very much in stand-alone Acts.”
“It is also important to be very clear the Organisation of Working Time Act is not the correct legislative vehicle for introducing a health-related entitlement of this type. For these reasons the Government is opposing the Bill.”
“BowelScreen is accessible with a home test, making it widely accessible and flexible to people. Diabetic retina screening is provided through 146 screening locations nationally and a network of eight treatment centres for onward referral and treatment. A new screening mechanism is being piloted, meaning people will be able to drive to and from appointments, increasing accessibility. In 2026 appointment information will also be provided through the HSE app to make it easier to confirm, change and consent to appointments. Considering the breadth of existing initiatives under the national screening service, including ongoing improvements in accessibility and service delivery, the Government believes these measures represent a more sustainable and equitable approach than creating a new statutory entitlement to paid leave for employees.”
“The service is also upgrading the mobile fleet and has identified three new sites for additional static units. BreastCheck now sends text reminders and appointment details through the HSE health app, making it easier for users to confirm, change and consent to appointments, helping to ensure that no screening slot goes unused. CervicalCheck is delivered by over 6,500 sample takers providing screening nationally through GP practices and clinics. There are 15 colposcopy clinics nationally providing follow-up testing and treatment for women who need it, also close to where they live. BowelScreen is now offered to people aged between 58 and 70. The number of BowelScreen units nationally has increased and the newest unit opened in late 2025 in Cork University Hospital, bringing the total number of units to 16.”
“While increased flexibility of appointment times remains a key objective of health service policy, the national screening service is committed to actively promoting its service and ensuring that screening is accessible, inclusive and effective for everyone across Ireland. This approach not only aligns with national priorities but also guarantees equitable access, empowering individuals to take charge of their own health. Recent developments in each of the four screening services have also improved equity and accessibility for users. BreastCheck is currently offered through a network of 24 mobile and four static units nationally, enabling women to be screened close to where they live. These additional mobile screening units have been added since 2020.”
“The national screening service has developed a wide range of initiatives aimed at improving equity, access and participation, including the community champions health promotion project, which trains community health workers to provide practical information and support about screening services, an intervention toolkit to support community workers to encourage screening uptake, a pregnancy-specific eye screening pathway for women with diabetes, accessibility training for staff to better support people with disabilities, a cancer prevention and screening project with the Traveller community, a literacy-focused initiative to support diabetic eye screening among Travellers, improved access to cervical screening within Limerick female prison and dedicated breast screening initiatives for Ukrainian women.”
“Recent data from quarter 1 to quarter 3 of 2025 show strong and often above average participation, including that BreastCheck achieves an uptake rate in the region of 74.7%, exceeding the 70% target Deputy Smith outlined. CervicalCheck screened 74.8% of eligible women within a five-year period, against a target of 80% and BowelScreen reached 52%, above its 45% target. These results show that the public is highly engaged with preventative health programmes, which is an essential factor in early detection and reducing cancer mortality. I will briefly explain some of the accessibility and equity programmes and projects which the service has developed, in addition to some recent improvements in the delivery of the programmes themselves.”
“The service’s equity framework is designed to ensure that population-based screening programmes in Ireland are accessible, inclusive and effective for all eligible individuals, regardless of their background, socioeconomic status or employment situation. Screening eligibility is based on age, gender and clinical criteria and not employment status. This ensures that people who are unemployed, self-employed or in insecure work are not disadvantaged in being invited or receiving care. The national screening service carries out a range of programmes and projects to support accessibility and equity, and the outcome of these efforts is clear.”
“These frameworks reflect the medical, care-based and equality-based nature of those entitlements. Placing health screening leave into the Organisation of Working Time Act would represent a major departure from these long-established approaches, and the Government is therefore satisfied that the Act is not the appropriate legislative home for such an entitlement. My colleagues across government and I believe that enhancing access to the HSE’s national screening service is a more sustainable, equitable and inclusive solution than legislating for employer-paid leave. This work is already under way across all four national screening service programmes, which are BreastCheck, CervicalCheck, BowelScreen and Diabetic RetinaScreen.”
“The Bill would extend the Act into areas that relate to public health screening, which are matters that the Act was never designed to address. The Act is not aligned with Departments or agencies responsible for public health. Placing a medical entitlement within a horizontally applicable working-time statute creates a structural misalignment between the nature of the entitlement and the purpose of the legislative instrument. Irish law has consistently located health-related and care-related leave such as maternity and parental leave, adoptive leave, medical care leave and carer’s leave in stand-alone Acts or within broader family- or care-related statutory frameworks overseen by the Departments of Health or of Children, Disability and Equality.”
“First, the Organisation of Working Time Act is not the appropriate legislative mechanism for introducing a new health-related leave entitlement. Second, increasing access to screening services is considered a more sustainable and equitable solution than legislating for paid leave. I will outline these reasons in further detail. Government is of the position that the Organisation of Working Time Act is not the appropriate legislative vehicle to provide for such entitlements. The Act is a statute with a specific and narrow function. It gives effect to the EU working time directive, and in doing so, it regulates maximum weekly working hours, rest periods, night work and paid annual leave. It is a framework for managing working time and not a framework for health-related entitlements.”
“I thank Deputy Smith for introducing this Bill. It is understood that this Bill seeks to amend the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 to create a statutory entitlement to leave with pay from employment in order to enable an employee to avail of cervical, breast or colon cancer screening programmes provided by the national screening service or any other screening programme recommended to employees by his or her medical practitioner. Improving participation in the HSE’s national screening service is something we all recognise as a public health priority and while the intention to support participation in the service is understood, and while it is constructive, the Government opposes the Bill for two key reasons.”