Kieran O'Donnell
Limerick City · Fine Gael · Ireland
“The triangle of supports of home care, day care and meals on wheels services — including dementia-specific supports — plays a vital role in helping older people to age well in their own communities. Meals on wheels services provide much more than nutritious meals.”
“The organisation currently operates a day care service four days per week, supporting approximately 60 registered users, and a meals on wheels service with 104 registered users. The HSE has advised that increased funding has been committed to support the organisation.”
“I join the Leas-Chathaoirleach in welcoming the Kellehers to the Seanad, which is a beautiful building in its own right. I thank Senator Kelleher for raising this important matter. He has advocated for Westgate Foundation over a sustained period of time and that has to be acknowledged. I know the work it does is close to his heart.”
“I again thank the Senator for raising Westgate Foundation in Ballincollig and the work it does on behalf of the community, particularly older people. The Senator referred to housing on-site. It is very much an integrated model. I could see how committed the staff and the board, many of them voluntary, were.”
“The Government has significantly increased investment in meals on wheels services in recent years. Funding increased from €3.5 million in 2022 to €6.25 million in 2025, with a further €2 million allocated in budget 2026 to support service expansion and maintenance.”
“The shared objective of the HSE and Westgate Foundation is to ensure high-quality day care and meals on wheels services continue to be available to older people who rely on them, particularly in the greater Ballincollig area.”
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“I thank Senator O'Loughlin again for contributing on this matter, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy James Browne. I note the points she has raised. I reiterate that Tailte Éireann is independent in the exercise of its valuation functions under the Valuation Act 2001, as amended, and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has no function in decisions in this regard. The Valuation Act 2001, as amended, provides that a property is rateable unless it is expressly exempted. I have detailed the exemptions in paragraphs (6) and (22) of Schedule 4 to the Act, which provides exemptions for domestic properties in early childhood care and education facilities that are operated on a not-for-profit basis.”
“Under Irish law, there is a distinct separation of function between the valuation of rateable properties and the setting and collection of commercial rates. The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority. The amount of rates liable on a property is determined by multiplying the valuation of the property set by Tailte Éireann by the annual rate on valuation, ARV, set by the local authority. The ARV is decided by the elected members of each local authority in the annual budget. Its determination is a reserved function of a local authority. Tailte Éireann has no function in that regard.”
“If an occupier is dissatisfied with any aspect of the proposed valuation certificate or proposed notice, they may make representations in writing, free of charge, to Tailte Éireann within 40 days of the issue of the certificate or notice. Following consideration of any representations received, a final valuation certificate or final notice is issued to the ratepayer or occupier. Following completion of this process, the property is either entered on or excluded from the valuation list of the relevant local authority. If an occupier is still dissatisfied, there is a right of appeal to the independent Valuation Tribunal within 28 days from the date of issue of the valuation certificate or notice. The Valuation Tribunal is an independent body set up to hear appeals against Tailte Éireann valuation assessments.”
“As a matter of course, Tailte Éireann examines all properties on their individual merits by reference to the relevant statutory provisions governing the operation of the Act and case law arising from the independent Valuation Tribunal and higher courts. Applications to Tailte Éireann to consider the valuation of a property are normally submitted by the local authority in whose rating authority area the property is situated. Where a property is considered rateable, in accordance with the provisions of the Act and relevant case law, Tailte Éireann will issue a proposed valuation certificate. If the property is considered not rateable, Tailte Éireann will issue a proposed notice.”
“To avoid ambiguity, if an early childhood care and education facility is operated on a for-profit basis, then it does not fulfil the criteria for exemption under paragraph 22. In terms of childminding in the home, section 3 of the Act defines a domestic premises as any premises used as a dwelling which is neither a mixed premises nor an apart-hotel. If the property is used partly as a dwelling to a significant extent and partly for another purpose, it may be a mixed premises, as defined in the Act, and consequently may not qualify for the domestic premises exemption in accordance with Schedule 4(6) of the Act.”
“Paragraph 22 of Schedule 4 of the Act, which was inserted by the Valuation (Amendment) Act 2015, refers specifically to early childhood care and education facilities, and provides an exemption for, "Any land, building or part of a building used exclusively for the provision of early childhood care and education, and occupied by a body which is not established and the affairs of which are not conducted for the purpose of making a private profit." Therefore, while the Act provides that early childhood care and education facilities that are operated on a not-for-profit basis are exempt from rates, it does not provide a general exemption from rates for all childcare or childminding facilities operating on a for-profit basis.”
“Tailte Éireann has overall responsibility, under the Act, for the maintenance of all valuation lists used by local authorities in the calculation of rates liability. This maintenance is carried out under the statutory revision process. Existing rateable properties may have their valuations revised, and new properties may have their valuations entered on or excluded from the valuation list for the first time. Under the Act, all property is rateable unless it falls into one of the exempt categories listed in Schedule 4 of the Act. There is a very specific range of exemptions that can be applied. Tailte Éireann has no discretionary latitude to grant exemptions not covered by Schedule 4.”
“We wish them well and welcome our visitors to Dublin. I thank Senator O'Loughlin for her question and the opportunity to discuss the commercial rates position regarding home-based childminders, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy James Browne. Tailte Éireann is an independent Government agency under the aegis of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Tailte Éireann provides a property registration system, a property valuation service, and national mapping and surveying infrastructure for the State. Tailte Éireann is independent in the exercise of its valuation functions under the Valuation Act 2001, as amended, and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has no function in decisions in this regard.”
“I presume all the group are from Kerry and no doubt the bulk of them or all play Gaelic football. I join Senator Andrews in wishing the under-17s squad well. Are we into the second half at this stage?”
“A new voids programme will be introduced in the new year. There will be a renewed focus and a prompt turnaround in re-letting of casual vacant homes. This and works that do not need to be immediately addressed should be carried out under the local authority's own planned maintenance programme, informed by stock condition surveys, to ensure that all housing components are inspected rather than there being a repair-and-replacement cycle. On the particular point the Senator raises, I have just two comments. I expect this is a matter he has already taken up with Dublin City Council. I suggest that he write to the Minister directly on the point he makes in order that we can take it up directly with Dublin City Council. He will appreciate, however, that the priority is getting homes that are not occupied re-let under the voids programme.”
“I thank Senator Chris Andrews again for raising this matter, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy James Browne. The Government has invested significantly in a stock improvement programme over recent years, particularly with regard to voids, with €91 million provided to Dublin City Council alone since 2014. This year, €31 million has been provided to local authorities, with €5.8 million allocated to Dublin City Council. Notwithstanding this support, it is first and foremost a matter for the local authority to ensure that adequate funding provision is made for repairs and cyclical maintenance as part of the annual budgetary process. The funding provided by the Department of housing supplements rather than replaces the local authority's self-funding.”
“The latest report for 2024 indicates that the Dublin City Council vacancy rate stands at 2.28%, with an average turnaround time of 23 weeks. This a good bit below the average of 2.75% and 35 weeks, respectively, across local authorities. Responsibility for managing and maintaining local authority social homes remains the responsibility of the respective authorities. That said, the Department of housing will continue to complement local authority efforts in the coming years, securing a strategic approach to managing social homes. To this end, a revamped programme focusing on the prompt turnaround of casual vacant stock, reducing vacancy rates and turnaround times further, will be rolled out early in 2026.”
“Some €10 million has been ring-fenced for local authorities to commence and continue the transition from a largely responsive and voids-based approach to a planned maintenance approach based on planned work programmes. Some €1.8 million of this is available to Dublin City Council. Ultimately, data on the quantum of vacant local authority and approved housing body social homes are a matter for, and can be obtained from, the respective authorities and AHBs. That said, local authority social housing stock statistics are published by the National Oversight and Audit Commission, NOAC, in its annual reports on performance indicators in local authorities. These reports provide a range of data, including vacancy levels and average turnaround times for re-letting properties.”
“A further €4 million will be provided to support the prompt turnaround of 348 casual vacancies under the programme this year. The funding provided to local authorities over the last decade or so has tackled a large number of long-term vacant stock and brought them back into use. This has helped pave the way for local authorities to transition to a more appropriate approach to housing maintenance, involving full stock condition surveys of all local authority homes, strategic and informed planned maintenance work programmes, and better value for money by tackling large numbers of homes in single contracts rather than home by home.”
“That said, and notwithstanding that local authority officials and elected representatives are responsible for making adequate funding provision for repairs and cyclical maintenance using the significant rental income available to them, the Department of housing provides annual funding under the current planned maintenance and voids programme to complement local authority works. The programme focuses on the prompt turnaround and re-letting of vacated homes. To this end, it supports only works necessary to comply with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations. Non-essential works are not supported, as these should be undertaken under the local authority’s own planned maintenance programme. Over €91 million has been provided to Dublin City Council since 2014, supporting the refurbishment and re-let of some 5,700 social homes.”
“I thank Senator Andrews for raising this matter, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy James Browne. Critically, the management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, implementing planned maintenance programmes and carrying out of responsive repairs, are matters solely for each individual local authority under the Housing Act 1966. Local authorities are also statutorily obliged to ensure all of their tenanted properties comply with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019.”
“As stated, I understand that this work will be completed within the next 12 months, which is very much in keeping with the amendment put down by the Government. Our debate this evening has served a useful purpose. I appreciate the contributions of all speakers. I look forward to discussing this matter further at a future date. I will close by stating that the Government amendment seeks that the Second Reading be deferred for 12 months to allow further consideration of the Bill.”
“Changing the minimum age to 16 was favoured by 48% of participants, compared with 39% who favoured lowering the age to 17. At that time, 68% of participants opposed lowering the minimum voting age for some types of elections but not all, with 28% of participants supporting lowering it for some electoral events but not all. While there are differing views on the subject, we believe the Electoral Commission is well placed to look at issues like this, which are complex and nuanced, and where there are international comparisons. As already stated, it would be premature to support the progression of this Bill in advance of An Coimisiún Toghcháin concluding its work on the issue to which it relates. We believe it is prudent to allow this work to be completed prior to bringing forward any further reform proposals.”
“I understand that a strategy will be completed in the first half of 2026 and I have no doubt that work under the strategy will contribute to young people's level of connection with democratic processes. Indeed, I ask civil groups and organisations across the country that are working with young people to encourage them to participate in our elections and in politics. Public participation is the lifeblood of a democracy. We must do all we can to encourage new generations to appreciate this to keep our democracy healthy and strong. As already outlined, in Ireland the issue of lowering the minimum age to 17 was debated by the Convention on the Constitution in 2013. Out of that came a result that 52% of the assembled citizens and parliamentarians favoured reducing the minimum voting age for elections.”
“This is the message coming from the experience in other countries, such as Austria and Scotland, which many have referred to today. In no way do I doubt the engagement of the people and students in the Gallery today. An Coimisiún Toghcháin has an important role to play in this regard. The Electoral Act 2022 gives the commission a broad public education role, working to promote public awareness of and increase public participation in the State's electoral and democratic processes via information and education campaigns. This element of an coimisiún's work can help to encourage young people to engage with our electoral processes. I understand that this year the commission has been developing an education and public engagement strategy. This is being informed by a public consultation process.”
“It does not lower the voting age for elections to the European Parliament and to Seanad Éireann through the Seanad higher education constituency. Further legislative change would have to be made to the Local Elections Act, Presidential Election Act, Seanad election Acts, Referendum Act and European Parliament Election Act. These amendments are largely technical in nature but would have to be implemented nevertheless. As we are aware, there is much to consider with regard to the proposal to lower the voting age. Lessons from other countries should be considered. Experience elsewhere has shown that it is not enough to reduce the voting age and expect that positive benefits will flow. To have the desired effect of promoting participation and democratic engagement, legislation must be supported through education.”
“I understand that the research to be done by An Coimisiún Toghcháin will certainly be done within that 12-month period. I felt that was important to state. The reasons are as follows. The issue of the voting age is currently being examined, as I said, by An Coimisiún Toghcháin as part of its research programme from 2024 to 2026. I understand that work will be concluded within the next year. That links in with the amendment to the motion tabled by the Government. The Government is of the view that supporting this Bill outright would be premature in advance of An Coimisiún Toghcháin having reported on the issue. In addition, it is important to ensure consistency across all electoral codes. The Bill only lowers the age of voting to 16 in Dáil elections and consequently at presidential and local elections, as well as referendums.”
“This amendment to reduce the voting age in Dáil elections would have the consequential effect of reducing the voting age of presidential and local elections, as well as referendums. The right to vote in these elections is linked, under the Constitution, to the right to vote in elections to Dáil Éireann. Any Bill such as this one which proposes to amend the Constitution must be passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas, and a referendum is then held. In his earlier contribution, the Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, outlined the reasons the Government is seeking the Second Stage reading of the Bill to be deferred. It is proposed to amend the motion for the Second Stage reading of this Bill, whereby the Bill would be read a Second Time in 12 months' time to allow for further consideration of the Bill.”
“I thank Deputies for their contributions this afternoon. I echo the comments of the Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, and his thanks to Deputy Farrelly for tabling this Bill and raising an important issue. The debate has presented a useful opportunity to discuss the age at which people would be entitled to vote in elections and referendums in Ireland and provided much to consider as we move forward on this issue. I join others in welcoming so many students to the Gallery. It is great to see the engagement. You are more than welcome to Leinster House. As Deputies are aware, this Bill proposes to amend the Constitution in order to lower the age at which persons are entitled to vote in Dáil Éireann elections from 18 years to 16 years.”
“This process is supported by a reference group comprising service providers and individuals with lived experiences. A draft strategy is expected to be submitted to Minister of State responsible for drugs strategy by December. It is intended that the successor national drug strategy along with a two-year action plan will be published in 2026 with a subsequent action plan envisaged for 2028-2029.”
“Ireland is playing an active role in the development of the next EU drug strategic framework and action plan. The Irish delegation has contributed strongly to thematic debates on various aspects of drug policy at meetings of the EU Horizontal Working Party on Drugs. These meetings will inform the next EU drug strategy which is currently being drafted by the European Commission and is due to be presented by the Commission to member states before the end of the year. The Government will carefully consider and respond to recommendations of the Citizens' Assembly on Drug Use. Oversight of the implementation of the programme for Government commitments related to drug policy will be provided by the Cabinet committee on health. A steering group has been established to guide the development of the successor national drug strategy.”
“The Government is fully committed in its support for An Garda Síochána's efforts to dismantle criminal gangs involved in the supply of drugs and its work with international partners to tackle the trafficking of drugs for the Irish market. The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau has seized over €627 million in illicit drugs and made over 1,700 arrests for drug trafficking, money laundering, possession of firearms and other offences since its establishment ten years ago. Last year, the Criminal Justice (Engagement of Children in Criminal Activity) Bill was enacted. This legislation criminalises adults who either force or encourage children to engage in any criminal activity, recognising the lifelong impact on a child of involvement in criminal activity.”
“Intimidation can involve demands for repayment of perceived drug debts or opportunistic extortion. Its relentless natures poses a significant risk to health and well-being. In May, the Minister of State for the national drugs strategy and the Minister for justice launched a major awareness campaign to reduce the stigma surrounding drug-related intimidation and violence by promoting the range of supports available to those affected. The DRIVE project, which is supported by the Departments of Health and justice, An Garda Síochána and many other stakeholders, aims to build community capacity to support victims and tackle the root causes of intimidation and violence. DRIVE reflects the partnership approach at the heart of the national drugs strategy and aligns with the recommendations from the citizens' assembly.”
“In 2023, a funding scheme totalling €1.5 million was awarded to five projects to implement a range of evidence-based drug prevention interventions across the country. In line with the citizens' assembly, the Department of Health is currently working with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to implement its review of prevention systems project to assess our national approach to drug prevention. We have rolled out training developed by the European Union Drugs Agency and effective approaches to drug prevention to over 50 people. Drug-related intimidation is a serious and insidious issue impacting individuals, families and communities nationwide. It is a complex problem that manifests differently across regions, often leaving victims fearful and powerless.”
“At the high-level segment of the sixty-seventh session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs, the Government submitted a Pledge4Action by stating: "The Irish Government commits to carefully consider and respond with urgency to the assembly’s recommendations for reform of the legislative, policy and operational approach to drug use, and to indicate the timeframe for implementing those recommendations which it accepts." We cannot underestimate the importance of prevention and education in tackling drug use. A wealth of international evidence shows us that by investing in evidence-based drug prevention interventions, we can reduce the negative impact of drug use for the person and their families and communities. The Department of Health has made significant strides regarding its approach to drug prevention.”
“Over 240 people attended the consultation. They included representatives of drugs and alcohol task forces from across the country, drugs service providers and civil society organisations. The consultation report has been published and circulated to the Joint Committee on Drugs Use. The Citizens' Assembly on Drugs Use recognised the value of listening to the citizens of Ireland in relation to our approach to the issue of drugs. The Government has committed to responding to the recommendations of the assembly. The Department of Health has engaged with all relevant Departments to develop a considered response to each of the recommendations, which will in turn be incorporated into the successor national drugs strategy.”
“The strategy is well aligned with international frameworks, particularly the EU drugs strategy. The independent evaluation also notes some challenges, including delivery of prevention and early intervention initiatives and the need for alternatives to coercive sanctions. The report presents ten strategic recommendations for the development of an integrated, equitable and outcome-focused strategy. These include the right to help for people who use drugs; providing culturally sensitive and appropriate services for all groups; equitable access to services; and strengthened prevention in early intervention initiatives. These will now be incorporated into the new strategy. To further inform the development of the next strategy, the Department held a number of in-person consultations with key stakeholders.”
“The independent evaluation assessed the strategy on four areas; impact, governance, performance and coherence with international policies. I note the opportunities and challenges outlined in the report's findings. The national drugs strategy has made progress in advancing a health-led approach, particularly through the expansion of harm reduction initiatives, such as naloxone distribution and drug checking services. The evaluation identified a number of positive findings including: the introduction of strategic implementation groups; strengthened interagency collaboration at local level; and improved data collection and monitoring, which enables sight of the changing profile of drug users and how prevalent cocaine use has become in Irish society.”
“In addition, we will take into account the recommendations of the Citizens' Assembly on Drugs Use, which many have referenced today, the interim report of the Joint Committee on Drugs Use, the programme for Government and the EU drugs strategy. The Minister for Health and the Minister of State with responsibility for the national drugs strategy, Deputy Murnane O'Connor, published the independent evaluation of the drugs strategy, which was a commitment in the programme for Government. During this evaluation, 68 stakeholders participated in consultation sessions and additional written submissions were received. This inclusive process aimed to capture a broad spectrum of perspectives, including those of service providers, statutory bodies, civil society organisations and individuals with lived experience.”
“I express our gratitude to Members, particularly those in the Labour Party, for their valuable contribution to today's discussion on drug policy. I acknowledge the depth of their interest and commitment to this critical issue. As was stated by the Minister of State, Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, the Government will not oppose the motion. This Government remains committed to a health-led approach to drug use, firmly believing that individuals experiencing problematic drug use should be met with compassion, dignity and appropriate care. The health-led approach to drug use is set out in the national drugs strategy. The Government's priority is to develop a successor strategy to cover the period 2026 to 2029. The development of the successor strategy is informed by an evaluation of the current strategy and consultation with stakeholders.”
“We have to build a foundation through policy and practice. Moving forward, our focus will be on supporting those men most in need and engaging men and boys as allies in health. This must also include improving the well-being of families and communities connected to men. That is a crucial factor in terms of support, in terms of partners and family. Ultimately, it has to be an inclusive model. Today's debate is quite significant. We are supportive of these matters in government and we want to work on them on a cross-party basis.”
“This is why addressing the social determinants of health and targeting men most in need are listed as key priorities in the recent mental health action plan. By aligning closely with broader health system reforms and community initiatives, we must endeavour to ensure that men's health is not treated in isolation but as an integral part of all health policies. Any effective men's health policy must target those subgroups of men who are most at risk and most underserved by existing services. It is crucial that we maintain momentum and funding for men's health initiatives. Government support for men's health remains firm. Recent funding for male counselling supports and men's sheds further establishes this commitment. Ireland has shown strong leadership and innovation in the area of men's health.”
“In 2009, we became the first country in the world to publish a men's health policy. That has been succeeded by two health action plans, in 2017 and 2024. The Department of Health, the HSE and numerous community and voluntary organisations have been working in close partnership over the past 20 years to implement men's health policies and action plans to improve the health and well-being of boys and men in Ireland. This reminds us that mental health is not just a matter of individual lifestyle, but is shaped by the social, economic and environmental factors in which we live, work and grow. We must, therefore, take a broad, inclusive approach, one that engages men themselves, but also addresses the wider determinants of health.”
“It highlights the need to continue to fund and support local groups like men's sheds and active retirement communities. As everyone has said, we cannot overstate the importance of men's sheds and what they have brought. They provide a safe environment for men to meet up and discuss their issues. They are hugely important. In my area within the Department of Health, I have secured an extra €2 million for meals on wheels and an extra €82 million for an additional 1.7 million of home support hours. This will benefit men as well. I take the opportunity to reflect on the challenges highlighted today in relation to men's health, which we must tackle through policy and practice. The recognition of men's health as a distinct policy priority has evolved significantly over the past two decades.”
“The publication of the Health Service Executive's action plan for men's health 2024-2028 is a significant and important step in continuing the momentum and excellent progress that has been made in the area of men's health practice in Ireland in recent years. I wish to progress and build momentum into the future. The programme for Government also calls for funding to carry out research into the gender life expectancy gap and develop appropriate responses. There is also a commitment to research, implement and evaluate cancer prevention and early detection initiatives, including in prostate cancer, and promote the uptake of the HPV vaccine for young men and boys. It also calls for the expansion of mental health initiatives targeting men and the implementation of strategies aimed at reducing suicide and self-harm among men.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on men's health, which is a priority in the programme for Government. I thank all Deputies from their contributions to this important debate. They showed a genuine interest in this hugely important topic and the Government will very much take that on board. I will refer to the commitments set out in the programme for Government in relation to mental health, which is a priority. It includes the implementation of the men's health action plan to increase health literacy and raise public awareness of boys' and men's physical, mental and emotional health. While there have been improvements in men's health overall, men still have a lower life expectancy than women and have higher mortality rates for the leading causes of death, such as heart disease, cancer and suicide.”
“I thank Deputy Carrigy. I know the particular interest he has in this matter. Specifically, on north Longford, he raised an issue about one provider that has now restored its service. I am working with the Department officials and the HSE to look specifically at north Longford and other areas where there are large waiting lists. Some €82 million additional funding has gone into home support this year. With 1.7 million additional hours, I want to focus on those specific areas. I will continue to work with the Deputy and with my Department and the HSE to look at how we can address those issues in the Deputy's particular case in north Longford and in other areas as well.”
“On the two points the Deputy raised in respect of Mayo, I met with the HSE to look at the waiting lists for each area. I want the numbers on those lists brought down. We have given additional funding this year for home care hours. On the waiting lists, it is about engaging directly with the HSE and looking at measures. The main focus of additional funding this year is to deal with the areas where we have waiting lists. I want those numbers brought down and I am actively working on that with the HSE along with the officials in the Department.”
“Furthermore, an coimisiún is also empowered to advise and make recommendations to the Minister and Government in respect of any proposals for legislative change or any policy matters concerning electoral legislation and proposals. I confirm the Minister's position, as stated, that the Government does not propose to oppose this motion or the amendment. Again, I thank the Deputies for their contributions to this debate and look forward to continued engagement on these important matters.”
“To alter the candidate nomination process for the presidential election would require an amendment of the Constitution. As the Minister outlined, if such a referendum were successful, it would be necessary for the Minister responsible for electoral legislation to bring forward appropriate amendments to the Presidential Elections Act 1993, as amended, to give practical effect to the constitutional change. On this matter, it is worth noting that we now have an independent statutory electoral commission, An Coimisiún Toghcháin, Ireland’s independent Electoral Commission. Its advisory and public information functions enable it to carry out research on electoral policy and procedure.”
“Again, the question arises as to whether there is any particular added value in the preparation and publication of an annual report by the Office of the President in respect of financial accounting and reporting over and above the scrutiny provided by the Oireachtas and in the audit reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General. In respect of the candidate nomination process, Article 12.4.2° of the Constitution explicitly provides that: Every candidate for election, not a former or retiring President, must be nominated either by i. not less than twenty persons, each of whom is at the time a member of one of the Houses of the Oireachtas, or ii. by the Councils of not less than four administrative Counties (including County Boroughs) as defined by law.”
“While amendments to the Freedom of Information Act are more appropriate to the relevant Minister, as I already indicated, I note that, as the Minister, Deputy Browne, already stated, the perceived gains of subjecting the Office of the President to freedom of information do not appear to outweigh the potential risk of disturbing the independence or the apolitical nature of the Presidency. In respect of the annual report, I also understand that the annual accounting and financial reporting arrangements for the Office of the President are managed in the same way as the expenditure arrangements for other public service Votes.”
“Separately, a reserve constituency will need to be provided to facilitate the return and count of the ballot papers from citizens exercising their right to vote. On freedom of information, section 42(h) of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 provides that the Act does not apply to a record relating to the President. Policy responsibility for the freedom of information framework rests with the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. The Office of the President is already subject to a separate and discrete Vote of its own, which covers all that office’s expenditure, in agreement with the Oireachtas. In addition, that Vote is subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General and its expenditure is subject to examination by the public accounts committee.”
“The Government, like previous governments, is supportive of the work previously undertaken by the Convention on the Constitution on the matter of extending voting rights in presidential elections. However, there are a number of factors that need to be considered and addressed prior to the holding of a referendum. An amendment to our Constitution is clearly required but, from a practical perspective, a system would need to be put in place to allow for the registration of electors from Northern Ireland. Another issue is how such electors would vote, for example, if it would be postal or otherwise. I note that An Coimisiún Toghcháin, as part of its research programme, is examining the issue of extending postal voting in our elections.”
“On this matter, Sinn Féin tabled a motion for debate in the Dáil during Private Members' time on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, which called on Dáil Éireann to: - implement the recommendations of the Fifth Report of the Convention on the Constitution, and to extend voting rights in Presidential elections to all Irish citizens on the island of Ireland; and - progress proposals that would extend the right to vote in Presidential elections to the diaspora. The Government did not oppose the motion and it was noted during the debate that the Government continued to reflect on this matter. On Tuesday, 17 June, Aontú introduced the Forty-first Amendment of the Constitution (Voting Rights in Presidential Elections) Bill 2025, which seeks to extend voting rights in presidential elections to all citizens on the island of Ireland.”