Niall Collins
Limerick County · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“We believe that EU membership is about being aware of the advantages of membership and making sure these are understood by the public. We want to encourage the Irish public to participate in that national conversation.”
“On behalf of the Minister for Transport, I thank the Deputies for raising these important issues. On 1 April, the Road Traffic Control of Certain Vehicles Regulations 2026, known as Grace's law in memory of Grace Lynch, were signed into law.”
“The Department of Transport is examining the issue of mandating the use of protective equipment for e-scooters and e-bikes along with other road safety-focused measures. Proposals in this regard are under consideration by the Ministers. The Department is also considering the matter of registration for e-scooters.”
“The strategy, A Career for EU, aims to improve Irish participation and success rates in EU recruitment processes for institutions such as the European Commission, the European Parliament and over 50 EU agencies.”
“They already benefit from significant Exchequer-funded rent supports through the housing assistance payment or rental accommodation scheme and, critically, must comply fully with the housing standards for rental houses regulations.”
“The timetable for implementation of all new and enhanced services is subject to funding, operational readiness and capacity. The public transport sector is currently experiencing a significant workforce shortage, particularly among drivers and mechanics.”
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“That is just to give context and a backdrop. On the three motions I moved and spoke to earlier, we are already participating in and benefitting from these EU funding streams. Government has no hesitation commending the motions that we opt into these proposals which are laid before the House. By doing so, under an Article 3 opt-in it will ensure that we are at the table with our European partners involved in the detailed discussions from the beginning. I remind any Deputy with reservations on parts of these measures that they are at the initial stages of discussion. Officials from my Department will be working closely with their counterparts as the work progresses to tweak aspects to better fit with our system. I commend the three motions to the House.”
“We cannot ignore that our population is increasing at a significant rate. Our population is growing at approximately 1.6% per annum, which is seven times the EU average. We need to try to slow down that rate of increase. Last year about 185,000 people entered the country. They entered the country, migrated into our country or returned to our country. I will give a breakdown. Approximately 12,000 of the 185,000 were on employment visas, 32,000 were people who came to work here from other EU countries or the United Kingdom and 60,000 people entered on student permits. We had approximately 23,000 people through family reunification. We had 18,500 people who claimed international protection. We had another 10,000 who claimed temporary protection and we had approximately 30,000 people who were Irish citizens returning from abroad.”
“I thank all speakers who contributed to this debate. If you listen to the range of contributions, you will hear wide and varied differences in the views and opinions being offered. For me that reflects the complexity of the whole issue of immigration and migration. There are very little solutions and lots of criticisms, which I can accept but it is the job of Government to try to manage migration and immigration. Before doing so, I restate that immigration has had positive benefits for Ireland. Both I and the Government acknowledge the great contribution migrants have made to Irish society. I reject some of the characterisations of actions and decisions by Government to try to deal with and manage the issues. Our strategy will have to look at our future needs over the coming decade but we still want to see people migrating to Ireland.”
“In doing so, Ireland will continue to benefit from financial assistance in order to have funding available for projects supporting the implementation of the EU pact on asylum and migration, for enhancing law enforcement co-operation between EU member states, and for projects which seek to improve access to justice for all citizens and businesses. From a procedural point of view, our agreement to participate in these measures will also enable Ireland to have a say in their final content. Participation will lend weight to any policy positions that we may take during the negotiation process and allow us to maximise our influence on the final shape of these proposals. I commend the motions to the House.”
“This network brings together judicial training institutions from around Europe to develop and implement training for judiciaries. It is important Ireland continues to support the work of this independent training institution. Furthermore, the programme aims to support projects improving efficient civil and criminal procedures and funding may be made available in relation to procedural safeguards in European arrest warrant proceedings. I am strongly of the view that Ireland should participate in the adoption and application of these proposed measures.”
“Some examples of Irish projects that have been funded under this stream include a Tusla project to improve access to child-friendly justice, protection and recovery for child victims and their families through Barnahus - the child-friendly, multidisciplinary model to support children who may have experienced sexual abuse - and a court-based victim and witness support services project to build knowledge and provide tools to deliver quality court-based support services for victims and witnesses of crime. Funding for these types of projects should continue under the new programme and it is important Ireland continues to support and participate in these programmes. The European Judicial Training Network, of which the Judicial Council of Ireland is a member, is funded under the justice programme.”
“As with the two previous proposals, this proposal is a continuation of previous iterations of the programme, namely, 2014 to 2021 and 2021 to 2027. The programme intends to establish a fund of a total of €798 million over seven years. Member states can draw down from the fund for transnational projects which promote the adherence to the rule of law and fundamental rights, support and improve access to justice, support judicial training, and support the proper funding of independent judicial systems.”
“Examples of beneficiaries of the programmes implemented under the fund may include national police, customs and other specialised law enforcement services, non-governmental organisations and local public bodies. Any measures with a military or defence purpose are not eligible for support under the internal security fund. Funding provided under the current Internal Security Fund has enabled investments in IT systems from which Ireland has benefited including, among other things, Ireland's connection to the Schengen information system, the establishment of Ireland's passenger information unit and the enhancement of the automatic number plate reading system in Garda vehicles. The third fund listed for this debate is the justice programme fund.”
“The indicative increase for this fund reflects the priority afforded to protecting the Union’s internal security. Informed by ProtectEU, the European Commission’s new internal security strategy, the overarching objective of the internal security fund is to ensure a high level of internal security in the EU by enhancing operational law enforcement co-operation and the exchange of information between member states and relevant EU agencies such as Europol. Grants may be provided for activities that include development of national and EU-wide information systems, joint operations between cross-border and national authorities and training, education and acquisition of equipment and support in the development of new technologies and processes.”
“As this House will know, in recent years geopolitical instability has impacted greatly on the EU and the threat picture facing the EU is stark. Security threats continue to evolve and such threats are increasingly cross-border in nature, which necessitates closer co-operation between member states. In its conclusions in June this year, the European Council recalled that serious and organised crime, terrorism, radicalisation and violent extremism - both online and offline - represent a major threat to European citizens and the security of member states. As we know only too well, Ireland is not immune to this. The European Council also called on EU institutions and the member states to mobilise all available resources at national and EU level and to take further action to strengthen law enforcement and judicial co-operation.”
“In line with work progressing on asylum and migration issues at EU level, the new fund will contribute to the specific objectives including enhancing effective, safe and dignified return and readmission and strengthening and developing legal migration to member states. It will also contribute to enhancing solidarity and fair sharing of responsibility between the member states, including through practical co-operation, innovative methods and new technologies. In a similar vein, Ireland has benefited from participation in previous iterations of the EU internal security fund and the proposed regulation is to establish that fund for the 2028-2034 period. It provides for an indicative amount of €6.8 billion, which is a significant increase from the €1.9 billion provided under the current internal security fund running from 2021 to 2027.”
“Ireland participated in the previous two iterations of the fund, covering the periods 2014 to 2020 and 2021 to 2027, as well as in the two comparable funds that preceded it, namely, the European Integration Fund and the European Refugee Fund. Under the current programme the fund provides a range of supports for international protection applicants, programme refugees, beneficiaries of temporary protection and other third country nationals arriving in Ireland. This funding assistance also supports the State’s ability to fund a wide range of NGO-led migrant integration programmes and funding also covers certain aspects of the Irish refugee protection programme and the returns programme, which are managed by our Department.”
“Protocol 21 applies as the measures have Title V legal bases and an opt-in under Article 3 is recommended so Ireland can continue to utilise funding made available under the programmes. On the proposals themselves, the asylum, migration and integration fund proposal will establish a new asylum, migration and integration fund for 2028-2034. It provides for a total amount of €11.9 billion in EU funding, which represents a significant increase from the €6.2 billion provided under the fund between 2021 and 2027. This increase reflects the aim for a collective response on asylum and migration across the Union. Funding can be drawn down to support member states' implementation of the EU pact on asylum and migration and to support member states’ capacity to manage and respond to asylum, migration and integration challenges.”
“The Government today approved the request of the Minister, Deputy O’Callaghan, request to seek the approval of this House to opt in to these EU Commission proposals. They are being taken together as they form part of the multi-annual financial framework, MFF, package. The MFF is the European Union's long-term budget plan that sets the annual spending limits for various policy areas over a seven-year period. The motions today relate to proposals on justice and home affairs financial instruments, namely, the asylum, migration and integration fund, the internal security fund and the justice programme fund. These funding streams are already in existence and the proposed regulations will extend them for the period 2028 to 2034.”
“I move: That Dáil Éireann approves the exercise by the State of the option or discretion under Protocol No. 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, to take part in the adoption and application of the following proposed measure: Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Union support for asylum, migration and integration for the period from 2028 to 2034, a copy of which was laid before Dáil Éireann on 14th August, 2025. My thanks to the House for facilitating these motions, which were debated in the Seanad earlier.”
“The PNR directive is also being evaluated and there may be scope for amendments at the appropriate time. The point is noted. I trust that the House can support the exercise of Ireland's opt-in in this instance and, therefore, approve the motion to participate in the Council decision authorising the opening of negotiations. I thank the Deputies for their contributions and careful consideration.”
“I again highlight that the motion before is simply an opt-in to participate in the negotiations. It is not an opt-in to begin exchanging PNR with the Republic of Korea. The agreement reached at the end of the negotiations will provide the legal basis for that exchange. It will require Ireland to exercise another opt in under Protocol 21 at the time to benefit from the enhanced police co-operation it will offer. Deputy Mark Ward raised a point about PNR data being collected from airline travel and not from other forms of travel. The Commission has published feasibility studies examining the possible use of advanced passenger information from land and maritime travel operators. Ireland does not have the applicable long-distance rail or road routes but will continue to monitor developments on maritime travel arising from these studies.”
“The collection and analysis of PNR data can enable the relevant authorities to detect suspicious travel patterns and identify criminals and terrorists, and their associates. Ireland is bound by the relevant EU PNR directive. Adequate data protection safeguards and respect for the fundamental rights of citizens will be a core component of the negotiations with the Republic of Korea. The existing adequacy decision referred to by the Commission in its proposal is a strong indicator that any transfer of data from the EU to the Republic of Korea will be appropriately protected. We have previously supported similar agreements in this area and it is recommended for operational and policy reasons that we exercise our right to opt in under Article 3 to this proposal so that we can input into the negotiations from the outset.”
“I thank all the Deputies for their contributions, which I have listened to carefully. I also thank Deputy Crowe for a very insightful contribution about the reach of Irish missionaries as far as Korea. We know the outstanding contribution of Irish missionaries around the world and that was another example of it. I reiterate that the proposed opt-in concerns a proposal for a Council decision authorising the opening of negotiations for an agreement between the EU and the Republic of Korea on the transfer of PNR data. PNR data is a widely used law enforcement tool in the EU and beyond to combat terrorism and serious crime such as human trafficking and drug-related offences.”
“In operational and policy terms, it is considered desirable that Ireland exercise an Article 3 opt-in to this proposal with the Republic of Korea so that Ireland can fully participate in the negotiations as they progress. I commend this proposal to the House to consider the exercise of Ireland’s right to opt in under Article 3 of Protocol 21 and seek the approval of the motion to participate in this Council decision authorising the opening of these negotiations between the EU and the Republic of Korea.”
“The Irish passenger information unit is funded through the Vote of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. Deputies will recall that we have already opted in to similar EU PNR agreements with Canada, Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom. Earlier this year, the Dáil and Seanad passed similar motions to allow us to participate in two finalised PNR agreements with Iceland and Norway. Similar proposals to sign and conclude a PNR agreement with Switzerland were published on 13 November 2025. These are currently under consideration. Subject to no legal or practical impediments being identified to our participation, I intend to recommend to the Government and the Houses that we opt in to these agreements and the necessary motions will be brought to the Houses for agreement at the appropriate time.”
“The Irish passenger information unit within my Department is the body responsible for processing PNR data in Ireland. No legal or practical impediment has been identified precluding Ireland from opting in to these proposals. Legal advice from the Attorney General confirms that we will not be bound into participating in the finalised agreement with the Republic of Korea unless we exercise our right to opt in again when fresh proposals are published at the end of the negotiations. Today, I am simply asking Deputies to support an opt-in to those negotiations, so that we can participate on the same basis as other EU member states. No cost increase will arise from our participation in this Council decision authorising the opening of negotiations. A further cost analysis will be conducted at the time the agreement is finalised.”
“The collection and analysis of PNR data is a widely used law enforcement tool in the EU and other countries for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime. PNR data is the booking information provided by passengers and collected by air carriers for their own commercial purposes, such as names, dates of travel or travel itineraries. The collection and analysis of PNR data can provide the authorities with important elements, allowing them to detect suspicious travel patterns and identify associates of criminals and terrorists, particularly those previously unknown to law enforcement authorities. The use of PNR data is governed by the EU PNR directive, which was transposed into national law via the European Union (Passenger Name Record) Regulations 2018.”
“Today, I am seeking the approval of Dáil Éireann to opt in to the Commission recommendation for a Council decision authorising the opening of negotiations for an agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Korea on the transfer of passenger name record, PNR, data. This recommendation has two main aims. The first relates to the necessity of ensuring public security by means of exchanging PNR data between the EU and the Republic of Korea, while the second relates to the protection of privacy and other fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals. This proposed Council decision has a Title V legal basis in the area of police co-operation. Its publication on 15 September 2025 started the three-month window for Ireland to exercise an Article 3 opt-in under Protocol 21 annexed to the Lisbon treaty.”
“I move: That Dáil Éireann approves the exercise by the State of the option or discretion under Protocol No. 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, to take part in the adoption and application of the following proposed measure: Recommendation for a Council Decision authorising the opening of negotiations for an agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Korea on the transfer of Passenger Name Record data from the European Union to the Republic of Korea for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime, a copy of which was laid before Dáil Éireann on 14th October, 2025.”
“This will remove the need to apply for these extensions every six months. However, it will not be possible to have these provisions enacted by 30 November. We can all agree that these measures will successfully address the relevant issues which arose for licensees and that they have worked effectively and will continue to do so for the period ahead with the support of the Houses. Outdoor dining spaces boost the appeal and attractiveness of our towns and cities. They inject new energy and dynamism to local areas, as well as provide much needed support for local businesses and enterprises. Having come through the last few difficult years, it is wonderful to see that we are in a position to share our lively bars and restaurants with many new and returning visitors to our country. I thank the Deputies for their support.”
“I thank the Deputies for their time and contributions. With the extension of the Act until 31 May 2026, I hope that it sends out a message of our determination to continue to support and provide clarity to businesses, An Garda Síochána and local communities. This is an important extension which clarifies the position of licence holders who wish to sell and serve alcohol adjacent to a licensed premises in an area provided by the relevant local authority. With the extension of this Act, continued certainty is provided to licensees. I reiterate that in May of this year, the Government approved the priority drafting of the criminal law and civil law (miscellaneous provisions) Bill, which includes the relevant provisions to regularise the position in respect of outdoor seating areas on a permanent basis.”
“Accordingly, it is proposed to extend the operation of the Act for a further period of six months, that is, until 31 May, 2026 to allow for ongoing certainty for all those operating in the hospitality sector, their patrons, local authorities and An Garda Síochána. In summary, we are here today to ask for the support of the House to extend the provision of outdoor seating which has proven to be popular with industry, local businesses and patrons. As previously stated, these provisions will be included in the criminal law and civil law (miscellaneous provisions) Bill and I therefore commend the motion to the House.”
“The Government considers it to be in the public interest to provide for the sale or supply of intoxicating liquor in certain circumstances in seating areas located outside licensed premises. It allows licensees of such premises to conduct business and to operate in these outdoor seating areas. It is important to extend this operational period for another six months to give clarity to licensed premises, local authorities and An Garda Síochána. The increased availability and popularity of outdoor dining and socialising has been welcomed by many. Its innovation is reflective of the demand for more variety and choice in the ways in which we socialise and in the types of venues and social spaces that are available. It is also a crucial to the viability of many local businesses across our towns and cities.”
“The measures provided for in the 2021 Act also ensure that An Garda Síochána knows that those premises engaged in the sale and supply of intoxicating liquor in outdoor seating areas are doing so lawfully. Providing An Garda Síochána with the power to direct licenceholders to comply with this legislation as it relates to outdoor seating areas facilitates the enforcement of the Act and is an important safeguard. The House will agree that it is essential that An Garda Síochána continues to have clarity regarding its powers for public order purposes and, equally, that licensed premises owners understand their obligations to maintain order in outside public areas where they are selling alcohol.”
“The general scheme of the Bill has been referred to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for drafting and to the Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for pre-legislative scrutiny. As the development of the Bill is ongoing, it will not be possible to bring these provisions into operation prior to 30 November 2025 The extension of the Act today will allow the hospitality sector, local businesses and patrons to continue to enjoy the benefits of outdoor hospitality while the measures to put it on a permanent footing are going through the Houses of the Oireachtas. In May of this year, Government agreed the extension of the Act for a further six months.”
“Those in the hospitality sector faced enormous challenges and the State intervened and provided significant and worthwhile supports that kept many of those businesses going. The provisions of the 2021 Act were in place until 30 November 2021 and have been further extended eight times by resolutions of each House of the Oireachtas, in November 2021, May 2022, November 2022, May 2023, November 2023, May 2024, October 2024 and May 2025. Deputies will be aware that in May of this year, Government approved the priority drafting of the criminal and civil (miscellaneous provisions) Bill. It will include provisions to put outdoor seating on a permanent statutory footing and remove the need for the continued renewal of these provisions by resolution every six months.”
“I move: That Dáil Éireann resolves that the period of operation of sections 1 to 7 and 9 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021 (No. 14 of 2021) be extended for a further period of 6 months, beginning on the 1st day of December, 2025, and ending on the 31st day of May, 2026. I am here to introduce a resolution to extend the sunset clause in the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021. Deputies will be aware that the Act was introduced in July 2021 and this allowed the hospitality sector to continue to provide the sale and supply of intoxicating liquor in outdoor seating areas. This Act was introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic and much of the legislation enacted at that time was introduced in response to the real challenges faced by local businesses, in particular, because of the pandemic.”
“Notwithstanding the change in the Government’s position on the Bill, which we are opposing, I am happy to speak further on the two amendments as they are evidence of the democratic process at work. The Senators have engaged on the issues that were outlined with their proposal and it is important to acknowledge the work they have put in to address them. I understand that the purpose of these two amendments to the Long Title is to correct an error and substitute the updated term "Child Sexual Abuse Material" in place of the wording that appeared in the original version of the Bill, which was "Child Sexual Exploitation Material". These changes are appropriate and correctly align with the Long Title and the purpose of the Bill.”
“The provision for the current wording to be construed as “child sexual abuse material” will ensure that it is called out for what it is and for the harm it causes in legal documents and in court proceedings. I am, therefore, satisfied that the approach being adopted in the Government legislation is the most appropriate way to bring the language in legislation for child sexual abuse material into line with best practice. Having said that, I commend the Senators on introducing the Bill in 2022 and keeping the issue live since then. This Bill initiated a debate on a legislative change that was very much needed and the debates that took place in this House around it have led to the introduction of the current Government proposal. I assure the Senators that their hard work on this Bill is acknowledged and duly appreciated.”
“When considering the approach to any new legislation that will amend the provisions for criminal offences, it is vital to ensure that we maintain the legislative coherence necessary for the offences to simultaneously remain fully enforceable, sufficiently fair to victims of crime and fully in line with the requirements of the Constitution. The underlying aim behind the Bill is clearly worthwhile. The language we use in legislation affects our perceptions of the impact of offences on victims and influences how we respond. The Government legislation will replace the outdated language in the 1998 Act so that it reflects the true nature of the harm done to victims by offenders who make, possess or distribute child sexual abuse material.”
“Every reference would need to be separately evaluated to see what the impact of making the change would be and how best to mitigate it. A key risk here is that some references would be missed or that the impact of the changes might not be fully anticipated. This is a risk with any amendments to legislation, but the scale of the task magnifies the risk. The proposed amendments to Long and Short Titles of legislation carry a risk to the legal certainty that is required in cross-references between enactments. This leads to a potential impact on the safety of prosecutions and the enforceability of post-conviction obligations, for example, the sex offenders register.”
“It also means that all new legislation related to this topic in the future will use the new language, so the old wording will disappear from the Statute Book as changes are made over time. This will allow for a more considered approach to the impact of targeted changes in more clearly defined contexts, for example, if the provisions for an offence are being amended. While the amendments made on Committee Stage have improved the Bill, it would still require very substantial effort to get it to the point where it could be implemented. It would be no easy task to find and replace all the references, while still ensuring that the legal effect of provisions for offences and post-conviction reporting requirements are not undermined.”
“Part 5 of the general scheme of the criminal law (sexual offences, domestic violence and international instruments) Bill 2025 will delete the terms “child pornography” and “pornographic performance” throughout the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998 and replace them with “child sexual abuse material” and “child sexual abuse performance”, respectively. References elsewhere in statute will not be replaced. Instead, the legislation will provide for references in any enactment, legal proceedings or other document to “child pornography” to be construed as references to “child sexual abuse material”. This will ensure that appropriate language is used to describe these offences in legal proceedings and elsewhere.”
“We took the same position again on Committee Stage in June this year, as the aims of the Bill are in line with Government policy and they would clearly be of benefit if they could be achieved. However, as we set out at the time, there are a number of problems with the proposals in the Bill. While these were generally not thought to be insurmountable, they represent significant legal risks. The proposed amendments would have a very broad reach across the Statute Book and would involve a large amount of complex and very detailed drafting work in order to deliver on the objective of removing and replacing every single reference to “child pornography” in every piece of legislation in force. The new Government legislation takes a different approach.”
“The Child Trafficking and Child Sexual Exploitation Material (Amendment) Bill 2022 seeks to bring the language used in legislation into line with our modern understanding of the true horror of child sexual abuse material and the damage caused to young lives by those who commit offences of this nature. As Members will be aware by now, the Government has decided to oppose the Bill on Report Stage. This is a change to the previous position on the Bill. However, the Government recently published new legislation that will deal with this issue in a more targeted way and does not give rise to the concerns outlined during the debates in the Seanad. During the Second Stage debate, the then Minister, Deputy James Browne, conveyed the Government's decision not to oppose the Bill.”
“It is important the language we use in legislation reflects the seriousness of the matters it addresses, particularly when it relates to serious offences against the most vulnerable people in our society. The phrase "child pornography" was considered appropriate in 1998 to address the need to criminalise effectively sexual imagery of children. It is now widely recognised that this term does not accurately convey the true nature of the harm to victims. Any material that would meet the definition of “child pornography” in the 1998 Act is evidence of the sexual abuse of a child and it is appropriate that the Act should be amended to reflect this. The internationally accepted best practice term today is "child sexual abuse material".”
“I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach and Senators. The amendment is not opposed. However, Senators are probably aware at this stage that the Government's approach to the Bill has changed and the Bill is now being opposed. I will expand a little on that. We are pleased to have the opportunity to speak about this Private Members' Bill sponsored by Senators Flynn, Black, Higgins and Ruane. I acknowledge the hard work and sustained effort the Senators have put into getting this Bill to Report Stage and engaging with us on the issues. This work was reflected in the amendments made on Committee Stage in June. When the Bill was introduced in February 2022 it was clear that the objective of updating the language in the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998 was worth pursuing.”
“Unlike some other European countries, Ireland does not screen on a regional or indeed pilot basis. Nevertheless, the Government is aware of how difficult it is for parents whose children have received a diagnosis of a rare disease and how challenging daily life can be for them, their families and their children. Advances in technology and treatments for many of these conditions are continually emerging, which is very welcome, and the House can be assured that all stakeholders involved in the implementation process are working to ensure that screening for both conditions is introduced as soon as possible, and the Minister will continue to advocate on behalf of the rare diseases community in this regard.”
“We have always evaluated the case for commencing or expanding our national screening programmes against internationally accepted criteria, collectively known as the Wilson and Jungner criteria. The evidence bar for screening programmes should and must remain high. This ensures that we can be confident that programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards. While Ireland currently screens for fewer conditions than many other European countries, direct comparisons are not always accurate. Ireland adopts a national population-based approach, with screening being the first part of a full pathway that also involves onward diagnosis and treatment. The evidence related to each of these is examined in advance of the recommendations by the NSAC.”
“In 2023, two recommendations from the committee for the introduction of screening for SCID and SMA were approved. A total of €1.4 million in additional funding to support the implementation process was provided through the budget of 2024. Implementation planning included a procurement of specialised equipment, the recruitment of 12 additional staff, the physical reconfiguration of existing laboratory and the validation to inform appropriate cut-off values for screening. The implementation process for both conditions commenced in 2024 and is ongoing, involving close collaboration between officials at the Department of Health and the HSE national children's screening programme. Once completed, it will bring the number of conditions screened for through the NNBSP to 11.”
“Additionally, the national rare disease strategy launched by the Minister for Health in August of 2025, includes actions related to the expansion of newborn bloodspot screening. I highlight that any proposed changes to Ireland's screening programmes are facilitated through established and evidence-driven protocols. The national screening advisory committee is the independent expert group that provides advice to the Minister for Health. The rigorous processes utilised by the committee are critical to ensure that our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards. Since May 2022, babies born in Ireland are offered screening for nine conditions through the HSE’s national newborn bloodspot screening programme.”
“I thank the Senator for the opportunity to update the House on this important matter. The Government is determined to support Ireland’s screening programmes, which are a valuable part of the health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people and improving the overall health of our population. In terms of newborn bloodspot screening specifically, the Government is aware of how difficult it is for parents whose children have received a diagnosis of a rare disease and how challenging daily life can be for them, their families and their children. The programme for Government commits to continually reviewing the number of conditions babies are screened for.”
“I absolutely understand the points Senator Ryan is making in relation to small retail and grocery shops, which are the lifeblood of many local communities, as we know. They are under pressure, as the Senator has outlined, on many fronts in terms of their viability and sustainability within our communities. Like our post office networks, it is important that people shop local and support their local shops and enterprises inasmuch as possible. The request she has made is a fair and measured one in terms of the backdrop of viability and sustainability, particularly of the smaller shops. The points the Senator made about the potential licence fee vis-à-vis the turnover of some enterprises is also a point that has merit and requires examination.”
“That measure came into effect last month. The sale of both types of products at events for children in prohibited. The advertising of nicotine inhaling products around schools and on public transport is prohibited. The advertising of nicotine-inhaling products in cinemas is restricted. The final group of measures in the Act are those which provide additional enforcement powers to the national environmental health service of the HSE which is the enforcement authority for the 2023 Act and previous tobacco control Acts.”