Shay Brennan
Dublin Rathdown · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“The Minister will appreciate that the risk here is a straightforward competitiveness one. If competing jurisdictions provide clearer legal certainty first, the product development and the jobs that go with it will go elsewhere.”
“I thank the Minister. He will appreciate there is an urgency about this issue. The core requirement from the funds industry is quite narrow. It is recognition that distributed ledger technology is a valid medium for share issuance for transfer, registration and record keeping.”
“Ireland's funds industry manages trillions in assets and supports over 20,000 jobs. It is one of our most significant internationally traded sectors. Globally this sector is now moving rapidly towards tokenisation and the use of distributed ledger technology.”
“Ireland takes the chair of the 2028-2034 MFF negotiations in July. This is a pivotal period in these complex and highly consequential negotiations. Delivering a finalised agreement within our term would be of significant reputational benefit for Ireland.”
“It wants us to use that credibility to bring about a collective European response, because it understands, as we should, that collective European action is where the real impact lies.”
“The regulatory impact analysis acknowledges that this Bill could prompt a response from third countries, notably the United States, with what it calls a potentially significant adverse impact on Irish economic interests.”
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“Four out of five suicides in Ireland are male. This figure is deeply distressing and behind every number is a man, often young, often in the prime of his life, whose loss devastates families, friends, and communities across the country. Every one of these deaths leaves a ripple of grief that stretches far beyond the immediate circle. It not just a statistic; it is a husband, a son, a brother, a team-mate or a colleague. Ireland has shown leadership in this space before. We were the first country in the world to publish a national men's health policy in 2009. This initiative made a real and measurable difference. Premature deaths among men declined, awareness approved and the national framework for action began to take shape. More than 15 years on, we know there is still a long way to go.”
“Ukraine applied for EU membership in February 2022 and was granted candidate status not long after that. Since then, significant progress has been made, with the screening progress reportedly completed in September 2025. Will the Taoiseach provide an update on the current status of Ukraine's accession talks, progress made on any required reforms - if that information is available - and the key milestones that remain? Precisely how is Ireland supporting Ukraine's accelerated integration into the Union, especially in light of ongoing political challenges from some member states? Will the Taoiseach outline Ireland's diplomatic efforts to help build consensus among EU partners for Ukraine's full and timely accession?”
“Finally, how does the Government assess our own capacity to respond to hybrid attacks and what forms of EU solidarity or support does it consider most vital in this context?”
“In recent weeks, we have seen an increase in Russian drone incursions into airspace of several EU member states. These were accompanied by threats to energy and transport infrastructure. Both the European Parliament and the Council have called for a stronger, more co-ordinated EU response including potential joint air defence measures, tougher sanctions and new protocols to address aerial and hybrid threats. Could the Taoiseach outline Ireland's position in these ongoing EU discussions? Specifically, is Ireland advocating for a common European air defence framework for greater intelligence sharing and protection of critical infrastructure or for stronger co-ordinated sanctions?”
“How can local stakeholders best engage with and bring this opportunity to the Government's immediate attention to ensure it receives the co-ordinated backing necessary for success?”
“Internationally recognised digital hubs like Station F in Paris have profoundly transformed their local and regional economies by attracting start-ups, venture capital and cutting-edge innovation ecosystems. The Government has signalled strong backing for digital hubs as cornerstones of Ireland's economic competitiveness and future growth. Sandyford Business District is at an advanced stage of planning its own large-scale digital innovation campus. This is uniquely suited due to its strategic location, quality infrastructure and well-established international business community. With proactive Government support, Sandyford could emerge as a flagship hub of digital entrepreneurship and innovation on the European stage.”
“What measures are being taken to ensure that all those eligible are availing of the support, particularly as the rental market remains under strain?”
“The Minister will probably appreciate that most of the questions he is asked between now and October will be to seek his plans for the upcoming budget. Could he provide an update in the meantime on the overall awareness and uptake of the rent tax credit since its launch? My understanding is that the Department of Finance estimates that around 400,000 renters are eligible to claim this relief. In its initial year, some 250,000 to 270,000 taxpayer units made a claim for the credit. By early 2024, claims across the first two years, 2022 and 2023, exceeded 320,000 taxpayer units, with, I believe, almost €120 million paid out in respect of the year 2022 alone. Given the substantial increase in the value of the credit since then, has there been a commensurate rise in uptake rates and awareness among renters?”
“Given cost-of-living issues, does he envisage any further increases to the credit or additional targeted measures aimed at supporting renters in the most acute difficulty?”
“We are all acutely aware of the persistent challenges facing renters. The rent tax credit introduced in budget 2023 at €500 has been a tangible intervention for people grappling with higher rental costs. This credit was subsequently increased to €750 and reached €1,000 for individuals and €2,000 for couples in budget 2025. Since its inception three years ago, it has offered meaningful assistance to many, easing pressure from rising rents and providing relief for thousands of families and individuals. Recognising the programme for Government's commitment to progressively increasing the rent tax credit, will the Minister outline whether additional enhancements are being considered as part of the upcoming budget?”
“Could the Minister confirm the number of taxpayer units that have made claims for the rent tax credit since its introduction in December 2022? With budget 2025 further increasing the credit to €1,000 for individuals and €2,000 for jointly assessed couples, will the Minister comment on the scale of uptake and effectiveness of this credit in supporting private renters and make a statement on how it fits within the Government's broader strategy to assist those struggling with high rents?”
“Does the Minister believe there are alternative tax measures that would better incentivise the construction of much-needed new apartments?”
“In light of the urgent issues in housing supply, IBEC recently proposed that the Government address apartment construction viability directly by reducing VAT on new-build apartments by 5% and discontinuing development levies on such projects. Its analysis suggests these actions would reduce direct State-imposed costs at a cost of about €86 million, which is less than the shortfall between VAT receipts and the departmental profile. Given the number of apartment completions has reportedly fallen considerably this year to date and IBEC is now arguing for this intervention as consistent with the social imperative for increased housing supply and the VAT directive requirements, is such a targeted VAT reduction or the removal of development levies under consideration by the Government as part of budget deliberations?”
“There is also a commitment to support SMEs, particularly in the retail and hospitality sectors, potentially through adjustments in VAT, PRSI and other measures in the coming budget. Will the Minister indicate whether specific VAT measures will be considered in the forthcoming budget, particularly for sectors facing acute cost challenges?”
“While the increase of €0.6 billion in cumulative VAT receipts is encouraging, there are signals of underlying volatility. VAT is approximately €100 million behind profile, as I stated. Although modest in percentage terms, that may indicate emerging trends. Will the Minister elaborate on what the Department interprets as the trend in VAT collection so far this year? Specifically, does the Minister anticipate receipts will realign with projections or could the gap widen as the year progresses? The programme for Government acknowledges the impact of rising energy costs on businesses and households and pledges tax measures such as changes to VAT to help mitigate these pressures.”
“I note June is a non-VAT-due month yet receipts so far have been relatively robust, with cumulative VAT up by €0.6 billion at €11.6 billion, albeit reportedly about €100 million below profile. Will the Minister comment on the significance of these figures?”
“With the rapid advancement of commercial drone technology, Ireland is witnessing increasing interest from companies seeking to launch drone delivery services. I note in particular a proposed operation in Dundrum which has generated significant public attention and raised questions about the adequacy of our current regulatory framework. Given concerns around safety, privacy, noise and the integration of drones into the suburban environment, I ask the Taoiseach to outline the steps being taken to ensure robust regulation of commercial drone delivery services. Specifically, I ask him to confirm if there are any plans to update existing legislation or introduce new measures to address the unique risks and opportunities posed by such operations.”
“If a small business waits until the next day to report a minor transaction, it may face a €4,000 fine for breach, which is a significant risk for businesses already under pressure. Is it really necessary to require same-day reporting for every small benefit? Will the Tánaiste commit to reviewing the real-time regime to reduce its administrative burden and help preserve the viability of small businesses in Ireland?”
“I wish to discuss the significant burden that Revenue's enhanced reporting requirements for employee benefits are placing on small- and medium-sized enterprises across Ireland. While the aim may be transparency, the reality is that SMEs must now report even the smallest non-cash benefits, sometimes just €10 in value, to Revenue on or before the day that they are provided. As the Tánaiste knows, SMEs comprise more than 270,000 businesses in Ireland and are already facing many challenges. These new requirements add a disproportionate layer of bureaucracy, forcing business owners to divert precious time and resources away from their core operations. Many SMEs do not have in-house payroll or HR, making it even harder to keep up with these obligations.”
“It is a Bill that balances the needs of today with the challenges of tomorrow. It delivers for the people of Dublin Rathdown and communities across Ireland. Let us work together to ensure the LPT remains a fair, sustainable and effective source of funding for our local authorities. Let us support the Bill and, in doing so, support the future of our communities.”
“I will turn to the principles that underpin the Bill, namely, fairness, stability and local empowerment. By widening the valuation bands, updating deferral thresholds and applying progressive rates to higher value properties, we are ensuring that the LPT remains fair and proportionate. Regarding stability, by setting a five-year valuation period and providing certainty for homeowners, we are ensuring the system is stable and predictable. Regarding local empowerment, by allowing local authorities to vary the LPT rate and retain additional revenue, we are strengthening local accountability and ensuring communities see a direct return for their contribution. I urge all Deputies to support the Bill. It is the right thing to do for homeowners, local authorities and the future of public services.”
“It provides a stable, predictable source of revenue that supports local initiatives and reduces our reliance on more volatile revenue streams. In a world of increasing uncertainty, whether due to global economic shocks, climate change or demographic change, it is now more important than ever that we have a broad, stable tax base. The LPT is an essential part of that base and the Bill ensures it will remain fit for purpose in the years ahead. The Bill also delivers on the commitments made in the programme for Government, which promised to ensure fairness and stability in LPT payments, retain revenue locally and protect those on lower incomes. The Bill fulfils all of those promises. It is a balanced, responsible and forward-looking Bill that will serve our communities well.”
“It would be a step backwards, not forwards. On alternatives, some have suggested that the LPT should be replaced with a site value tax or another form of property taxation. While there is merit in considering the long-term evolution of our tax system, the reality is that the LPT is a well-established, well-understood and administratively efficient system. The changes proposed in this Bill build on that foundation, making the system fairer and more sustainable for the future. It is important to situate the Bill within the broader context of our public finances. Ireland has made significant progress in recent years in restoring fiscal sustainability, reducing our debt burden and investing in public services. The LPT is a key part of that progress.”
“The alternative of relying on transaction taxes or general taxation would be less predictable, less stable and ultimately less fair. Second, on the ability to pay, the LPT is not only a tax on home ownership, but a contribution to the services that make our communities liveable. The updated deferral thresholds ensure that whose who genuinely cannot afford to pay are protected. The vast majority of homeowners will see only a modest increase and, for many, the benefits of improved local services will far outweigh the cost. Third, to abolish the LPT would be to undermine the financial foundation of local authorities. It would mean less funding for parks, libraries, roads and community services. It would mean greater reliance on central government funding, reducing local accountability and local decision making.”
“No one should be forced to choose between paying the LPT and meeting basic needs. The Government is committed to protecting the most vulnerable and this Bill delivers on that commitment. I am aware that some in this House and, indeed, in the wider public have raised concerns about the LPT. Some argue that it is an unfair burden on homeowners or that it fails to take account of ability to pay. Others suggest it should be abolished altogether or replaced with an entirely different system. Let me address these concerns directly. First, on the question of fairness, the LPT is a progressive tax by design. Those with more valuable properties pay more while those on lower incomes have access to deferral options. The widening of the bands and updating of deferral thresholds in this Bill further enhance the fairness of the system.”
“It has supported local sports clubs and enabled the delivery of community initiatives that bring people together. It has helped to maintain our roads, improve public lighting and support the work of our libraries and community centres. I have spoken to many constituents who recognise the value of these services, but who are also concerned about the potential impact of rising property prices on their LPT liability. This Bill responds directly to those concerns. By widening the valuation bands and limiting the average increase to less than 5%, we are ensuring that the vast majority of homeowners in Dublin Rathdown will see only a modest adjustment to their LPT bills, one that is fair, proportionate and manageable. For those on lower incomes, the updated deferral thresholds provide a vital safety net.”
“Importantly, any additional revenue generated from these changes will be retained by the local authorities, ensuring that the benefits of this tax reform are directly felt in local communities through improved services and infrastructure. As a TD for Dublin Rathdown, I wish to speak directly to the impact of these changes on my constituency. Dublin Rathdown is a vibrant, diverse community that is home to families, young professionals, retirees and people from all walks of life. It is an area with a strong sense of community, but also one that faces real challenges, whether it is in housing, transport or the provision of local amenities. The LPT has played a crucial role in supporting local services in Dublin Rathdown. It has funded the maintenance and enhancement of our parks and playgrounds.”
“The Bill also addresses affordability concerns by indexing the income thresholds for LPT deferral. This means that those on lower incomes or with limited means will continue to have access to deferral options that reflect current economic realities. The thresholds have been updated to keep pace with inflation, wage growth and increases in State payments since 2021. This is a vital safeguard that ensures that the LPT does not become an undue burden on the most vulnerable in our society. The Bill empowers local authorities by allowing them to vary the LPT rate upwards by up to 25%, giving them greater flexibility to respond to local needs and priorities. The downward variation remains capped at 15%.”
“Properties valued at more than €2.1 million will be charged on their actual value, with progressive rates applied to the different proportions of the property value. This progressive element is fundamental to the fairness of the system. It ensures that those who own more valuable properties contribute accordingly while protecting those on lower and middle incomes from excessive increases. Another important feature of the Bill is the setting of the valuation period to five years from 2026 to 2030. This provides certainty and stability for property owners, allowing them to plan their finances with a certain degree of confidence. The next revaluation will take place on 1 November 2030, maintaining a regular cycle that reflects market conditions without causing undue disruption.”
“This is a crucial intervention that ensures that the vast majority of homeowners - an estimated 96% - will not see their LPT liabilities jump by more than one band. Many will see no change at all. To put this in context, while property prices have risen by approximately 24%, the widening of the bands, combined with the new base rate of 0.0906%, means that the average increase in LPT for most homeowners will be limited to less than 5%. For properties valued under €1.26 million, base LPT charges will increase by between 5% and 6%. This is a modest adjustment, one that is in line with property value growth and far less than the headline rate of inflation. For higher value properties, the Bill ensures that LPT charges are proportionate to their market value.”
“This is an outcome that would have been neither fair nor sustainable. The Government has listened to these concerns and engaged with stakeholders, local authorities and the public to ensure that the system remains balanced, equitable and fit for purpose. This Bill addresses these challenges head on. It contains a number of key provisions, each designed to ensure that the local property tax remains fair, proportionate and sustainable. First and foremost, the Bill widens the valuation bands by 20%. This means that the bands within which properties are valued for LPT purposes will be broader, allowing many homeowners to remain in their current bands despite increases in the property values.”
“The revenue raised in each local authority area is spent almost primarily in that area, ensuring that the communities see a direct return for their contribution. This principle of local accountability and local benefit is at the heart of the LPT system and one that the Bill seeks to strengthen. As with any tax, however, the LPT must evolve to reflect changing circumstances. We cannot ignore the reality that property prices have risen significantly since the previous revaluation in 2021. According to the Central Statistics Office, residential property prices nationally have increased by approximately 24% over the past four years. In some areas, particularly outside of Dublin, the increases have been even more pronounced. Without reform, there would have been a sharp and sudden increase in LPT liabilities for many homeowners.”
“It was designed to broaden our tax base, to provide a stable and predictable source of funding for local governments and to reduce our reliance on volatile transaction-based taxes, such as stamp duty. Since its inception, the LPT has delivered on these objectives. It has become the cornerstone of local government funding, supporting the delivery of essential services that every citizen relies upon every day. From the maintenance of our parks and green spaces to the upkeep of our roads, the provision of libraries, community centres and local amenities, the LPT underpins the very fabric of local life. Perhaps the LPT's most important aspect is that it is a tax that is retained locally.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to address the House on the Finance (Local Property Tax and Other Provisions) (Amendment) Bill 2025. As a representative of Dublin Rathdown, I am acutely aware of the importance of the local property tax, both as a source of funding for our local authority and as a topic of real concern for homeowners and communities across the country. I wish to set out clearly why this Bill is not only necessary, but also fair, balanced and in the best interests of our citizens, local authorities and the future sustainability of our public services. I will begin by recalling why the local property tax was introduced in the first place. The local property tax, established in 2013, was a critical reform in the wake of the financial crisis.”
“With interest rates stabilising and strong demand for public infrastructure, is it time for the Government to be more ambitious and proactive in bringing forward investment, rather than spreading it thinly over a longer period? I would welcome the Tánaiste's thoughts on whether a more front-loaded, investment-led strategy should be considered at this critical juncture.”
“I appreciate that response and the steps being taken to improve oversight and delivery. However, I wish to press further on the strategic approach to investment timing. Given the urgent needs in transport, energy, water and public services, and considering Ireland's relatively strong fiscal position, are we missing an opportunity by not front-loading our infrastructural investment, even if this means prudent borrowing? Many experts argue that accelerating key projects now would not only address immediate capacity constraints but also drive economic growth, improve competitiveness and deliver long-term savings by avoiding the costs of delay.”
“It is about public trust and the credibility of the Government. People need to see that the State can deliver high-quality infrastructure on time and within budget to improve their daily lives and support Ireland's future growth and prosperity. I urge the Tánaiste to provide a detailed and candid assessment of where we stand. What is being done to address these challenges? How can we restore and strengthen confidence in our ability to deliver value for money in public investment?”
“It undermines public confidence in the State's ability to delivery essential infrastructure efficiently and effectively. What specific measures are in place to ensure rigorous oversight of infrastructure projects from initial planning through to completion? How are lessons learned from past overruns and delays? What concrete reforms are being implemented to prevent a repeat of these issues? Is our performance benchmarked against international best practice? If so, how do we compare with our peers in Europe and beyond? Most important, what assurances can the Tánaiste give the public that we are maximising the return on this historic level of investment? What assurance can he provide that future projects will avoid the pitfalls we have seen to date? This is not just about balancing the books.”
“We have all seen high-profile projects beset by cost overruns, delays and significant changes in scope. The national children's hospital, MetroLink and various school building projects have attracted criticism for spiralling costs and protracted timelines. They are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern that raises fundamental questions about project management, procurement processes and accountability in our system. In my constituency of Dublin Rathdown, constituents regularly raise concerns about the pace of delivery and quality of completed projects. Whether transport links, school places or healthcare facilities, people want to know the State is delivering on its promises in a way that represents real value for money. There is a palpable sense of frustration when projects are delayed or costs escalate.”
“I raise the critical issue of whether we are getting value for money from our infrastructural investment. As public representatives, we have a responsibility to ensure that every euro of taxpayers' money is spent wisely and delivers tangible, lasting benefits for communities. Over the past decade, we have witnessed unprecedented levels of capital investment in public infrastructure - roads, public transport, schools, hospitals, housing and more. The national development plan, Project Ireland 2040 and various sectoral strategies have set ambitious targets. The sums involved are substantial, reflecting the scale of the challenge and the opportunity before us. However, there is growing concern in this House and among the wider public about the efficiency and effectiveness of this spending.”
“As the European Union continues its negotiations with the US on trade matters, there are ongoing discussions on the development of a retaliatory tariffs list. The final version of this list could potentially include measures affecting the aviation sector. Ireland is uniquely exposed in this regard as we have the largest aircraft leasing industry in the world, supporting almost 9,000 high quality skilled jobs and contributing almost €900 million annually to the economy. Given the scale and strategic importance of this sector, not just to Ireland but to the wider European aviation ecosystem, will the Taoiseach outline the specific steps the Government is taking, directly and through our representation at EU level, to ensure the interests of Ireland's aircraft leasing industry are fully protected in these negotiations?”
“Given these challenges, will the Government consider introducing a more responsive funding mechanism or a supplementary fund to ensure schools with rising enrolments are adequately resourced to provide free books and materials to all pupils throughout the year?”
“As the Taoiseach is aware, the free primary schoolbooks scheme has been a welcome support for families and schools across the country. However, schools experiencing significant increases in enrolment often find the current per capita funding model based on the previous year’s enrolment figures does not fully meet their needs, particularly when new pupils join after the funding has been allocated. On top of this, schools now need to purchase a new maths book to reflect the changes in the primary maths curriculum this September, which places further pressure on already stretched book grants.”
“Given the Luas Green Line between St. Stephen's Green and Sandyford was originally designed to allow for a future upgrade to metro standard, and with MetroLink tunnelling provisions already in place to Charlemont, can the Taoiseach confirm if and when it is planned to proceed with the full metro upgrades southwards to Sandyford, considering its long-term necessity for capacity demands and, in particular, the significant cost-saving advantages of doing this at the same time as the MetroLink work?”
“During recent European Council meetings, I understand Ireland has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine's bid for fast-tracked EU membership. Could the Taoiseach elaborate on the specific role Ireland has played in these discussions? Has he proposed any concrete measures or timelines to facilitate Ukraine's integration into the EU, especially given the challenges of aligning with EU standards while the country is still at war? How does Ireland balance its support for Ukraine with the concerns of other candidate countries, which may have been waiting for many years to progress their accession process?”
“Ireland has one of the best offshore wind resources in Europe, yet progress in developing the sector has been slow due to regulatory hurdles, infrastructural challenges and delays in project approvals. Given the urgent need to decarbonise our energy system and meet our 2030 climate targets, what specific actions is the Government taking to streamline the planning process, attract investment and ensure that Ireland becomes a leader in offshore wind energy?”
“I thank the Minister of State and very much welcome her commitment to the digitalisation of SMEs. I note that the fund is linked to the EU recovery and resilience facility and that this facility is not planned to be continued beyond 2026. It is vital that we in some way delink ourselves from that facility and that we continue to fund the vital growth of digitalisation within Irish SMEs. As we discussed yesterday during the very useful debate on AI, Ireland can and very much should be a leader in this space. It can only really achieve that status if we fund it correctly and give it the status it deserves.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit, agus déanaim comhghairdeas léi on her recent appointment. I thank her for the very informative, worthwhile and important debate we had yesterday on this area, particularly around artificial intelligence. What specific metrics is the Department using to measure the impact of the digital transition fund on SMEs, particularly in respect of their digital competitiveness? As we know, technology is moving very quickly. As we discussed yesterday, a lot of this is due to changes in AI and changes brought about by AI. Clearly, the fund is strategically very important and I hope there are plans to extend it beyond its expiry date in 2026. Will the Minister confirm whether this fund will continue beyond that date?”
“How many SMEs have successfully applied for and received funding through the digtital transition fund since its inception? What is the total amount disbursed so far? What steps is the Department taking to raise awareness of these digital support programmes amount SMEs, particularly those that may be less digitally savvy? In light of the goal of achieving 90% of SMEs at basic digital intensity by 2030, what additional measures is the Department considering to accelerate digital adoption among Irish businesses?”
“We must work together in government, industry and academia to ensure the benefits of AI are maximised for all our citizens.”