Shay Brennan

9. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on plans for a properly resourced office of veterans' affairs. [48992/25]

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?

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 …

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 rece…

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 …

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 t…

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 i…

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 integrati…

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, SM…

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 w…

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…

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 me…

17. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on the economy, trade and competitiveness will next meet. [22996/25]

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 …

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. …

23. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee that deals with transport will meet next. [9483/25]

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 part…

2. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on climate action, environment and energy will meet next. [9482/25]

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 en…

20. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the EU leaders' informal retreat on 3 February 2025. [11136/25]

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 th…

10. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of small and medium enterprises, SMEs, that have successfully applied for and received funding through the digital transition fund since its inception; the total amount disbursed to date; the steps his Department is taking to raise awareness about these digital support programmes among SMEs, particularly tho…

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 2…

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 competiti…

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 disc…