Seán Kyne

90. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the progression of the master plan for the redevelopment of University Hospital Galway; the timelines for the first phase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52389/26]

In University Hospital Galway over recent years we have seen investment in a 75-bed en suite ward, a temporary emergency department and the new radiation oncology building, but so much more is needed. The master plan, including the 300-bed ward blocks, the oncology centre, new laboratories and a new emergency department, is hugely important to the future. I am looking for a timeline for progressio…

I thank the Minister for that response. Certainly, the appointment of the design team is hugely welcome and a positive step. She will be aware of the Mater Hospital during the Covid pandemic and the 98-bed block that was built in two years. These things can be done where there is urgency. We have lost a lot of time in Galway, through no fault of the Minister's, because we have debated for too long…

Yes, there will be public engagement later today and again tomorrow. Residents in the Shantalla area hope to be able to pop in there tomorrow as well, and councillors will be engaging. I will certainly pass on the Minister's strong view on pushing on with a decision on the transfer of land in relation to the helipad project. Block A and block B comprise 150 beds and the bed shortage is critical t…

I thank the Ceann Comhairle's office for selecting this Topical Issue for debate this morning, and I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, to the Chamber. As he knows, I raised this matter in the Upper House on 18 March, and due to its importance for coastal communities, I wanted it to be the first issue that I raised as part of a debate in this House. This is, as the Minister of State kn…

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response. I welcome the fact that he expects the MPPS to be brought to the Government in the coming weeks. May I assume, therefore, that MARA is not granting licences pending the MPPS? Is that in abeyance? Is there a formal process? Is it involving itself in consultation on the best way forward in relation to the harvesting of seaweed and the lic…

7. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the work of the national energy affordability task force; when the action plan will be produced; the way in which timelines on implementation will be managed so as to assist households and business in advance of winter 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44562/26]

I am seeking an update on the work of the national energy affordability task force; when the action plan will be produced; the implementation timelines; and what will be done to assist households and businesses in advance of the coming winter.

I acknowledge the work of the Government in assisting those in fuel poverty and under pressure, the extension of the fuel allowance season and the continuation of the reduction in VAT on electricity on gas. We saw during March and April significant increases in the price of home heating oil. Thankfully, that has now come back to a degree but it was certainly a shock to the budgets of many homeowne…

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I agree that the action plan needs to be flexible in relation to such shocks. I know this is not just an issue for his Department, and requires a whole-of-government response. During the winter period, demand for and usage of home heating oil will increase in Galway and Mayo. We will have colder nights and people will stay in for longer. I certainly …

I thank the Minister of State for the response. It is good to see the statistics from Irish Business Against Litter showing a reduction of can and bottle litter. It is certainly welcome. There have been some concerns raised about the accessibility of the machines to wheelchair users, where the unclaimed deposit money will go and how long it is in the system, as well as how the machines' screens ar…

It is important that unclaimed deposits be kept under review. Are there any regional differences in the uptake of the scheme? Is that something that could be examined, in particular whether particular parts of the country are lower? It is likely to be the case. There would be an average level and there would be some with higher rates of use and others with lower rates of use and return. We could e…

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for sharing his time with me. As this is my first opportunity to give a speech, I will thank all members of the public in Galway West who voted for me and gave me the distinct honour of coming back to this House for a second chance to represent the people of Galway West. I thank everybody who voted for me in that election, whether they gave me their number one or …

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire agus aontaím gurb é tithíocht an rud is tábhachtaí trasna na tíre, an Ghaeltacht ina measc. Cuirim fáilte roimh an méid atá leagtha amach sa chlár Rialtas maidir leis an ról lárnach a bheidh ag Údarás na Gaeltachta. Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil sé sásta an comhoibriú sin a dhéanamh leis an rialtas áitiúil. Tá sé sin fíorthábhachtach, agus leis sin go mbeidh ról lárnach idi…

Cuirim fáilte roimh ráiteas an Aire go bhfuil sé sásta breathnú ar scéim phíolótach maidir leis sin. Tá a lán áiteanna ina bhféadfaí leanúint ar aghaidh nó breathnú isteach ar scéim phíolótach cosúil leis An Fhairche i gConamara, áit ina bhfuil scéim séarachais faoi láthair. Áit eile is ea Baile na hAbhann, a bhfuil a lán rudaí eile ó thaobh fostaíochta de ann. Tá scoileanna, séipéil agus tithe do…