David Maxwell

Sorry, Deputy-----

The Select Committee on Defence and National Security has completed its consideration of the following Revised Estimate for Public Services for the service of the year ending on 31 December 2026: Vote 36.

I would like to ask about the status of last year's changes to exempt smaller, modular and ancillary units such as granny flats or home offices up to 40 sq m, depending on the final regulation. Easing of these planning regulations to allow for larger, unattached structures to be built in people's back gardens and sites is a welcome development. This proposal to increase the stand-alone structure s…

I must make the point that we should not be referring to people who are not in the House and cannot defend themselves. I have been asked to pass that on.

I am only passing on the rules of the House. We should not be referring to people outside. I call Deputy Boyd Barrett.

Please take your seats. Minister, please take your seat

Please, Minister. Deputy Gogarty has two and a half minutes.

Thank you, Minister.

That finishes the Government slot. I now ask the proposer of the Bill, Deputy Coppinger, to make her closing remarks.

Deputy, no interruptions please.

Minister, please.

Minister, please.

No interruptions please, Minister.

I would like to ask about the rationale behind the decision on blister packs that were available through local pharmacies and whether the Taoiseach is aware of the significant impact this is having on patients in counties Cavan and Monaghan and around the country. They are used selectively for patients with dementia or cognitive impairment, intellectual disabilities, significant physical or dexter…

I thank the Deputy. I call the Minister.

If the Minister will hold on, Deputy McGuinness has a supplementary question.

I want to ask about VAT registration for poultry farmers. As we know, since 1 September broiler chicken services in Ireland are no longer eligible for the flat-rate addition scheme and must charge VAT for services such as rearing and fattening. Farmers who supply broiler chicken services now need to register for VAT if their taxable supplies are over the threshold. This is a serious issue. While s…

With the agreement of the House, I will go back to Question No. 10. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Question Nos. 13, 35 and 97 are grouped and Deputy Smith is in the House, so he can lead.

The Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and Taoiseach has completed its consideration of the Credit Review Bill 2024 and has made amendments thereto.

The Select Committee on Education and Youth has completed its consideration of the following Supplementary Estimate for Public Services for the service of the year ending on 31 December 2025: Vote 26.

Deputy Carthy should withdraw that comment.

The Select Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has completed its consideration of the National Training Fund (Amendment) Bill 2025 and has made no amendments thereto.

The Select Committee on Agriculture and Food has completed its consideration of the following Supplementary Estimate for the public services for the service of the year ending 31 December 2025: Vote 30. The Select Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has completed its consideration of the following Supplementary Estimate for the public services for the servi…

Thank you, Deputy.