Tony McCormack

This is a significant reform. I acknowledge the work that the Minister and his Department have undertaken in developing My Future Fund. It represents a real step forward in helping workers to plan and save for their retirement. However, as with any major change, the real test will be how it is rolled out. We have had well-intentioned schemes in the past that began strongly but then faded from view…

I appreciate the Minister's commitment to ensuring that My Future Fund is implemented effectively. The focus now must be on consistency, keeping the guidance visible, practical and accessible beyond the initial roll-out. Regular updates through payroll providers and local enterprise offices and clear online resources will make a real difference in keeping the process smooth and understandable. Wit…

Before I begin, I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Noel Bourke. Noel was a former councillor in Edenderry and a former cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council who passed away last week. Noel was a dedicated public representative and a proud community man. His passing is a great loss to Edenderry and the county of Offaly. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. I raise the iss…

It is great to hear of all the services the Government will provide and that it is working with the employees and franchise owners. I suppose the franchise owners are left on their own. There is not an awful lot of help for them. Unfortunately, in a lot of cases, they are not able to apply for social welfare payments. Given the scale of the collapse and the severe impact on employees and especiall…

The issue of a new school building for Ardscoil Chiaráin Naofa in Clara has been raised in the House in past. This project has been on the agenda for several years and has recently reached stage 2a of the design process. This is something I have been pushing for since I was elected. The people of Clara have been hearing about this new school for far too long. The students and teachers are working …

4. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on infrastructure will next meet. [46858/25]

5. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on the economy, trade and competitiveness will next meet. [46859/25]

Our national success in enterprise depends on our competitiveness and our competitiveness depends on reliable energy infrastructure. In County Offaly we have a great energy infrastructure that is close to capacity. EirGrid is under real pressure to expand it. Offaly’s central location and long history in energy generation means it is ideally placed to help to meet that challenge. Bord na Móna, wit…

Earlier this year, I raised concerns regarding the capitation grant and was told it would be considered in the upcoming budget. With the budget approaching, I want to return to the issue. I have been speaking with school leaders across County Offaly, including St. Broghan's National School, Scoil Mhuire in Tullamore and Offaly School of Special Education. They are managing rising costs with a gran…

14. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on climate action, environment and energy will next meet. [46860/25]

The SEAI better energy warmer homes scheme is crucial for tackling climate change and energy poverty but in Offaly and across the country families are waiting up to two years for works to be completed - 12 months for a BER assessment, 14 months for a survey and further delays for retrofitting. Could the Taoiseach outline what steps are being taken, be it increasing the number of assessors and surv…

8. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps he is taking to ensure that County Offaly does not fall further behind neighbouring counties in attracting IDA Ireland investment and securing employment opportunities; if his Department will commit to increasing the number of IDA Ireland site visits and targeted investment in Offaly; and if he will make a…

In the past ten years, IDA Ireland has made 240 site visits to Westmeath but only 45 to Offaly. That is a more than a five to one imbalance between two neighbouring counties in the midlands. IDA Ireland is also overnighting most of these itineraries in Athlone, where it wines and dines potential clients and, therefore, has a better chance of landing them in the area. The people of Offaly will not …

I thank the Minister of State for the offer of a meeting. Unfortunately, when I have had meetings with IDA Ireland, I get very little information because it is withheld due to it being of a sensitive nature. IDA Ireland-supported employment in the midlands fell last year by 0.45%. Offaly’s only IDA Ireland business park is already full. We need another park. Without new sites and investment, Offal…

I welcome the introduction of auto-enrolment and the new My Future Fund. This is an important reform, as too many workers today have no pension savings beyond the State pension. People deserve peace of mind that, when they retire, they will not face a big drop in their standard of living. With contributions from employees, employers and the State, auto-enrolment is a fair way to achieve that. I w…

Yesterday on Eden Quay, a 17-year-old boy was stabbed by a group of four or five men. Disturbingly, those involved used e-scooters as getaway vehicles. They were dressed in black clothing and were able to leave the scene quickly. This is not an isolated issue. Across the country, e-scooters are increasingly linked with antisocial behaviour, drug activities and reckless use on footpaths, creating a…

98. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Finance for an update on the programme for Government commitments on insurance reform under the remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38994/25]

I ask for an update on the programme for Government commitments on insurance reform under the remit of the Department of Finance.

I thank the Minister of State for the update. I was speaking with business owners whose premiums have gone up exponentially over the last four years, even without any claims. It is hard for them to see the impact of the reforms on the ground. Could the Minister of State outline how his Department is working to make sure reforms generally bring premiums back to sustainable levels for businesses lik…

I appreciate the Minister of State's answer. One business owner even told me he is considering not paying insurance at all. Smaller businesses like landscape gardeners, plumbers and electricians are in the same position. This is all because they want to keep the doors open. That is how desperate some SMEs feel. How can we reassure these small employers that there is a plan to make insurance both f…

11. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will request the Irish Embassy in Washington DC to engage with the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations to ensure its members are not subjected to disinformation in regard to proposed Government legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38165/25]

In County Offaly and across the country, farmers are increasingly alarmed by the spread of bovine TB, with one in five farms nationally now affected. Given the established role of badgers and deer in transmitting this disease, what specific measures is the Department taking to prevent further outbreaks, particularly in high-incidence areas like Offaly? How can we ensure this does not become a bigg…

7. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the plenary meeting of the Labour Employer Economic Forum which he chaired on 4 April 2025. [33561/25]

I thank the Taoiseach for his update and welcome the reconvening of the Labour Employer Economic Forum under his chairmanship. It is clear the forum plays a vital role in bringing Government, employers and unions together, especially in times of uncertainty. As someone who engages regularly with small business owners and retailers across the country and in my county, Offaly, I welcome the recognit…

16. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the additional supports being provided to SMEs to address rising costs and staffing challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33029/25]