Tony McCormack

While investment in Clonmacnoise and progress on Birr's telescope are welcome, Offaly remains one of the most underpromoted yet richly endowed counties for tourism in Ireland. We have an incredibly varied and beautiful landscape, including the Slieve Bloom Mountains, lush farmlands, boglands, greenways, rivers and lakes. Our heritage is world class - Clonmacnoise, Birr Castle, Croghanhill and Durr…

I thank the Minister. While his continued support is appreciated, it is crucial that we move from potential to progress. The Offaly tourism plan is a strong foundation but it needs national-level commitment to truly deliver. The Book of Durrow, one of Europe's oldest illuminated manuscripts, deserves to be celebrated in its original home, yet Durrow Abbey remains closed. Sites such as Lough Boora …

I wish to comment first on a comment by Deputy Doherty regarding my colleague, Deputy Ardagh, and her non-attendance in the Chamber. Deputy Ardagh is not here; we do not know why she is not here. I do not think anybody should be commenting on that. I have tabled a question for the Tánaiste on defence in the afternoon and I cannot be here because I am attending my uncle's funeral. I do not, therefo…

164. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the current recruitment and retention challenges facing the Defence Forces; the measures being taken to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17650/25]

93. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will outline the range of back-to-work supports available to jobseekers in County Offaly; the measures being taken to improve uptake and access to schemes such as the back to work enterprise allowance and the part-time job incentive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20774/25]

Will the Minister outline the range of back-to-work supports available for jobseekers in County Offaly and the measures that are being taken to improve the uptake of and access to schemes such as the back-to-work enterprise allowance and the part-time job incentive?

I thank the Minister for his response. While the supports outlined are welcome, we need to recognise that getting back to work is about more than just income. Employment plays a vital role in improving mental health, giving people a sense of identity, routine and purpose. It also sets a powerful example for children and others in the community, showing that work pays, that ambition is valued and …

I thank the Minister for his constructive response and his clear understanding of the challenges people face in making that transition into employment. It is encouraging to hear that the Department is actively reviewing how supports can be better structured. We know that work brings more than just a wage. It brings confidence, self-worth and a sense of purpose for families and communities in Offal…

4. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Taoiseach for an update on the establishment of a Cabinet committee on water quality to co-ordinate water quality improvements across all sectors; and when it will hold its first meeting. [4440/25]

I thank the Taoiseach for the information. It is essential to acknowledge the tremendous efforts farmers have made and continue to make to improve water quality. Last week, when I met the Offaly branch of the Irish Farmers Association, members made a compelling case that this committee can achieve and that now is the time for industry, State agencies and local authorities to match those efforts an…

I want to speak about Ireland's position as a leading destination for foreign direct investment and, more importantly, our competitiveness. Over the past decades Ireland has built a strong reputation as an attractive location for multinational companies. However, in a rapidly changing global economy staying competitive requires continuous work, not only in attracting new investment but also in mai…

I thank the Minister of State. We are all very happy with the endeavours of the IDA. As I said in my question, the IDA is a world leader in what it does in attracting foreign direct investment into Ireland. In fact, it is so good that it is copied by many other countries around the place. We talk about the 50% of companies that the IDA will endeavour to locate outside of the Dublin region. Unfortu…

It is 59%, sorry.

This is my first time to address the Dáil and I am delighted to be here as an elected Member representing County Offaly. As we know, this does not happen without the hard work of a lot of people because nobody can do this on their own. I want to put on the record of the Dáil my sincere thanks to my family, friends, fellow party members, my two directors of election, Peter Waters and my brother Mat…