Tony McCormack

7. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being taken to support the growth and international expansion of Irish-owned food and agrifood businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52234/26]

We all know the importance of the agri sector and in particular the agrifood sector. In the ever-changing geopolitical world we live in today, food safety is becoming even more important, while we must also focus on our economy and growing our exports. What that in mind, what measures are being taken to support the growth and international expansion of Irish-owned food and agrifood businesses?

I welcome the continued success of the agrifood sector. It is one of Ireland's greatest national success stories, supporting thousands of jobs, sustaining rural communities and making an enormous contribution to our economy. We are really proud of our Offaly food companies like Glenisk, Tullamore Dew and others. Irish food has earned an outstanding reputation around the world because of its qualit…

Ireland's reputation as one of the world's leading food producing nations has been built over generations through quality, innovation and unwavering commitment to high standards. However, it cannot be taken for granted. Around the world, our competitors are investing heavily in research, technology, productivity and new product development and the pace of change is accelerating. If Ireland is to r…

89. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress being made in expanding lifelong learning opportunities to support people in upskilling and reskilling throughout their working lives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50028/26]

We are all very aware of what is happening in the AI space and the rapid pace it is taking over our lives, both at home and in businesses. What progress is being made in expanding lifelong learning opportunities to support people in upskilling and reskilling throughout their working lives? I am specifically referencing AI and the business requirements and businesses needs companies have at the mom…

I commend the Minister and his Department on the priority they have placed on lifelong learning. It is something we should be very proud of. We now have the highest level of third level education attainment in the European Union, with over 65% of young adults holding a third level qualification. We are also performing strongly in the lifelong learning ranking, at sixth in the European Union for ad…

One of Ireland's greatest competitive advantages has always been the quality of the people. Increasingly, however, international investors are looking at not only educational attainment but how quickly a country's workforce can adapt to technological changes and acquire new skills. With AI, as we talked about earlier, transforming almost every sector of our economy, lifelong learning is becoming a…

I welcome the continued success of IDA Ireland in attracting foreign direct investment at a time when global competition for investment has never been more intense. Today, companies are looking for countries that can provide certainty, speed, skilled people and investment-ready sites. Offaly is well positioned to compete in this. IDA Ireland has already demonstrated its confidence in the county by…

11. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when the Cabinet subgroup on insurance reform will next meet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48365/26]

The Tánaiste and I will know that the cost of insurance for families and businesses is probably one the biggest costs every year, be it car insurance, home insurance or general business insurance. Can the Tánaiste indicate when the Cabinet subgroup on insurance reform will next meet and will he make a statement on the matter?

I welcome the Tánaiste's response and the work that has been undertaken on insurance reform in recent years. However, many businesses, sporting organisations, community groups and voluntary bodies continue to raise concerns with me and other TDs about the cost and availability of insurance. Will the Tánaiste specifically outline the key priorities the Cabinet subgroup will consider in its next mee…

Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to increases in insurance costs. Unlike larger firms, they often have limited purchasing power and little capacity to absorb significant increases in premiums. For many, insurance is now one of their largest operating costs. Will the Tánaiste outline whether the Cabinet subcommittee is considering any targeted measures to improve competition and afforda…

4. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on water quality will next meet. [16740/26]

I am not that small. I welcome the progress being made on the Shannon water supply project, which is now before An Coimisiún Pleanála. This project is about much more than supplying Dublin with water. It is also about creating opportunities in the future to develop spurs leading to Tullamore and Mullingar, which would create a counterbalance to Dublin and drive balanced growth within the midlands …

146. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the measures being taken to improve Ireland's competitiveness in order to attract and retain foreign direct investment, FDI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45439/26]

Competitiveness is so important to Ireland as an open market economy. What measures have been taken by the Department to improve Ireland's competitiveness to attract and retain FDI? Will the Minister of State make a statement on it?

I welcome the Government's continued focus on competitiveness and attracting investment through IDA Ireland. It is clear that the international trading environment has become more challenging in recent years, with increasing trade barriers and growing competition for investment globally. Given Ireland's reliance on international trade and FDI, will the Minister of State outline the key actions bei…

I welcome the strong performance in attracting investment into Ireland and the commitment to balanced regional development. As we look at the next phase of growth, it is important that counties such as Offaly and the wider midlands continue to benefit from new investment opportunities. Will the Minister provide an update on the measures being taken to support regional locations in competing for fu…

Last year we brought in the SME test. It is a great way of checking all legislation before it comes in to see how it will affect SMEs. In what ways does the Minister think the test has helped small businesses in that time?

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit. The principle, as he said, behind the SME test is to think small first to reduce unnecessary administrative burdens on businesses. However, many small business owners would say they are still spending too much time dealing with paperwork and compliance requirements rather than running their businesses. For example, a constituent who operates a petrol station in…

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit. Another key objective of the SME test is to identify circumstances where exemption thresholds or more proportionate requirements may be appropriate for smaller businesses. Can the Minister of State provide examples where the SME test has resulted in exemptions or thresholds being introduced for smaller businesses? Furthermore, does he believe there is scope to …

123. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on the roll-out of the basic income for the arts scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44287/26]

Shocking.

Antisocial behaviour in some local authority estates and approved housing body, AHB, estates is becoming a growing concern. Constituents regularly contact me regarding intimidation, harassment, bullying and serious criminal activity. In some cases, affected residents will not contact the Garda for fear of reprisals. I have zero tolerance for this behaviour. Too often, the same individuals are give…