John McGuinness

I ask about schools in Kilkenny that are on the list waiting to be approved to move forward. I want to raise serious concerns in the school community regarding the Kilkenny City Vocational School, which is a DEIS school. Alongside that there is Coláiste Pobal Osraí. These will form the Kilkenny school campus. We spent €3.5 million on the grounds work. The planning permission expires in 2027 and th…

It is extremely important that this project moves forward because it has a huge impact on the schools and their development. The lease expires in 2028, and the planning permission is due to expire in 2027. The Minister is right to say investment has been good in Carlow and Kilkenny but there is always a focus on the ones we are waiting for. The Minister met with the community school in Castlecomer…

There are capacity issues in some of the schools I have mentioned, like Church Hill National School in Cuffesgrange and Scoil Mhuire in Mooncoin. Then there is the issue of Castlecomer's school, which has 634 students. That project is shovel-ready and the school wants to get on with that work. There has been such a long wait for the Kilkenny school campus. Planning permission is there. Some €3.5 m…

The Select Committee on Education and Youth has completed its consideration of the following Revised Estimate for Public Services for the service of the year ending 31 December 2026: Vote 26.

I would like to extend a welcome to Aisling Dunne and her son Jack, on behalf of Deputy Ó Súilleabháin. They are very welcome to the Public Gallery, and I hope they enjoy their visit to Dáil Éireann.

Allow the Tánaiste to respond.

The Select Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport has completed its consideration of the Media Regulation Bill 2026 and has made no amendments thereto.

I agree with Deputy Newsome Drennan about the transparency that is needed around the Carlow College decision and the 600 students and staff. We need clarity as soon as possible and I ask the Minister to give that issue his attention. I welcome the fact that we have a South East Technological University. I want to see the campuses developed properly and fully, and funded. I refer particularly to K…

That is very important.

Happy birthday, Sarah, from everyone in the House.

I understand the Government Whip intends to move a proposal in relation to arrangements for the motion regarding the report of the Committee on Standing Orders and Dáil Reform in respect of Dáil sittings from 9 to 11 June.

Is the proposal agreed? Agreed.

Amendment Nos. 1, 2 and 7 are related and will be discussed together.

Amendments Nos. 3 to 6, inclusive, and No. 8 are related and may be discussed together, by agreement.

Pursuant to Standing Order 194(3), I report specially to the Dáil that the committee has amended the Title.

The Bill will now be sent to the Seanad.

Rialaíodh leasú Uimh. 4 as ord.

Rialaíodh leasú Uimh. 6 as ord.

Deputy Heneghan feels left out. The Taoiseach did not answer him.

Before I call on Deputy Daly, I extend a warm welcome to the Japanese ambassador and his officials, who are guests of the Minister of State, Deputy Christopher O’Sullivan.

Deputy O'Sullivan is not here but, with the permission of the House, his question may be asked by Deputy O'Shea.

They are all very welcome. I hope they enjoy their day in Dáil Éireann.

I thank the Minister of State.

I ask the Minister of State to be very brief as the time is limited.

The Deputy should allow the Minister to answer.