Robert Troy

The Minister again thanks Deputies O'Rourke, Clarke and Ó Laoghaire for bringing forward this Bill and for giving the House an opportunity to debate an issue that affects many families in the country. The Deputies' concern for affordability in education is both genuine and shared across this Chamber. We may differ on the mechanisms, but not on the principle. Every child deserves to go to school wi…

I am responding on behalf of the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, who, unfortunately, cannot be present. He asked me to pass on his apologies to the House. On his behalf, I welcome the opportunity to respond on this matter and thank Deputy Ward for his question. At the outset, I wish to acknowledge the long association between the Naval Service and Dún Laoghaire. There is a long-standing tradit…

As previously outlined, the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces called for the development of an east coast base for the Naval Service. While IPVs can currently operate from Haulbowline, it is a strategic goal of the Defence Forces to develop a forward-operating base on the east coast. I agree with Deputy Ward on the need for the Government to start implementing some of the recommendati…

I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. I understand the Ministers, Deputies O'Callaghan and Browne, met with Mayor Moran today to discuss this matter. The fact that meeting took place indicates how serious the matter is being taken by all who attended it. I commend Mayor Moran on coming to meet directly with the two Ministers. I am hopeful a solution can be found in the short term t…

I again thank the Deputy for raising this very important matter. As I said, the Government recognises the important role that CCTV plays in building stronger, safer communities across the country. The importance of this matter is demonstrated by the meeting held today between the Mayor and the two relevant Ministers. Since 2017, the Department of justice has administered a grant aid scheme support…

I thank Deputy McAuliffe for raising this important topic, which I am taking on behalf of our colleague the Minister, Deputy O'Brien. From the outset, I clarify that the Minister for Transport has responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, neither the Minister nor his officials are involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport services. The s…

The Deputy is right. Transport connectivity and reliability are critical for the people who live, work and study in Ireland. They are essential to encourage people out of cars and onto public transport. In the latest progress report published in March this year, the BusConnects Dublin programme has shown significant improvements in key performance indicators. There has been an annualised increase …

I thank Deputy Ó Murchú for raising this issue and giving me an opportunity to speak to it. I am advised by the HSE that a clinical specialist radiographer vacancy has arisen in Louth County Hospital, Dundalk. A recruitment process to fill this vacancy has commenced, a number of applications have been received and interviews for this position are due to take place later this month. I am assured …

I thank Deputy Ó Murchú again for raising this issue so forcefully and giving me an opportunity to speak on this matter. It is important to recognise that significant investment has been allocated to LCH and Drogheda in recent years which has uplifted capacity, staffing and bed numbers at each of the hospital sites. Projects that have been delivered in LCH include theatre access for ear, nose and …

I will most definitely, and will relay the Deputy's points to the Minister.

I acknowledge and pay tribute to Harvey Morrison Sherratt. I know my words today will mean little to his parents, Stephen and Gillian, who have been tireless advocates and campaigners in recent years for a serious and unacceptable issue. As a parent, I cannot comprehend what they have been through and what they continue to go through. Too often in this Chamber, we are consumed by the personalities…

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak on budget 2026 this evening. This budget is focused on protecting our economy, protecting our jobs and protecting future growth. The approach to the budget was one of prudence and being mindful of the headwinds which exist outside of our shores but have a significant impact within our shores. No one budget can address every issue we would li…

Deputy Séamus McGrath is not coming in, a Cheann Comhairle.

I apologise for being late but this debate came much earlier than any of us expected. I welcome the opportunity to speak to this House on the motion concerning insurance in the context of cost of living. This is an issue of immediate and real relevance to Irish households, to our small and medium enterprises and to the long-term competitiveness of our economy. I would also like to commend Deputy …

The Deputy produced legislation but where is the data he promised he would give me on what was implemented in the UK?

Let me tell the Deputy what we are working on on a daily basis, not only in my Department but in the Departments of justice and enterprise. Our new plan commits to enhancing transparency in insurance premiums by working with the sector to introduce a transparency code. I have engaged directly with the Central Bank on this matter, meeting the deputy governor. The Central Bank, as the independent re…

Tomorrow I will be in London, meeting insurance companies to attract more players into the market.

A lot of work has been done, something Deputy Doherty will never acknowledge.

Outrage will not solve any problem.

What the Government will do, just as the previous Government did-----

-----is to ensure our action plan is implemented and will continue to deliver reform.

He did not make a submission to the public consultation.

That is why we are bringing in a transparency code.

We are introducing a transparency code.

That is not possible.