Naoise Ó Muirí

Unfortunately, Deputy Tóibín is gone. Twice he asserted that the Government had burned through 200 million tonnes of carbon in the past two weeks. I would love to see him stand that allegation up. It seems like an enormous figure. First, I welcome confirmation from the Tánaiste that the Government is planning to take action on the issue, that a plan is being worked on at the moment, that decision…

Where is Sinn Féin’s targeting of its proposal at those who need help the most?

What programme of activity would Sinn Féin cut-----

I am sorry, Chair-----

Is féidir liom críoch. I have no legislation. I have a motion.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach Gníomhach. Níl aon reachtaíocht agam; níl agam ach rún.

What programme of activity would Sinn Féin cut to pay for these reductions? As the Opposition finance spokesman well knows, the estimated cost of reversing carbon tax increases in the past two years is well north of €300 million. That money directly funds energy upgrade works, schemes for those in or at risk of energy poverty, the fuel allowance, the working family payment and several other vital …

He moved it at the start.

I was behind him at the start. He did move it.

It has been a tough enough number of weeks for many families and school communities. I, like other Members of this House, have heard from parents across north Dublin who had serious and understandable concerns that their children would lose essential care and support ar scoil. While I welcome that this matter has been resolved for now, we must do better. There are clear lessons for the Government…

My question today is about the significant energy cost pressures that many have felt in recent months and the impact that has in particular on SMEs across the country. What measures is the Department taking to acknowledge the increased energy costs on businesses? Will the Minister of State make a statement in that regard?

As part of the engagement at the climate committee - Deputy Pa Daly will attest to this - we had representatives of the business sector in talking about the barriers they face in transitioning and achieving climate targets. One of the points they raised was how little consideration is given to cost proofing of climate plans and transition measures to get across to a low-carbon environment, particu…

I agree with that. The committee also looked at energy affordability in December. Interestingly enough, the ESRI was of the view that there was not a particular issue with price gouging because if there was, you would expect to see a lot of new market entrants into the Irish energy market if there was a lot of profit to be made. It did not seem to see that. It was an interesting observation from t…

98. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the pilot single application system for post-primary school admissions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10773/26]

Mar a dúirt Teachtaí eile, déanaim comhghairdeas leis an Aire as ucht a poist nua. Go n-eirí léi. Tá muid ag súil go mbeidh muid ag oibriú le chéile chun dul chun cinn a dhéanamh. I want to get an update from the Minister on the pilot single application system for post-primary school admissions.

It is good to hear that the pilot across the 15 schools is progressing well. It is also a good idea that we trial a system like this with schools and learn across a few different areas before we do it nationally. Families, and parents in particular, know how difficult it is to secure a school place for their children, especially those seeking special education places. This is going to be particula…

Duplicate school applications are an area where this could help because parents are naturally applying for multiple schools and schools think every application is a bona fide application. While it is, not every child will show up for every application in every school. That is where a system like this would be helpful. I look forward to hearing about the feedback later this year and the pilot being…

102. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the establishment of a new DEIS plus scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10774/26]

My question relates to a topic I have raised on previous occasions, namely, DEIS plus and getting it on the blocks for those schools and communities that need it the most. I would appreciate an update.

It is good to hear that the strategy is coming. The beauty of DEIS plus is that it can take educational resources and really target them at students who need them the most. I have regular contact with schools in my area, including Our Lady Immaculate Senior National School in Darndale, St. Francis Senior National School in Priorswood and St. Joseph's Coolock, which are located in areas of serious …

I appreciate that. I welcome the fact that the plan should be signed off on very soon. What are the expectations of the Minister in terms of the Department notifying schools? As she said, they will likely be automatically included in the programme. What are the views of the Minister on how schools will be notified so that they can start planning for 2026-27? That educational year will come upon us…

I raise the issue of delays in Tailte Éireann's registration processes. In 2023, Tailte Éireann received 240,803, with 4,630 applications in arrears. By 2025, the volume had increased to 296,039 applications, but 57,612 of those were in arrears. We talk about the housing crisis. This is just another factor. The administration is gumming up here. Anything we can do to speed up these processes and m…

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this legislation. I support the overall objectives and the thrust of the Bill, namely providing a fair, sustainable and more efficient system that is consistent with how these laws are operating and will operate across the European Union. I support efforts to provide clearer and shorter timelines in respect of asylum decisions. The Bill will put in place a new…

To reinforce what Deputy Hayes said, we have had this issue in Clontarf. The River Wad flooded in 2023. The city council got on with a scheme - the protection of the Wad phase 2 funded by the OPW. Work is more and less complete. It successively went into operation just before Storm Chandra, but there is a big question mark as to whether the insurers will come to the table and start insuring those …

168. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on amending the ETF deemed disposal rule to encourage retail investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10082/26]