William Aird

We have the lowest rate of job creation from IDA Ireland in the State at the moment. I wanted to talk to the Minister about Leprino. I thank him for visiting Leprino in Portlaoise and working with me and the other people. The announcement that Leprino Foods will close its facility in Portlaoise is a huge blow to us in Portlaoise, to County Laois more widely and to the 130 skilled workers who are …

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the important topic of men's health, an issue that touches every parish, home and family in Ireland. Today's debate is a milestone for the House. It is the first time that men's health is the sole focus of statements in Dáil Éireann. Often, men's health is discussed when it is too late, such as when a neighbour is ill, a farmer collapses or a family grieves a …

I welcome the opportunity this evening to speak on the tillage sector. I thank all the tillage farmers in County Laois who voted for me in the general election. The tillage sector is a vital and strategic part of Irish agriculture, the rural economy and our environmental ambitions. It is a cornerstone of our agrifood system. Across Ireland, 344,000 ha are devoted to tillage, supporting around 7,0…

How does the Taoiseach propose to support workers and families who do not qualify for affordable housing, HAP, cost rental or any of the other schemes provided by local authorities when their income is simply not sufficient enough to secure an adequate mortgage to meet the current market price? Every week I meet people in my constituency of Laois: SNAs, nurses, gardaí, teachers, administrative and…

The cheapest house in Portlaoise is €500,000.

10. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 58 of 3 July 2025, if he will commit to ensuring that funding is made available to complete the new courthouse for Portlaoise, County Laois; the expected delivery of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53872/25]

I thank the Minister for the opportunity to raise the issue of a new courthouse for County Laois. They requirement for a new courthouse has long been recognised. The National Development Plan, NDP, 2018-2027 identified the need for new courthouses in a number of locations with substandard facilities, including in my hometown of Portlaoise. The current facilities in Portlaoise are substandard and r…

I thank the Minister for his response and his commitment to meet a group of stakeholders to discuss the urgent need for a courthouse in Portlaoise. The immediate priority is clear. We need funding for the development of the new courthouse in Portlaoise and a clear and definite timeframe for commencement and completion. As the Minister mentioned, an important first step has already been taken. I wa…

-----that the existing courthouse is no longer fit for purpose. It causes congestion, which has a negative effect on businesses and residents in the town. There is a lack of privacy and dignity for those attending the court-----

I will conclude by referring to the serious security conditions.

Will the Minister acknowledge that the Midlands Prison is located in Portlaoise? He knows what happens in a courthouse, and the logistics involved in bringing prisoners down from a prison of that size twice a week. That is why I asked if it can be done. As the Minister stated, the site has been secured. The need is obvious and the benefits are evident. I urge the Minister to prioritise the immedia…

No one but us in Portlaoise has anything like the Midlands Prison, in which there are 1,500 prisoners.

The Irish tillage sector is in crisis. Two weeks ago, I attended a meeting of more than 1,000 farmers in Naas. They gathered not to protest but to plead for the survival of the tillage sector. Their message was loud and clear: they cannot continue without urgent, targeted financial support. Poor grain prices, soaring input costs, reduced margins, regulation and the flooding of the Irish market wi…

We cannot let this essential sector go the way of sugar beet. The upcoming budget is the next time to act before it is too late.

If this also means money from the Minister, Deputy Chambers, it should be put into it.

The Taoiseach is not committing himself. I am disappointed.

Will he commit to the €60 million promised in the Fianna Fáil manifesto?

Sorry?

He would not mind if the Taoiseach would say if he was committing the €60 million to next year's tillage sector. He would have no problem whatsoever.

I draw the Minister of State's attention to an escalating crisis in rural County Laois in the form of the chronic shortage of GPs and the lack of fully developed primary care services. We all accept that primary care is the front line of the health service. It is where early diagnoses happen, chronic conditions are managed and preventative care should take place, easing pressure on our overstretch…

I thank the Minister of State for her response. However, it is important that I stress again that I am not asking for extras for County Laois. I am asking for the basics, that is, access to a doctor, reasonable wait times, and care delivered in our towns and villages. Rural Laois deserves the same healthcare rights as any other part of this country. People have paid into the system for their entir…

We do not.

That is what was said 12 months ago.

Will the Minister today commit to honouring the programme for Government promise to continue to reduce the student contribution fee during the lifetime of this Government? The policy has had a real impact, reducing the cost of education and easing pressure on families. This Government must stick to our commitment to support working families, deliver on the student contribution fee promise and buil…

135. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport his plans to invest in cultural infrastructure in rural counties such as County Laois (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34380/25]