Peter 'Chap' Cleere

1. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Taoiseach for an update on the establishment of a Cabinet committee on water quality to co-ordinate water quality improvements across all sectors; and when it will hold its first meeting. [1685/25]

I welcome the establishment of this new Cabinet committee. I will focus on the nitrates derogation. As the Taoiseach will be aware, the current derogation concludes at the end of 2025 and Irish water quality improvement is vital for another derogation to be secured. Does he agree that we can retain Ireland's nitrates derogation while improving our water quality? Will he reject the idea that there …

120. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children in Kilkenny benefiting from the national childcare scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7547/25]

I congratulate the Minister in her new role and I look forward to working with her. Childcare is a significant issue and it needs to be tackled with urgency and intensity. Accessibility and affordability are two key issues. My question is specifically on the number of children in my constituency of Kilkenny and Carlow who benefit from the national childcare scheme.

The children of Ireland, in particular in my home constituency of Carlow–Kilkenny, deserve quality childcare that is accessible and affordable and will give them the best start in life. The key word here is "accessibility" because we have a significant number of providers that are oversubscribed and have waiting lists coming out of their arms. It absolutely needs to be addressed. I acknowledge the…

The programme for Government contains other important commitments with regard to affordability of childcare, including exploring the option to cap costs for larger families. As a father of four children, I would like to think I should be clapped on the back for the contribution I make to my local GAA club in terms of the number of players, etc., and not be punished, because we are keeping schools …

84. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes in the constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny currently on the waiting list for the warmer homes scheme; and the approximate wait time. [6681/25]

I ask the Minister to detail the number of homes in my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny currently on the warmer homes scheme waiting list and the approximate wait time.

I welcome the significant increase in investment in this area. The Government must continue to deliver exemplary retrofitting schemes. However, to make real improvements we must take a targeted approach and prioritise the least energy-efficient homes first. Homes with a BER of E, F or G should be prioritised over those rated C or D. As the Minister will be aware, many homes with a lower BER are oc…

I welcome the Minister's enthusiasm and commitment to this. In order to speed up delivery of the warmer homes scheme, we must tackle the shortage of skills in the retrofit sector. The programme for Government commits to providing more upskilling and training opportunities in retrofitting, to establish new courses in green skills to support Ireland's transition to a green economy and industry centr…

I wish the Minister well in her new portfolio. I will talk briefly about a hospital in my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny, St. Luke's Hospital. Will there be urgent investment in the hospital to improve waiting lists, bed accommodation numbers, accident and emergency overcrowding and waiting times at the hospital? They have escalated significantly recently. Additionally, we now have a critical iss…

I will begin by congratulating Deputy McGuinness on his elevation to the position of Leas-Cheann Comhairle. It is a huge achievement for him and his family. I want to assure him that while he is busy up here, I will make sure that Kilkenny will be well represented on the ground. I wish the Leas-Cheann Comhairle well and congratulate him. I look forward to working with the Minister, Deputy Heydon,…

I welcome the opportunity to address the House on road safety. Ireland has made significant progress over the lifetime of previous road safety strategies. Since the launch of the first strategy in 1998, road deaths have declined by 70%, but we must not give up the hard work. There is no time for complacency. I welcome this Government's focus, energy and commitment to road safety. Previous speaker…

4. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the Cabinet committee that deals with infrastructure; and when it will hold its first meeting. [1684/25]

I welcome the establishment of the Cabinet committee on infrastructure. I will highlight a couple of key projects in my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny. The first is the Kilkenny northern ring road extension, completion of which is of vital strategic importance to Kilkenny. It will help to reduce congestion in the city centre and improve traffic safety and convenience. Lots of projects are ongoing…

As this is my maiden speech in Dáil Éireann, I take the opportunity to thank the people of counties Carlow and Kilkenny for putting their faith and trust in me to represent them, their communities, families and businesses over the next five years. I will endeavour to do my very best to do so. In particular, I take this opportunity to thank my family, my wife Brenda and my four daughters, the commu…