Cormac Devlin

Last October the then Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Deputy Micheál Martin, approved the berthing of the newly refurbished and purchased inshore patrol vessels, the LÉ Aoibhinn and the LÉ Gobnait, at Dún Laoghaire Harbour. Will the Tánaiste update the House on the timeline for these vessels being fully commissioned and fully operational, and the current status on discussions between his Depart…

I thank the Tánaiste for his reply. The strategic positioning of those inland patrol vessels in Dún Laoghaire would allow for increased patrol and coverage, particularly along the eastern and south-eastern coast, and would help address the ongoing pressures the Naval Service is experiencing. I raised this matter consistently in the last Dáil with the Tánaiste's predecessors. Until the former flags…

I thank the Tánaiste for his response. Will the items we discussed today, namely, the commissioning, operational timelines, berthing arrangements and twinning with Dún Laoghaire, be actively considered? Will his officials engage directly with me on the next steps? I express my own gratitude to the men and women of our Defence Forces for their continued service and bravery, both at home and abroad…

I welcome the opportunity to address the profoundly disturbing findings of the HIQA report published on 8 April 2025 into Children's Health Ireland, CHI. The revelation of governance and clinical failures at CHI, particularly at Temple Street hospital, is beyond comprehension and demands our urgent attention. We have learned that extremely vulnerable children were subjected to unapproved and dang…

I will speak about the issue that flows through every aspect of our daily lives, that is, our water infrastructure. Water is not just a utility. It is a cornerstone of public health, economic growth, environmental protection and housing development. Yet, across our capital, including in my constituency of Dún Laoghaire and in the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown area, the very system we rely on is under gro…

I welcome the opportunity to discuss the imposition of US tariffs on Ireland and the European Union. I will echo the Taoiseach. There is no justification for the imposition of these tariffs, none whatsoever. What we are witnessing is not simply a policy misstep, it is a backwards step. These tariffs will hurt businesses, workers and families on both sides of the Atlantic. My constituency of Dún La…

The Criminal Justice (Engagement of Children in Criminal Activity) Act 2024 makes it clear that grooming children into criminality is not just morally reprehensible, it is also illegal and punishable by law. This sends a strong message to gangs operating in Dublin and elsewhere that their days of hiding behind children with impunity are over. Just as we demand accountability, we are modernising ho…

At a time Ireland faces significant challenges that demand leadership, stability and vision, it is disgraceful that the Opposition has chosen the path of political theatrics over substantive solutions. The Opposition's motion is nothing more than a political stunt aimed at undermining the Government rather than addressing the real challenges that lie ahead. Its behaviour last week was outrageous, …

I welcome the opportunity to discuss the Social Welfare (Bereaved Partner's Pension) Bill 2025. The Bill represents an essential and long-overdue step in ensuring fairness and equality in our social welfare system. Fianna Fáil welcomes the Bill, which arises as a direct response to the Supreme Court ruling that recognised the exclusion of cohabiting partners from the widow's, widower's and survivi…

Retrospectively.

6. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his targets for the delivery of starter homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12736/25]

He said it.

Correct.

I welcome the opportunity to discuss policing and community safety. I wish the Minister, Deputy O’Callaghan, well in his appointment as Minister for Justice. He has certainly had a very strong start and I welcome his fresh approach to his very challenging portfolio. I welcome the Minister’s ambition to introduce the new legislation which will support our gardaí and give them the tools they need t…

There are empty benches over there.

I welcome the opportunity to examine the report prepared by the Housing Commission. I also welcome Deputy Browne's appointment as Minister for housing. I have no doubt he will carry on the transformative agenda started by his predecessor, Deputy O'Brien. The Housing Commission report is based over two years of deliberation by the commission and includes 83 recommendations, together with hundreds …

I welcome the opportunity to examine the situation in Ukraine on the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. I acknowledge the presence of H.E. Larysa Gerasko, and the members of the Ukrainian community who have travelled from all corners of Ireland to be here today. You are all most welcome. Three years on, it is more important than ever to stress our steadfast suppor…

I welcome the opportunity to examine the disability policy and support for people living with disabilities and their families. Improving the rights of and support for people living with a disability is a priority for me and the new Government. I wish the Minister, Deputy Norma Foley, well in her role; I worked closely with her in her role as Minister for Education. I know at first-hand her commitm…

Last Monday, Aircoach unexpectedly withdrew services from large parts of south County Dublin. I have been inundated with complaints since then about the lack of service on the 700 route, which impacts Cabinteely, Cherrywood and Galloping Green, as well as the 702 route impacting Loughlinstown and Shankill, which will take effect from 2 March. I ask the Minister to raise this issue as a matter of u…

I welcome the opportunity to examine the programme for Government that has been adopted by Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the non-party Members of this House. Over the past five years we have seen an unprecedented level of geopolitical upheaval and challenges to the norms that were established after the Second World War. These challenges and their impact, combined with the Covid-19 pandemic, have test…

I thank my constituents in Dún Laoghaire for their support in the most recent election. Déanaim comhghairdeas leis an Teachta O'Meara on his maiden speech. I welcome the opportunity to examine the Government response and national response to Storm Éowyn. I acknowledge the exceptional efforts of our front-line workers, including those in the ESB and Irish Water who have helped non-stop since Storm…