Noel Grealish

While the delays in the delivery of this scheme will be a source of frustration for those in Blackpool, it is imperative that the consent process progresses in a manner that is compliant with the relevant regulations. In the period since the original consent decision was overturned following the judicial review challenge, the Department has implemented measures to ensure that the process is in com…

A kangaroo court.

I welcome the opportunity to address the House on the vital role played by Bord Bia in the continued success of Ireland’s agrifood sector. Agriculture and food are at the heart of our national economy and rural and coastal communities. The agrifood sector is our oldest and largest export sector, delivering high-quality produce to more than 190 countries worldwide, accounting for almost 9% of all g…

-----South Africa, Vietnam, Cambodia and major European markets, including Germany and France. On each occasion, I witnessed the high regard in which Irish food is held and the strength of the relationships Bord Bia has built on the ground. The foundation of this sector’s success is, and always will be, the people who produce our food. Our farmers, fishers, processors and food and drink producers-…

-----work tirelessly every day to ensure Ireland continues to deliver excellence to international markets. I acknowledge the leadership and professionalism of the board and chairman of Bord Bia, Larry Murrin, in whom I have full confidence. Their strategic guidance and wealth of experience have been instrumental in promoting Ireland's reputation globally and supporting the long-term interests of …

Without interruption.

Silence. Listen to the Minister of State.

I thank Deputy Whitmore for bringing this Private Members' Bill before the Dáil. As an avid animal lover, I agree with a lot of what is in her Bill. I hope we can work together to implement it. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Heydon, has asked me to relay his apologies for being unable to be here this morning, and to clearly state that the area of animal welfare broadly, …

I will try to bring it back.

The delay would be for nine months.

We should well know, Deputy McDonald.

Something to protest about.

We will expect his posters the very next day.

I am responding on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Moynihan, who, unfortunately, cannot be present today. On the Minister of State’s behalf, I welcome the opportunity to respond to this matter and thank Deputy O’Donoghue for his question. The school transport scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth. It is made up …

I thank the Deputy for the opportunity to update him on school transport. I remind him of the increase in the number of tickets issued for the 2025-26 school year to date, with an increase of 6% in tickets issued when compared to the same time last year. While Bus Éireann has reported challenges in sourcing contractors and drivers, not only for school transport but in the wider transport sector na…

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta. I am responding on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Calleary, who cannot be here. The wage subsidy scheme is a key disability employment support. It aims to encourage employers to offer substantial and sustainable employment to disabled people through a subsidy. As of September 2025, there were 1,538 employers availing of the wage subsidy scheme and 2,445 employees …

We are committed to improving the wage subsidy scheme and supporting organisations employing more than one person under the scheme. The Department of Social Protection offers a range of other employment supports for disabled people and their employers. In July 2024, the Department launched the work and access scheme, which offers seven supports to improve access in the workplace for disabled peopl…

I thank Deputy Moynihan for raising this issue, which I am dealing with on behalf of the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Calleary. The Government acknowledges the vital role that family carers play in our society and remains fully committed to supporting them in that role. This commitment is reflected in both the programme for Government and the recent budget. The Department of Social Prot…

I thank Deputy Moynihan again for raising this matter. The Government recognises the complexity of caring roles and the reality that many carers continue to provide full-time care while navigating other life events, including maternity leave. As I said in my opening remarks, this Government has committed to improving support for carers and those they care for. The significant changes to the means …

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta Burke for raising this matter, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Health. Varicella is a common and highly infectious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. This virus is associated with two distinct clinical syndromes, namely, varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, and herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles. Primary infection with the vari…

I thank the Deputy once again for raising this important matter. Vaccination is recognised as one of the most impactful and cost-effective public health interventions that can be employed, promoting good health and saving many lives year on year. As has already been highlighted today, shingles can impact anyone who has been infected with chicken pox during their life, leaving a significant proport…

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta Ward for raising this issue, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, who unfortunately could not be here this afternoon. I welcome the opportunity to discuss this important topic with Members of the House on his behalf. I understand that the Deputy's question relates to the proposal to create a continuous 22 km waterfront promen…

I definitely hear the Deputy's frustration. I am delivering the script that was handed to me. I know that active travel and these greenways are very important for people's health and everything. In this context, I want to say that over €360 million of grant support for the active travel and greenways networks for next year was committed in the recent budget. This funding helps support projects li…

Gabhaim buíochas to Deputy Collins for raising this important issue. I know it is very important to the Deputy and his constituents. I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran. To date, 56 flood relief schemes have been completed, which are providing protection to over 13,850 properties and an economic benefit to the State …

I assure the Deputy and the House that the Minister of State and the Government are committed to proactively addressing, along with Cork County Council, the flood risk to homes, businesses and communities in County Cork. These measures are being funded through the Government's €1.3 billion allocation for flood relief measures under the national development plan. The Minister of State will continue…