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have informed the President that the Dáil has nominated me to be the Taoiseach and that he has appointed me accordingly. The comprehensive programme for Government contains a significant number of matters which will require the assignment of responsibilities and the creation of new functions. In addition, there … serve as Ministers of State covering an expanded range of responsibilities in order to fully address the priorities set out in the programme for Government. The legislation required to give effect to this will be introduced without delay. The Government that I am nominating today is a Government

about how we will face the threat of Trump's dangerous tariff plans. There is only lukewarm prospects, at best, in the programme for achieving the necessary passage of the vital occupied territories Bill that we have all united on. In short, the programme for Government … constituency deals were done with, or sidebar commitments made to, the "Lowry lads". Those deals do not appear in the text of this programme. Let us be clear, in that many people were deeply uncomfortable, given his history, about the involvement of Deputy Lowry in the negotiation

sudden, I am transported back to 2020. The Tánaiste spoke of a balanced programme. I have to say what is manifest and obvious: you have got the gender balance wrong. You are very male. Some of you are pale but you are very, very male. In politics … that off as a united Opposition, and thank goodness for that. This is a Government built on stroke politics as seen in its programme for Government. This is where things get interesting and where the lofty rhetoric really gets tested, because what is noteworthy is the lack

family on his election as Taoiseach today. Independent Ireland has very serious concerns for our country and looking at the new programme for Government, which is more or less cut and pasted from the last one, leads us to believe that little will change for the next five … full rejection of the Mercosur deal and a decrease in the VAT rate to 9%, which has now been promised in the programme for Government, the detail is still very vague. For the many hospitality businesses that have closed their doors, it is too little too late

convenience store in Thurles. I had hoped that might happen a little bit later but this is far from a visionary programme for government document. It is an insipid artificial vanilla programme for paralysis that is devoid of any roadmap or tangible targets. Tá sé gan fuinneamh … promised delivery of hormone replacement therapy products; making our streets safer; introducing legislation to ensure real consequences for violent assaults; processing school building projects in rapidly growing areas; tackling overcrowded or non-existent trains and buses; dealing with an asylum system that is clearly not fit for purpose

active voice for the values of peace, co-operation and development. We will follow the profoundly welcome ceasefire in Gaza with a sustained programme of humanitarian and reconstruction aid. We will do this through co-operation with the World Food Programme and UNRWA. Protecting and renewing Ireland … achieve more. The new Government will push forward on the historic task of building a lasting reconciliation. We will implement the largest ever programme of North-South research and investment, opening critical links and building both engagement and understanding through a further strengthened shared island initiative. Too many

five years. We have much to do. It is clear to me from the very detailed and thorough negotiations we undertook on the programme for Government that we have a very strong, shared understanding of the scale of work we must do and the scale of delivery … coming days for a round of official meetings. We are putting effort into our relationship, but we are also putting money into projects and infrastructure that matter through the shared island fund the Taoiseach referenced. Our bridge-building will be both physical and philosophical. Ireland will host

because they are being treated so unfairly and unequally. Yet the Government wants more time off. Why will we not be discussing the programme for Government next week? There is no reason questions could not be answered on the programme for Government that has been negotiated for weeks … Gael. They are Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in disguise and, in reality, want to be in the Government, supporting it, endorsing the programme for Government. They are writers of the programme for Government while they are then pretending to be in the Opposition. They are undermining

simply a very good and decent person. We have worked together and we have had intensive comprehensive engagement and negotiation to agree a programme for Government between my party, Fine Gael and your party, Fianna Fáil, and a number of Independents. It is a plan for Ireland … play a leadership role as Tánaiste in the first half of the Government and I pledge to work relentlessly on delivering the programme for Government in the interests of the people. I look forward to nominating Fine Gael colleagues to join that Government later, and to working with

deal between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Michael Lowry marks a new low in Irish politics. Last Sunday, Micheál Martin defended negotiating a programme for Government with Michael Lowry even though the Moriarty tribunal found his actions to be profoundly corrupt. Attempting to justify this, the Tánaiste said … negotiating partner and it makes a complete mockery of any claims that this new Government will champion ethical standards in public life. The programme for Government is devoid of new ideas or radical measures. The transformation that we need is nowhere to be seen. This is particularly stark

This programme for Government continues the failed policies of the previous Government. It lacks ambition. It is deliberately vague and has no costings and no timelines. That means a continuation of the housing and homelessness crisis, the cost-of-living crisis, hospital overcrowding, huge health waiting lists … health recruitment embargo, known as "pay and numbers". The housing and homelessness crisis is the most fundamental issue facing this country. This programme continues the failed policies of its predecessor. There is no new urgency, no emergency measures, no reset of housing policy as recommended by the Housing

women in this incoming Cabinet. That is a negative change, and we do not see any sign of positive change either from the programme for Government. There is no transformative vision, no State construction company, no public childcare scheme, no strengthening the protection of workers' rights … radical measures to protect our climate and biodiversity. We in Labour cannot support this programme for Government; it is a recycled programme in a circular economy. Our new TDs will outline further why it lacks vision and lacks any sense of positive change for the communities we represent

recognise that we need fundamental change arising from Covid, climate change and the normalisation of war. I am very concerned about the programme for Government. It smacks a little of artificial intelligence when we look at the wording in it. It is very vague and aspirational … Government "will" do as opposed to the other matters. I am also extremely concerned that the Taoiseach has adopted and included in the programme for Government the definition of antisemitism. It is leaving us wide open to charges of being antisemitic when I unreservedly condemn the actions

hope is that it will all be fine on the night, lads. That is what this Government is. I read the programme for Government. I thought I would be in for a long night's reading. I was shocked to find out that this programme for Government … copy of the previous programme for Government. This Government is out with the same and back in with the same. The Government has ignored the fact that 15,000 people will be homeless tonight and that 611 people are on hospital trolleys as we speak. People are living

have a Taoiseach, a soon-to-be Taoiseach, a Tánaiste and a soon-to-be Tánaiste who are part of the programme for Government. Why can we not ask questions? When can we talk to the expected Minister for Finance about what our position is following events … undermine the very foundations of parliamentary democracy. The idea of parliamentary democracy is that governments make proposals, as the Government did with its programme for Government, and we present alternatives to them, if necessary. What the Government is doing now belies that very principle. It is unbecoming

democratic representatives and led our party in detailed negotiations. He succeeded in securing a majority for a new Government based on an ambitious programme for moving our country forward. Surely the first qualification to serve as Taoiseach is to show the ability to work with people and build … Europe and globally he lobbied other leaders and businesses for Ireland. Every day, he pushed within his Government to develop an unprecedented programme that could rapidly distribute the vaccines. Once he succeeded in this, he then took his place in the queue along with his fellow citizens

pull a political stroke of huge magnitude - that sham where you tried to create the impression that Independent TDs who negotiated the programme for Government, who signed up for it in good days and in bad days, got to sit in the Opposition benches and use Opposition time … Lowry had 57 meetings in relation to the Doncaster deal, including here in the Houses of the Oireachtas, with the organisers of the project and representatives of sport. He also had meetings in the boardroom of Doncaster football club itself. Will Deputy Lowry also explain why, in September

coalition partner, Fine Gael, and, of course, the wobbly leg of the stool, the so-called regional group, are offering a 160-page programme for Government that essentially is promising more of the same. If you parse that document, there is no sense of any acceptance … Government will deliver on the few new commitments or aspirations set out. Indeed, many of the measures in the programme will see us going backwards. There is nothing there on how the Government is going to achieve the ramped-up delivery homes that we all know

creation of an active State that can and will deliver for communities on housing, climate, care and work. That is the programme we stood for in the election and it is the programme we will be working to achieve over the course of this Dáil, even from opposition

Their success will be our success. However, I must say I am deeply concerned at the lack of ambition on climate in the programme for Government and, indeed, the lack of priority in their speeches today for it. The Greens may be gone from Government but the climate … emergency remains the greatest collective challenge facing our country and facing this world. I fear that many of the proposals in the programme for Government and even some of the individuals involved in this Government contradict any notion of positive climate action. What hope have we of reducing

biggest problems I have with this Government is the fact that things are moving so slowly on so many different projects. It is interesting that 89 days will have passed from the last time there were consecutive sittings of the Dáil until the next time it next sits … days. There is a slow, bureaucratic culture at the heart of this Government. That is also to be seen in practically every infrastructural project that is happening at the moment and it has consequences. This Government has the urgency relating to the national children's hospital

clearest mandate of any party or leader. Since then, he has worked to build a coalition government based on respect and a detailed programme. It brings together different priorities of a shared commitment to action over the next five years. Each of us who had the privilege

when it comes to the occupied territories Bill. It has been a long-term commitment from Fianna Fáil. It was in the previous programme for Government. The legislation was done

Gael Governments have left us in a vulnerable position - a country rich on paper that feels poor in far too many ways. The programme for Government is just more of the same. We will have five more years of carbon tax increase courtesy of the Healy-Raes. Well

nothing seems to work? The answer is "Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael". You have no excuses left. The resources are there yet your programme for Government is simply a charter for more of the same and a blueprint for further crises. You have no clear plans to deliver

when the Pobal early learning and childcare data website will be updated to include data gathered in relation to the 2023-2024 programme year; if he will provide details of what fee levels were charged by each individual service provider receiving core funding in programme years … rather than overall median fee levels; and when these historical fee tables for programme years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 will be made available for each service provider on the national childcare scheme website. [1162/25

Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the new national maternity hospital project; the date on which it is expected to be delivered; the amount in total expended on the project to date; and if he will provide a schedule … external consultants engaged on the project to date and the costs related to those engagements. [1852/25

Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the major capital building projects that are being part-funded by the Higher Education Authority and or his Department in 2024; the amount of Exchequer funding provided to each project; and when each … those capital works projects will be completed, in tabular form. [46296/24

Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the Empowering Communities Programme; if the programme is being extended; if funding for the programme is being increased; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46379/24

Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach to provide details of all projects, including research projects, funded to date by his Department’s shared island initiative. [1529/25

Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the details of all capital projects currently progressing under the Irish Coast Guard building programme. [1508/25

Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Transport for a full update on the M28 Road project, Rochestown to Ringaskiddy motorway; the estimated timeline for the appointment of the main contractor; and the commencement of work and anticipated completion date of the overall project. [1790/25

Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the current status of a project (details supplied); when he expects planning permission to be submitted for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1344/25

Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education to address the urgent need for the building project at a school (details supplied); the reasons for the delay in progressing past stage 2A, apply for planning permission, and move to the tender and construction stages; the reason the interim … modular accommodation granted in September 2022 was subsequently reduced, resulting in inadequate facilities for the current and projected student population; the timeline for the approval of progressing past stage 2A, the envisaged timeframe for the tender stage; the timeframe for construction to ensure the school can meet

Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education the status of the project for the transfer of a special school (details supplied); when funding will be made available; when the project will commence and be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46315/24

Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education the status of a building project by a school (details supplied) under the ADAPT 3 Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46889/24

Minister for Education the name of the schools in counties Dublin, Wicklow, Carlow, Laois, Offaly, Kildare and Meath undertaking the transition year programme in the current academic year; the number of pupils undertaking the programme in each of the identified schools, in tabular form; and if she will

Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice the number of projects with which her Department is currently engaged under the immigrant investor programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1349/25

Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice when her Department will release the final tranche of funds under the immigrant investor programme to a group (details supplied) for its sports campus project; if her Department will meet with the group; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the measures taken to roll out the voluntary restorative justice programme; what additional measures, if any, will be taken as part of the new Programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1936/25

Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the new national maternity hospital project; and if the project has navigated the various decision gates in order to proceed. [1853/25

Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health for waiting times for the school dental programme in Wicklow, including details of how frequently a child currently receives a dental check-up under the programme during their time in primary school; and if he will make a statement

Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of second level schools that have exchange programmes with other EU countries that are supported through the Erasmus programme; the number of students involved; the countries involved; and if he will make

Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the empowering communities programme project is intended to continue and expand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46317/24

Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total funding made available to a project (details supplied); the amount of funding drawn down to date; the current status of the project; the works conducted to date; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the level of funding provided for the present Leader programme; the funding provided for the previous programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1946/25

Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the level of funding provided for the present Cavan Leader programme; the funding provided for the previous programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1947/25

Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the level of funding provided for the present Monaghan Leader programme; the funding provided for the previous programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1948/25

Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has undertaken an examination of Project 2025, the transition plan developed by the United States Heritage Foundation, and if he would outline the assessment of its potential implications for Ireland. [46786/24

Environment, Climate and Communications the protections that are in place for the use of public money as part of Ireland's ambitious retrofitting programme overseen by the SEAI (details supplied). [46505/24