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contribution to the State and wish him and his family a long and healthy retirement. I am particularly proud of the programme for Government because, for the first and only time in my political career, I was asked by our party leader, Simon Harris, to participate … very seriously and it was a great honour to do so. Over the course of the five or six weeks of negotiating the programme for Government, we set out and charted a course for the country that, we hope, will allow us over the next five years

Education has invested more than €5.7 billion in schools throughout the country, involving the completion of more than 1,150 school building projects and with construction under way at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 40 new school buildings. The 300 projects currently at construction involve a total … billion in school infrastructure in County Dublin over the period since 2020. With regard to Fingal West, there are a number of active projects at primary and post-primary levels in progress, which will increase capacity. These projects include a new school building project for St. Molaga

services based on need, and not on their ability to pay. The full implementation of Sláintecare remains one of the most significant reform programmes ever implemented by the State. I am so pleased it is a collective effort in this House that is enabling this. We are doing … Ireland. The Government is committed to further transforming how we deliver health and social care through the implementation of Sláintecare and the programme for Government. Our aim is to ensure that the right care is available, in the right place and at the right time. We are prioritising

passionate believer before the recent general election and coming into it, and in writing the submission I wrote for the programme for Government, in reforming how we get a young person through the process of getting their licence. Secondary education is a huge opportunity for people … national roads transportation to a State agency and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, giving TII the responsibility to come up with a list of projects that the State needed to advance and that were included in both the national development plan and within TII's individual plans

contribution to the Houses of the Oireachtas over so many years. I am pleased to have the opportunity to speak on the programme for Government. It is an ambitious, detailed and progressive document which recognises the challenges our country faces but also clearly sets out the opportunities … this Government will deliver for families, businesses and communities all over Ireland through the next five years. The measures contained in the programme give effect to the outcome of the 2024 general election. The American author Simon Sinek once said that leadership is not about the next election

infrastructure is central to improving citizens' quality of life and achieving our decarbonisation goals. Achieving these goals has been set out in the programme for Government. The National Transport Authority, NTA, has statutory responsibility for transport planning in the greater Dublin area, including County Kildare … clear statement of transport planning policy for counties including Kildare. I clarify the planned proposals related to the DART+ West and South West projects and the current position of the proposals in the planning and development stage. The DART+ West project aims to increase passenger capacity

months in response to the commission’s report. I also want to outline how the commission’s work has been reflected in the programme for Government, how the Government continues to examine in detail the commission’s proposals and how it can build on the solid platform laid … elsewhere, but I can confidently say we are scoping and progressing many of the actions. Some have been committed to in the new programme for Government, while others are reforming thinking on the step change needed to build on Housing for All and to deliver

carbon neutrality by 2050, which we all support. Bord na Móna has commenced development of a €2.7 billion pipeline of renewable energy projects across wind, solar and hydrogen to deliver 3.5 TWh of renewable energy by 2030 and has delivered a 1 GW pipeline of renewable energy projects … going and its direction. I commend it on the work that is there. It has developed amenities as part of its infrastructure projects, including facilities for park runs, educational school tours and sensory gardens, and contributes €1.2 million annually to communities through community benefit funds, near neighbour schemes

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach Gníomhach. I am delighted to see the Minister of State appointed. This programme for Government is an ambitious document. If it is significantly implemented, it will positively transform the lives of people right across the country. The challenge … that they must help in achieving the results we desire in terms of the ambitious targets we have set out. This programme addresses domestic issues, including housing, which is our greatest national challenge. We are also committed to addressing the climate challenge and the biodiversity crisis. I welcome

important Bill came on the back of the review of the Mental Health Act 2001. The Mental Health Bill has featured in successive programmes for Government and is a priority under Sharing the Vision and Sláintecare. While the 2001 Act was robust legislation and progressive for its time … research strategy aligned with national policy. In addition, the implementation of Sharing the Vision has seen the significant expansion of the national clinical programmes as well as the scaling up and improvement of delivery of services. Online cognitive behavioural therapy now benefits more than 10,000 people

additional €2.25 billion of windfall corporation tax receipts has also been allocated from 2024 to 2026 to provide funding for critical infrastructure projects that are at an advanced stage as well as to the existing climate action fund. The programme for Government acknowledges delays to project delivery result … value for money in a timely manner while reducing cost and schedule overruns is a vital part of delivering the NDP. Therefore, the programme for Government commits my Department to reviewing the infrastructure guidelines and creating a public investment Act that would require sponsoring agencies to meet timelines

Some Members of the Opposition have remarked that the programme for Government represents more of the same. Having had some experience of how a programme for Government is put together and implemented I disagree with this point. I see a real difference and a real step backwards … terms of the absence of ambition, the vagueness of timelines and targets and the lack of clear funding commitments in the new programme for Government. The policy ambition in the new programme for Government, as we have seen with the Government so far, will always come second

three groupings of Fine Gael, which is my own party, Fianna Fáil and the regional Independents for coming together and developing this programme for Government. It is an ambitious programme focused on delivery. In particular, I want to highlight the package of supports for small and medium-sized … general election were supporting local businesses, tackling crime, supporting our neurodiverse communities and helping working families. These are all areas included in the programme for Government and that I hope, as a Government TD, to advance during the lifetime of this Dáil. As a recent Lord Mayor

under the infrastructure development plan, IDP, in Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny. I hope to visit it shortly. The Defence Forces IDP sets out a programme of anticipated project delivery based on the achievement of the high-level goals as set out in White Paper 2015. The programme reflects … spent on building works in military installations and barracks across the country under the capital element of the Defence Forces built infrastructure programme. Currently, one capital project is under way in Stephens Barracks, which is the development of a new barracks accountant facility. This project is expected

action. An additional €2.25 billion of windfall corporate tax receipts has been allocated from 2024 to 2026 to provide funding for critical infrastructure projects that are at an advanced stage, as well as to the existing climate action fund. Ensuring that projects are properly costed with realistic start … appraisal since the end of 2023. These set the value-for-money requirements and guidance for evaluating, planning and managing Exchequer-funded capital projects. Management and delivery of investment projects and public services within allocation and the national frameworks is a key responsibility of every Department, Accounting Officer

again thank him for his engagement and the Topical Issue submitted. In terms of current developments, the DART+ West and DART+ South West projects are moving to the next stage in light of recent planning decisions. An Bord Pleanála has given conditional approval for the DART+ West … railway order approval for DART+ West have been lodged, Iarnród Éireann is now working to progress the preparation of procurement documents for both projects to enable later construction. Iarnród Éireann and the NTA are also engaging on a new railway order for a depot. While neither Sallins

propose to take Questions Nos. 3 to 6, inclusive, together. The new programme for Government underscores our commitment both to solving the housing crisis and to providing the infrastructure to sustain a growing economy and society. Delivering infrastructure effectively is necessary to continue to attract foreign investment … Ireland, grow our economy, foster regional development, deliver on our housing commitments, meet social needs and achieve our very ambitious climate goals. The programme for Government sets out an extensive range of new actions in relation to infrastructure and housing in particular, building on the progress achieved

agus an deis seo a thabhairt dom. I am very pleased this afternoon to have the opportunity to speak on the programme for Government. I was also pleased to have been a part of the negotiating team for this programme for Government. In particular, I am very pleased … priorities that will shape the work of the Department of children, disability and equality over the next number of years. The programme for Government is committed to prioritising improvements in disability services throughout the country. In the first instance, the programme commits to the formation

Lord giveth. Rather than repeat what Deputy Cleere said, I want to echo his comments, in particular about the ambition of the programme for Government and its emphasis, in stark contrast to what went on in opposition today, on delivery and the aims of objectives of the programme … global consensus on trade, economic and, most significantly, climate is very definitely breaking down. It does not matter how much of the programme for Government we successfully implement - it is the intention that we will implement it - the most important, significant, alarming and urgent challenge that faces

note that the Government in its programme has committed to deliver more targeted and effective services for children with special education needs and to improve their supports, ach is a mhalairt atá fíor. Sensational Kids is a national charity and non-profit organisation that seeks to make therapy … withdrawal of funding by the Department of Justice with just one day's notice because of the closure of the immigrant investor programme. Since October last year, the facility has sat idle, yet Kildare has a waiting list of more than 2,000 children waiting to avail

preference or a different preference. "Go raibh maith agat" to everybody for sending me back here for a third time. On health, the programme for Government is the same rehash of undelivered old commitments and contains no solutions for the daily crisis we encounter in University Hospital Limerick … programme for Government is 161 pages long and has one mention of UHL. To say the people of Limerick are disappointed by that would be an understatement. Considering the consistent level of overcrowding at the hospital and the litany of unfortunate and avoidable deaths arising out of that

welcome the Minister of State to the House and echo the comments of my colleague, Deputy Kelly, about Tony Maher. This programme for Government contains more reviews than the RTÉ Guide and offers little in the way of hope for renters, people on the housing list or people … genuine belief that we would reach 40,000, despite the fact that every available expert was telling him we would not. The programme for Government commits to delivering 300,000 homes per year by 2030 with scant detail on how this will be achieved. We are just

delighted to have this opportunity to speak on the new programme for Government. Having read the document from start to finish, it is my firm view that it fails to provide for transformative change. Over the 162 pages, most of the commitments are vague, notional or regurgitated. There … deeply disappointing, particularly in housing where the previous Government's own expert commission called for a radical reset in policy. The new programme for Government continues the failed housing policies of the past. They have left us with record levels of homelessness, soaring rents and unaffordable house prices

challenge the position of the Minister that the substance, let alone any of the detail, of the commission's report is in the programme for Government, but that is a discussion we continue to have. I welcome that the Minister met with the commission shortly after taking office … would need to be at least doubled to at least 20,000 units per year on average. None of that is in the programme for Government or the current draft of the NPF. Nor was it mentioned by either the Minister or the Minister of State

right care in the right place at the right time, there are robust systems and procedures to appraise, manage and deliver infrastructure projects required for the provision of health services. Projects are appraised by the national capital and property steering committee of the HSE. This is to ensure … feasibility of delivery. It also ensures alignment with the national service and capital plans. The national capital and property steering committee then recommends projects for inclusion in the capital investment programme. A prioritisation process is conducted to inform the annual capital plan. A review of the spatial plan

Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of each project approved under measures 1, 2 and 3 of the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme in Donegal, in 2024; the grant approved for each project; the current status of each project; the completion date … each project, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8193/25

Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health regarding a building project (details supplied) the initial projected cost of this centres new entrance; the reason some construction work that was completed, relating to a wall that was built at the centre, was subsequently demolished; if there has been … further request for additional funding for this project; if so, the amount of additional money requested; when he expects this project to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5522/25

Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform what representation his Department had on the project steering group overseeing the Arts Council’s IT project which received sign-off from his Department; what knowledge or personal sign … Department conducted a review in early 2024; and what specific conditions were attached to the sign-off provided to the Arts Council IT project in 2019. [8744/25

Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Education the total number of school infrastructure projects ongoing within Dublin Rathdown, or that have been devolved for completion to an alternative body; to report on the current phase of each project; the function of each project, be they

Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health the reason the decision to close down the HSE’s heartwatch programme was taken; if she is aware that the programme’s closure is having a significant impact on those who depended on the programme to monitor their heart health

Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the capital works projects currently under way at Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny; the estimated cost of each of these projects; when each project will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6091/25

Geoghegan asked the Minister for Education the schools in Dublin 2, 4 and 6 that form part of her Department’s school building programme; the precise nature of the building project in each school; the status of each project, in tabular form; and if she will make

Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if he will identify each entity which received funding from the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme, the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund, by name, address, description of project, funding stream, application status, and total grant

Climate and Communications to specify the agreed or provisionally agreed auction contracts under ORESS 1 and ORESS 2.1, respectively; the number of successful projects; and the total capacity of successful projects and the percentage share of total successful projects that are wholly or partly owned

specify the agreed or provisionally agreed auction contracts under RESS 1, RESS 2, RESS 3 and RESS 4 respectively; the number of successful projects; the total capacity of successful projects; and the percentage share of total successful projects that are wholly or partly owned

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for a list of all housing projects in Dublin west where Government funding programmes are involved, including the type of funding programme, for what purpose and the number of units involved. [6943/25

Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the number of civilian staff recruited under the An Garda Síochána civilianisation programme since 2008; the number of gardaí who have been put on the beat on foot of this programme since 2008; the cost of the civilianisation programme each

Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the capital works projects that were funded under the 2024 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme that are still ongoing; and when each of these projects be completed, in tabular form. [5970/25

Daly asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on all transport upgrades planned under the revised NDP in Kerry; which projects are prioritised for commencement; which projects are underway and when he expects them to be completed; which projects have not yet commenced and when

Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice the number of social enterprises using the Immigrant Investor Programme process since 2020; the projects and location of each; if funding to the enterprises was subject to one or more approvals; the projects which secured additional funding following

Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the reason for the cessation of the Heartwatch programme; the number of patients participating in the programme each year; and her plans for the resumption or the establishment of a similar programme. [4418/25

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progress of four major infrastructure projects: the Northern Distributor Road, Cork to Limerick Road, Mallow Relief Road, and the Northern Ring Road; the current phases of planning and implementation for each project, including projected

Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport if, in light of the commitment in the Programme for Government to review the National Development Plan and consider new public transport projects as part of that review, he will support the extension of the Luas red line to Poolbeg … Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy as part of that review; if he agrees that a joined up approach between the 3FM Dublin Port project that is currently before An Bord Pleanála, and includes a proposed ‘Southern Port Access Route’ which involves the construction of a bridge

Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Education what steps will be taken to operationalise the commitment in the programme for Government to introduce a new national small schools project for all 1,300 small primary schools to protect these school communities and develop new administrative supports. [8505/25

Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the progress on school building projects and the projected completion dates for schools in Dublin mid-west (details supplied). [8473/25

Minister for Education when a new school building will be provided for a school (details supplied); what stage of the development process the project is at; when construction will commence and be completed; if she will visit the school to allay the concerns of staff, students and parents … relation to delays in the delivery of the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8587/25

Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Education her views on the programme of work to be undertaken to implement the Programme for Government’s commitment to ‘Increase the number of schools offering PE as a Leaving Certificate exam subject’; and whether an equal focus will

Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if he will outline the composition of the project steering group overseeing the Arts Council’s IT project throughout its existence; and the representation his Department had on the group. [8743/25

reply which sentence or set of sentences replied to the specific question asked; if she agrees that the commitment contained in the programme for Government as set out in the parliamentary question is a brand new policy which is without prejudice to all of the previous policies … reply to the parliamentary question; if she is committed to implementing the commitment made in the programme for Government to extend the national childcare scheme to childminders working in the family home, with sensible regulations that fit home-based care; how that specific commitment will be fulfilled

Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Health the number of capital projects her Department is engaged in with the HSE; the status of each project, by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8860/25