Search the record

welcome the opportunity to discuss nursing homes and the care of older people. To begin, I want to acknowledge the "RTÉ Investigates" programme that was broadcast on 4 June. This was a very hard-hitting and harrowing programme which highlighted a litany of poor care standards … Beneavin Manor in Glasnevin. The welfare of the residents and their families was obviously at the forefront of my concerns following the RTÉ programme. I am very conscious of the impact this programme will have had on the residents, their families and the staff in the nursing homes

amount that can be spent per home, provided the maximum average of €11,000 is maintained across the works programme; — in addition, local authorities can complete the suite of works under the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme (EERP) in parallel, up to a maximum of €48,850 per unit … ring-fence some of their own resources from housing rents and other sources to the maintenance and protection of these homes; — the Voids Programme operates on the same basis as all other Exchequer funded programmes; — the transition to a programme of planned maintenance began in 2022, and aims

Parties Technical Group for the opportunity to speak in the Dáil on the public transport experience and our plans to deliver on the programme for Government commitments. I am confident we can all agree it is essential that the Government continues to invest in the public transport network … clarification. Those points will be highlighted throughout the ministerial contributions. On the fares initiative, as Deputies are aware and as outlined in the Programme for Government: Securing Ireland's Future, the Government is committed to keeping fares low and affordable. To support that objective, my Department has secured

thank Deputy Cahill for raising this matter. The new programme for Government acknowledges "that good connectivity within the country ... is essential to foster continued economic growth, for communities, and our tourism industry". We have committed to investing in all road projects in the current national development plan … travel more convenient for visitors. The Minister for Transport has responsibility for overall policy and Exchequer funding in relation to the national roads programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with TII, under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, and in line with the national development plan

that it is a very important road. I am not going to read the full script setting out the history of the project because it is well known to all of us in the House. We recognise the importance of the A5. Suffice it to say, the public … Planning Appeals Commission concluded in 2023. In October 2024, the Northern Ireland Executive gave approval for the first phase of the project to proceed. In preparation for the main construction contracts, advance works over its 55 km length in the form of site clearance, fencing and the setting

matter as it gives me the opportunity to provide an update to the House on the current position regarding the major school building project for Coláiste Bhríde, Carnew, County Wicklow. Delivery of the project has been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency, NDFA, as part … programme for school building projects. The brief for the project is to provide a new-build replacement school for a long-term projected enrolment of 1,000 pupils, including a four-classroom special educational needs base. The project is currently in the final stages of stage

thank the Deputy for the question. I will outline the AIM programme although I understand the Deputy is well aware of it. The AIM programme is the model of support designated to ensure children with disabilities can access the early childhood care and education, ECCE, programme. The main … universal supports are not enough to meet the needs of an individual child to ensure that the child can meaningfully participate in ECCE programmes, targeted supports are available, such as specialised equipment, appliances or capital grants toward minor building alterations. Additional funding is available for ECCE settings where

delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following: "recognises that: — Housing for All sets out an ambitious multi-annual programme that seeks to deliver more than 300,000 new homes by 2030; — record levels of investment are being provided for the delivery of housing … short-term and secure a sustainable level of supply that will help us meet demand; — the measures committed to in the Programme for Government 2025, including a new housing plan, building on the successes of Housing for All, will help us meet the enormous challenge of delivering more

Island Strategic Rail Review outlines economic, social and climate benefits for both Ireland and Northern Ireland; — the Connecting Ireland rural bus programme has transformed public transport use in rural Ireland, connecting communities for the first time and delivering regular, frequent services; and — people with disabilities or with … mobility impairment continue to face unacceptable obstacles to enjoying equality of access to public transport; further notes: — the Programme for Government 2025 - Securing Ireland's Future is completely lacking in measurable commitments in terms of the amount of additional funding envisaged, and timelines by which the public transport

Killarney as well, like most people in Ireland, on a number of occasions and had good memories coming away from it. The N22 project is included in the national development plan, NDP, and has received a significant funding allocation for 2025. As I said, approximately €502 million … authorities in a manner which seeks to achieve the following key outcomes: protection and renewal of the existing national road network; progressing major projects in or near construction; and progressing major projects which are pre-construction but well advanced in the development pipeline. A number of new roads

delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following: "recognises that: — Housing for All, sets out an ambitious multi-annual programme that seeks to deliver more than 300,000 new homes by 2030; — record levels of investment are being provided for the delivery of housing … additional social, affordable and cost rental homes in the period 2025 – 2027; and €265 million to allow for a significant programme of acquisitions in 2025 for priority categories of need; — the capital provision for 2025 is supplemented by a further €1.65 billion in current funding to address housing

city’s culture nationally and internationally. The Government allocated €15 million in two stages, with €14 million allocated to deliver the cultural programme of Galway European Capital of Culture and €1 million allocated for its legacy programme. The drawdown of €14 million allocated to deliver the cultural programme … completed in November 2020. In line with the programme delivery agreements with the Department, quarterly management and independent auditor reports were received from Galway 2020. The independent auditor confirmed that Galway 2020 followed best practice in transparency, accountability and secured value for money. In line with the requirements

thank all the Members. Some 40 Members spoke in this debate. People were very constructive. Like everyone else, I was shocked by the programme. It was wanton neglect and abuse. I thank the Members for their very constructive engagement. I will attempt to cover the areas that people … brought up. What we saw happening on the programme was pure wanton neglect and abuse of older people. It is as simple as that. We have to make the system better and more robust. How do we go about doing that? As HIQA itself has acknowledged, we have

will bring the Deputy's comments back. Regarding the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney route, as Deputy Gallagher is aware, the proposed project is an important one. It is about ensuring road safety is improved. The upgrade will enhance that road safety by reducing the number of direct access … points and turning movements and by providing passing opportunities. It is currently suspended at the design and environmental phase of the TII project management guidelines subject to the ongoing NDP review. It is hoped the project will be allocated funding this year and next year. Regarding the overarching

chronic disease management programme commenced in 2020 and has been rolled out on a phased basis over four years to adults with either a medical card or, for GMS patients, a GP visit card. The aim of the programme is to prevent and manage chronic diseases. Since … over 680,000 patients have been registered on the programme, including those who have exited the programme. Some 91% of patients now receive routine care in community settings, reducing their reliance on hospitals. An ICGP study found that for patients enrolled in the treatment programme, there were

legally responsible for the management and maintenance of their housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, implementation of a planned maintenance programme and carrying out of responsive repairs. Local authorities also have a legal obligation to ensure that all of their tenanted properties are compliant with … their own stock, the Department of housing provides annual funding support to local authorities for management and maintenance under a number of grant programmes such as the planned maintenance, or voids, programme, the energy efficiency retrofit programme and the disabled person grants programme, with the selection of homes

range of sources, including child benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform the Department's projections of school place requirements. Portmarnock school planning area, SPA, has five primary schools … enrolments are projected to peak in 2027 with enrolments decreasing thereafter. While the Department is aware of enrolment pressures and demand for additional school places in some areas, including Portmarnock, it is important to note that enrolment pressures can be driven by duplication of applications, applications from outside

longer a crisis; it is a social catastrophe. It is an emergency, as the Government has accepted. However, Government actions - cutting key housing projects, suspending funding and gutting homelessness prevention schemes - tell a very different story. Instead of rising to meet this catastrophe, the Government is failing time … have not been prioritised, delivered or funded. At the same time, in a bizarre, almost GUBU moment, the Government has suspended a delivery project that was going to build almost 500 social homes, almost 200 of which are in my constituency, through public-private partnerships. They were ready

ongoing advocacy for his county of Laois. The Government has earmarked approximately €5.1 billion for investment in new national roads projects between 2021 and 2030 and a further €2.9 billion for the protection and renewal of the network. I can confirm that approximately €600 million of Exchequer capital … relation to a bypass of the town. However, a proposed bypass of Mountmellick, unfortunately for Deputy Aird, is not included among the projects that are identified for development during the current NDP timeframe and therefore it was not possible to advance the proposed project at that time

thank the Deputy for raising the issue. First, I will discuss the Department of Education and Youth school energy retrofit pathfinder programme. The Department is leading an ambitious sustainable agenda and has progressed a number of measures to improve the overall sustainability of our school buildings as part … international levels with sustainable energy awards for excellence in design, specification and delivery. The Department's policy is supported by a strong research programme, with 56 research programmes at various stages. It is a priority for the Government to deliver on Ireland's ambitious climate agenda and reduce

colleague mentioned the pilot project, namely the community access support team, CAST, initiative that was launched in Limerick last October and commenced in January. The Minister of State was there at the launch. Like most things pertaining to mental health, the launch of the programme came … years after we were advised it would commence. However, we got there in the end and in its short time in operation, the project has been successful. It involves a combined Garda and HSE support group that assists those facing a mental health challenge, particularly during

over €45 million was committed for improvement and refurbishment works on over 860 existing community centres across Ireland. This includes 78 projects in County Dublin with funding of over €4.6 million. I have been informed by the Minister, Deputy Calleary, that the majority of these projects … supported the enhancement and refurbishment of community centres. Through that round of funding, over €33 million has been approved for more than 770 projects nationwide. This includes funding of up to €100,000 each for category 2 projects that my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Calleary, announced

recognise the importance of maintaining a vibrant fishing sector, both for the communities that rely on it and, indeed, the wider economy. The Programme for Government 2025: Securing Ireland's Future reflects this approach by committing to securing a sustainable future for the fisheries sector while supporting coastal … changing environment. This progress would not be possible without strategic and well-targeted investment, both public and private, and through the seafood development programme, the Government is delivering essential support to strengthen competitiveness, sustainability and employment across the sector. In addition, targeted supports, funded through the Brexit adjustment

Members said, since we saw the distressing footage of conditions at Leas Cross nursing home. Unfortunately, what we saw on the "RTÉ Investigates" programme replicated those horrific and dark days. I thank Aoife Hegarty, the "RTÉ Investigates" programme and, of course, Clare Doyle, the whistleblower, for exposing these … abuses. What we saw on the programme aired was simply elder abuse. Older people were manhandled, pushed around and, heartbreakingly, forgotten. It was tough watching for me to listen to a loved one calling out for help and nobody answering. I cannot but imagine how the families

North-South interconnector is an essential transmission infrastructure project that will link the electricity transmission network between South and North on the island of Ireland, leading to a much more secure, affordable and sustainable supply of electricity across the island, operating in a single electricity market. The project … will facilitate the connection of 900 MW of renewable generation, which is enough to power 600,000 homes. It is an incredibly significant project that is of critical importance to all citizens on the whole island. In March 2023, the Government noted and published an independent report

Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the Ulster Canal project; the number of phases of the project that have been completed to date; the total spend on each phase of the project to date … total amount committed by Government for the next phase of the project; if negotiations with landowners have started in respect of future phases of the project; the expected completion date for the overall project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31383/25

partners, i.e., local employment area service, and so on; if he is aware that individuals cannot be referred on to a community employment programme until they have been on a social welfare payment for 365 days and as a result jobseekers are meeting with at least two different … agencies in the time before they become eligible for the programme; if he understands that this means those who are suitable for community employment are not getting the best chance to be referred on to the programme; if he is aware that this has resulted in local community

Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will provide an update on the implementation of the Financial Management Shared Services Project; the number of bodies that have migrated to the new system; if the number of bodies that have migrated to the new system … date with the agreed project timeline from the project's commencement; the current projected completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32679/25

Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the capital works projects funded under the 2025 fishery harbour coastal infrastructure development programme in Dunmore East Fisheries Harbour Centre; and when each of those projects will be completed, in tabular form. [31921/25

Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the latest bundle of public private partnerships social housing projects; whether any of the bundle of six projects is being dropped; and if so, where these projects are and the reason why they have

Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide a schedule of all active new school construction projects and expansion projects in Cavan and Monaghan; the stage each project is at; and the target delivery date of each, in tabular form. [28968/25

Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide a schedule of all active new school construction projects and expansion projects in Meath; the stage of each project is at; and the target delivery date of each, in tabular form. [28974/25

Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the total spend to date on the national children's hospital; the projected spend when the project is completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27503/25

Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the progress her Department has made in honouring the Programme for Government commitment that an early access programme for medicines would be established; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34979/25

establishment of an ambulance base at Recess, County Galway; if the design team has now completed the tender documentation; if the project has gone to tender; the timeline for the delivery of the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34919/25

Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the reason for the €10.9 million underspend on subhead B7 ‘Cultural infrastructure and development’ projects in 2023; the details of all large-scale culture infrastructure and development projects that have not been progressed; the reasons therefor

Sport if his Department is examining ways to improve accessibility and fairness in the application process for the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme, particularly to support community groups and clubs in areas of higher deprivation that may lack the administrative capacity or resources of organisations in more affluent … evidence or analysis indicating that communities in lower-income or higher-deprivation areas are less successful in securing funding through the programme; and whether this has been considered in the development of future rounds or targeted supports under the scheme. [34998/25

Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport of those schools that expressed an interest in the safer routes to school programme when it was introduced in 2021, the number that are yet to receive funding through the programme; and if he will make a statement

Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current status of the project to deliver two modular units for St. John’s Special School in Dungarvan; to confirm precisely when her Department’s modular accommodation unit was tasked with progressing the project

Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the progress her Department has made in honouring the Programme for Government commitment that an early access programme for medicines would be established by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34949/25

actions her Department is taking to ensure the development of networked services and multidisciplinary teams, as recommended in the national cancer control programme in the hereditary cancer model of care, HSE national cancer control programme. [34962/25

Brabazon asked the Minister for Health the actions she is taking to ensure workforce development, as recommended in the national cancer control programme in the hereditary cancer model of care, HSE national cancer control programme. [34963/25

Minister for Health the actions her Department is taking to provide patient information and supports, as recommended in the national cancer control programme in the hereditary cancer model of care, HSE national cancer control programme. [34965/25

asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider prioritising the upgrade of the N24 from Cahir to Limerick ahead of the M20 project, in light of evidence suggesting that the N24 upgrade would deliver greater financial value and regional connectivity benefits for a lower overall investment … will outline the comparative cost-benefit assessments between both projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33904/25

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach the infrastructure projects being built or commissioned by his Department that are currently late in their delivery; and the infrastructure projects currently over budget. [34100/25

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the infrastructure projects being built or commissioned by his Department that are currently late in their delivery; and the infrastructure projects currently over budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34092/25

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the infrastructure projects being built or commissioned by his Department that are currently late in their delivery; and the infrastructure projects currently over budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34086/25

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the infrastructure projects being built or commissioned by his Department that are currently late in their delivery; and the infrastructure projects currently over budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34088/25

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the infrastructure projects being built or commissioned by his Department that are currently late in their delivery; and the infrastructure projects currently over budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34101/25

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance the infrastructure projects being built or commissioned by his Department that are currently late in their delivery; and the infrastructure projects currently over budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34091/25