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priced out of the housing market, both for renting and for purchase. In next week's budget, the Government must make a meaningful dent in the national response to the housing emergency. We must see a real plan to increase the supply of housing. Our concern is that

that that service is underfunded. I ask the Minister tonight to consider through the budget proposals, through her Department and in her cross-departmental conversations tomorrow to look at that emergency care and look at additional funding for Family Carers Ireland to ensure that when a family needs

homelessness and housing. The additional €15 million that I allocated to my Department in the past few weeks for a second-hand acquisitions budget is a clear and unambiguous reflection of the Government’s commitment in this regard. When I became Minister, there was €60 million available … acquisitions that support families, primarily those larger families with children, to exit long-term emergency accommodation into housing. Together with income supports and measures relating to homelessness and housing in budget 2026 and beyond, I will continue to concentrate on expanding the vital services in our communities. However

homeless services, an increase of €61 million or 25 per cent on the 2024 Budget allocation, in addition, €25 million in capital funding is supporting the delivery of high quality transitional and emergency accommodation for individuals experiencing homelessness; — the Government recently announced that an additional €50 million … risk, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a fairer and more inclusive society; and — the Government will utilise Budget 2026 and future budgets, to prioritise measures aimed at tackling child poverty and reducing homelessness.". The amendment outlines our determination to drive down child

afford housing. That is the Government's choice in this budget. It is a political choice it will make. The media say the Government is not going to do a cost-of-living emergency package. The Taoiseach's task, however, is to create a sustainable future … carer’s allowance and a cost-of-disability payment that is meaningful. Will the Taoiseach make the necessary choices in this budget to prioritise ending child poverty and providing supports for struggling households

guardians who are concerned about vaping and emerging drug trends among young people. It will also provide information on prevention strategies and discuss the role of parents in guiding healthy decisions. These are really important to me. In the budget negotiations, I will be seeking funding for programmes

nearly 175,000 in gas arrears, while the moratorium on disconnections only covers the Christmas period; — there were 5,014 homeless children in emergency accommodation at the end of July, an increase of 14 per cent in a year; — the reduced funding available for the Tenant in-Situ … rolled out across primary schools, but remains unavailable to far too many children in schools not signed up to the scheme; recognises that: — budgets are about choices, and regrets that the Government intends to spend over €630 million a year to reduce Value Added Tax (VAT) on food

Ministers trot into the Dáil at the end of every year looking for billions more to account for overruns. What is more, the budget process this year is cloaked in secrecy. When we ask questions in the Dáil and, as we did last night, at the budgetary oversight … committee, about it we get no substantive answers whatsoever on clear spending plans. It is, frankly, unprecedented. A very serious credibility gap has emerged. The summer economic statement is predicated on a €2 billion increase in capital spending next year, from €17.1 billion to €19.1 billion

emerge. Unless this is implemented with sensitivity to the realities facing both employers and employees, it risks breeding resentment rather than reassurance. Employees in certain circumstances say that they would prefer extra take-home pay now over pension contributions, and they cite tight weekly budgets. I thank

Minister of State outlines to us the valid reasons why we find our healthcare community in this horrendous position and for the emergency solutions that are being implemented, along with timeframes for drastic improvements. Do the Minister of State and the Minister have concrete plans for the employment … sufficient additional professionals suitable for the roles that are lacking in Cork and Kerry? Will provision be made in the upcoming budget for the very significant increase in funding for this obviously under-resourced health service in Kerry and Cork? Is the Minister of State satisfied that

particular focus on high-value manufacturing, services, and research and innovation opportunities across established clusters in life sciences, technology and global business services. Emerging technology trends will continue to create new opportunities for the region in areas such as data analytics, smart manufacturing, cybersecurity and new approaches … agency provides ongoing support to existing clients through investment in research and development and it will be very important in the upcoming budget to get the research and development value proposition correct. IDA Ireland also provides support for upskilling, talent development, digitalisation and sustainability in the FDI sector

year. There are 225,000 children living in families below the poverty line, and 5,014 homeless children in emergency accommodation, up 14% on last year. These are not just statistics; they are real individual children living in real families. Barnardos, the children's charity, has confirmed that … taken out of poverty and homelessness. We have the money and the resources. The Government has a choice in the coming budget to take children out of poverty and homelessness, or to continue to support corporate landlords, vulture funds and the golden circle of the rich and powerful

many households are being asked to shoulder costs when large corporations continue to consume vast amounts of electricity at a fraction of the budget. It is quite clearly not fair. It is very obviously not sustainable. The failures are clear also when we are looking at housing … stock, we are condemning thousands of families to remain in energy poverty indefinitely. Yes we agree with much of the motion. We need emergency measures and we need stronger oversight of energy companies. We need to ensure that the profits of the few do not come

this really the best use of taxpayers' money when there are so many demands on the health service, for example, where accident and emergency services do not have enough chairs and trolleys, not to mind beds, and where people regularly sit on the floor. Last year, the Taoiseach … money. Government throws away millions of euro in public money but at the same time will remove energy credits from households in the budget. The Government does nothing to tackle the rip-off or take on companies that are gouging customers. It gives the energy companies free rein

number of Deputies have referenced the more than 5,000 children who are now homeless and living in emergency accommodation. That figure is actually much bigger because people are living in overcrowded accommodation, with three generations of families in one home, children growing up in box rooms … also stopped downsizing or rightsizing so that three- or four-bedroom houses could come back into use because he has cut the capital budgets. These are facts. I have one straight question for the Minister, man to man. How many children must become homeless before he finally admits

Dublin City Council has told her that when she is evicted and needs emergency accommodation in the coming months, there will be no emergency accommodation available in Dublin. It is full. She will have to go to Meath, Kildare or Louth. How is her child going … equally and to guarantee the welfare of all children. There are 5,000 children homeless and 225,000 children living in poverty. This budget must invest in housing and in supporting those who are in poverty. We can end homelessness and child poverty. It is a question

cost of energy at a time of very high inflation, including €1,500 in electricity credits to all households through four Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Schemes, at a cost of €3.3 billion, this is in addition to one-off payments to support certain social protection payment recipients … work is the development of an interim plan, including measures for consideration to support customers in Winter 2025/26, in order to inform Budget 2026 discussions; — the wider package of energy efficiency supports, available from Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, make it easier and more affordable for homeowners

breadline. Ours is a relatively wealthy country and yet more than 5,000 children are homeless. Those are 5,000 children in emergency accommodation who are doing their homework on the floors of hotel rooms or family hubs. Far too many are living in overcrowded homes with multiple … authorities. We hear it states that they can now proceed with more acquisitions up to a value of 30% of their original 2025 budget. However, those commitments are for 2026, so it seems that the Minister is borrowing into next year, kicking the can down the road