Search the record

25th day of March, 2026, and pursuant to Standing Order 223(1), the following Committee may complete its consideration of the Estimates for Public Services for the year ending 31st December, 2026, standing referred to them pursuant to Standing Order 222(2), later than the eightieth

referred today to the progression of plug-in solar. Has the Department investigated the cost of a temporary free public transport scheme? What would the estimated cost be? A lot of people who are using public transport are on subsidies at the moment. At the moment, we need … reduce their bills and benefit their pockets. Each system is small but, together, they are cutting down emissions and reducing pollution. It is estimated that they are preventing hundreds of thousands of tonnes of CO2 emissions in Germany. The installation of these systems is very simple. It does

this Government is the exact same. Budget after budget, the Government failed to allocate the necessary funding for essential public services and relied upon Supplementary Estimates to cover its back. This overspend is not exceptional; these things seem to happen every year under the Minister's watch … practice of using Supplementary Estimates to cover overspends. To be honest, I think that is quite shortsighted. It also shows the poor budgeting that we have seen. I have never seen anything like the last budget, to be perfectly honest. The public deserves to know exactly where those

cannot measure. We are snowed under with data sets. Yet in Meath East, parents are alternating between commuting to work and campaigning alongside public representatives for childcare and school places. Students switch from study to work to keeping social connections trying to navigate disconnected, under resourced modes … being prepared for County Meath, which is in the programme for Government, to "ensure accurate estimates of the demand for essential services", including but not limited to school places, public transport, water supply and social infrastructure? What is the current status of the unit for future planning

absolutely essential to our way of life. Air pollution has a serious impact on public health and the environment. Indeed, it is the biggest environmental risk to our health. The European Environment Agency estimates that over 1,600 premature deaths occur annually in Ireland due to air pollution … times the number of people who died on our roads last year. It really is a huge figure. It is a public health emergency and I really welcome this Bill because those numbers are staggering. These deaths are also impacting on our healthcare services which cannot afford

programme is connecting the missing pieces. It will take time. We will be in the Estimates process seeking further support from the Department of Finance and the Department of public expenditure. I hope that will come because the Deputy is correct that it is the regular rural service

school days and fewer families dealing with preventable illness. Despite all of this, air pollution is often overlooked and there is very little public awareness of the true health impacts of polluted air. Many people in Ireland assume that air pollution is not a problem here because … significant contributing factor. The EPA has estimated that approximately 1,300 premature deaths in Ireland are caused or are attributable to air pollution. That is a shocking figure. As we all know, enforcement is limited without public awareness and education. I do not think people idle their cars

matter for the Minister for public expenditure and reform, who took questions just before this. There has been no change because of the pause in the increase in the allocation for 2026. That was published as part of the Revised Estimates Volume, REV, last December and approved

significantly undermine the public finances. What we are seeking to do is moderate the overall growth in expenditure. In regard to the Department of education, in fact, there was a significant expansion year on year. It increased funding compared to the 2025 Revised Estimates Volume, REV, allocation funding

Bill 2025. This is legislation we have been promised for a fair couple of years and attempts to respond to a very real public health challenge that often does not get as much attention as it should. It also updates a framework that we have not kept pace … problem across the country. The EPA air quality in Ireland 2023 report reminds us that air pollution, according to those figures, causes an estimated 1,700 premature deaths every year, needless and preventable deaths as others in the Chamber have outlined. Our legislation is a little bit archaic

expensive, so she was leaving the house at 6 a.m. That is the reality of it. The Minister mentioned public infrastructure and public transport as well. We have had some delays on that as a result of waiting on the decision on this. It should have always been … tandem, from the 1990s onwards. It was always a matter of waiting for that decision to be made. Do the Government's cost estimates for infrastructure projects such as the Galway ring road provide leeway for the type of cost increases that are currently happening

House. The Bill completed its passage through the Seanad with some constructive engagement. At its heart, this Bill is about safeguarding public health, protecting our environment and ensuring that Ireland's air quality remains among the best in Europe. However, notwithstanding our compliance with all existing … each year. The personal cost to families is immeasurable. The economic costs are also stark. The Economic and Social Research Institute, ESRI, has estimated that between 2016 and 2019 treating just five air pollution-related conditions cost the State over €56 million. Furthermore, research now shows that long

This means just not climate and environmental damage but also economic damage. The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and the Climate Change Advisory Council estimate that we face fines of between €8 billion and €26 billion due to our failure to meet our international obligations, which are also moral … electricity supply, but sure it is okay; we will supply them with electricity for roughly half the cost of what Joe and Mary Public pay in their household. The next big, bright idea is that we will import fracked gas from America. During Trump's recent pronouncements

essential to contain freight transport costs to limit wider inflationary pressures. This Government has acted quickly and decisively to support our hauliers and public transport providers. On 24 March, the Government allocated €250 million in targeted supports to assist those experiencing real and immediate financial pressure including reductions … further reduce excise rates on fuel and it announced additional supports for the transport sector and the farming and fisheries industries at an estimated cost of €505 million. In total, this is a package of over €755 million. This is proportionately the largest package of supports provided

Department. The cost implications of the inclusion of Fingal and Wexford is based on the reports I have received and is difficult to estimate with a high degree of accuracy. However, based on the average cost of remediation under the scheme currently - albeit in different and lower-cost … context of the overall scheme cost, be minimal and will not involve any additional requests for funding from the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation at this time. I will conclude for now by saying that while I am satisfied that the scheme

Finance Act 2020 (No. 26 of 2020)): "SCHEDULE 2A Carbon Charge ". (2) IT is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution shall have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1927 (No. 7 of 1927). In accordance … supports brought in for those who use and are dependent on green diesel. All of these reductions will run until 31 July. The estimated cost of these further excise reductions and the extension of the initial reductions until 31 July 2026 is of the order of €260 million

much of the infrastructure, whether it is housing, energy and of course the data centres. I mean, Jesus, by 2030, it is estimated 30% of the electricity in this country will go to the data centres. They are hoovering up the energy we are creating for the benefit … backdoor and its over-reliance or prioritisation of private developers' interests mean it will be them who benefit from it rather than the public interest

need for competitiveness. I apologise; copies of my script are on the way. We thought they had already been sent down. The latest estimate from IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland indicates that just over 20,000 people are directly employed in the funds sector. Furthermore, in terms … Ireland. Anticipated for launch later this year, the new strategy will be informed by a wide range of national and international stakeholder engagement, public consultation and research. The funds sector will be a key aspect of this new strategy. The Department of Finance undertook a review

investor courts when an attempt is made to enforce it in another court. I would also make the point that in our estimation the Bill does not do even the minimum required by the Supreme Court and, potentially, we have concerns, which we address in a later amendment … social good. They talk about the manner in which private property ultimately must be balanced with the need to recognise the public good. The ambition in this recognises the fact that the State has to be able to intervene, make policy and make decisions to ensure the good

cost of MGO by 7.4 cent; — postpone the increase in carbon tax scheduled for 1st May, until the Budget in October, at an estimated cost of €22 million; — enhance the Transport Support Schemes for all haulage operators, local link and school transport providers, and some commercial operators … Many other Members have also referenced those hardworking people. Certainly, I have listened carefully and respectfully to those who have expressed deep frustration publicly and privately. They are asking simple and legitimate questions, such as why the costs are rising so sharply and what the Government is doing

challenge we saw is because a lot of workers, particularly in my constituency, commute. The Tánaiste will know many of them. An estimated 6,500 people commute from my constituency to work and college every day. Not alone did they not see sufficient benefits - there were some … State if they can see their money is being spent well, but I worry that we are seeing a situation where public expenditure is getting out of control in many cases and people are not seeing sufficient return on their investment. We are fortunate the economy

March 2024, it agreed to an additional €2.25 billion out to 2026. The revised development plan sets out over €275 billion of public capital investment out to 2035, the largest and most significant capital injection into the economy in the history of the State. Following the agreement … reflected in the capital investment tracker, which provides a comprehensive update of the progress of all major investments with an estimated cost of greater than €20 million. It sets out the county-specific basis, specifically for investments in schools and health facilities relating

mother and baby institutions payment scheme opened for applications in March 2024. Over its full lifetime, the scheme had been tentatively estimated to benefit up to a maximum of 34,000 people who spent time in mother and baby and county home institutions. The scheme is open … forth are helpful. The Department will continue to do all it can to promote and raise awareness of the scheme via a significant public awareness campaign. This is operating on a phased basis in Ireland and in jurisdictions overseas that have a significant Irish diaspora. The first phases

struggled with an infrastructural deficit. We have made some progress in closing this gap, with the difference between Ireland and our EU neighbours estimated to have halved over the past 30 years. A gap still remains, however, with most experts, international and domestic, suggesting the gap is equivalent … slowest approval processes for renewable electricity in the EU. The case for change is clear. It is urgent and, as evidenced by the publication of this critical legislation in addition to the extensive package of reforms we are progressing, it is the Government’s highest priority. The pace

biggest issue people are experiencing. In reality, fuel poverty and the lack of fuel also cause deaths in our country. It is estimated that approximately 2,800 people die in our country per year as a result of a lack of fuel. That is a very serious issue … this Government for sure. Alternatives need to be offered to people. We heard about cars idling, for example. I will attend a public meeting tonight in Castleknock Lawn Tennis Club at 7.30 p.m. If the Minister is around, he might like to attend

Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the estimated date of publication for the third phase of the Women's Health Action Plan. [30639/26

Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the public consultation process undertaken, the estimated life span of the terminal, the estimated cost and so on of the proposed gas terminal on the Shannon. [27244/26

Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of providing free public transport for those aged younger than 25 years in 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26546/26

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the estimated total market value of these unlocated pieces, given that recent reports suggest individual works in this category range in value up to €1,150 [24314/26

Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an estimate of the total volume of data currently stored by or on behalf of the State by his Department in data centres in Ireland; data centres outside of Ireland

Garda station estate nationwide; the number of stations classified as requiring refurbishment, upgrade, or replacement; the estimated capital cost of addressing identified deficiencies; the role of the Office of Public Works in maintaining Garda stations; and the timeline for delivery of any capital investment programme for Garda infrastructure

Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Health the estimated full year costs to recruit three additional chief audiologists and three additional audiological scientists for public health services. [30013/26

cigarette and tobacco seizures recorded by the Revenue Commissioners to date in 2026; the estimated potential loss to the Exchequer arising from these seized products; whether he will consider the automatic publication of seizure data at the end of each quarter; and if he will make a statement

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the estimated savings achieved to date arising from the conversion of agency staff to direct employment contracts within the public health service. [24741/26

Transport whether the introduction of a temporary free public transport scheme, for a defined period such as two months, has been considered as a measure to alleviate the impact of rising petrol and diesel costs on households; the estimated cost of implementing such a scheme

Transport whether the introduction of a temporary free public transport scheme for a defined period such as two months, has been considered as a measure to alleviate the impact of rising petrol and diesel costs on households; the estimated cost of implementing such a scheme

Minister for Health the number of hospital admissions in public hospitals between 2020 to date, where obesity was recorded as a primary or secondary diagnosis; the average length of stay for patients with obesity-related conditions; and the estimated cost to the HSE of these admissions, in tabular

Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of art works managed by the OPW of which the location is currently unknown; and to provide a list of these works; and their estimated value. [30889/26

Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether any assessment has been conducted of the presence of hazardous materials, including asbestos, in Garda stations; the number of stations identified as containing such materials; the risk mitigation measures currently in place; the estimated cost of remediation works