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laid out at Vote level in the budget day expenditure report published in October, with further detail provided in the Revised Estimates for public services published in December. Following the allocation of each ministerial expenditure ceiling, it is a matter for each Minister to assign funding as appropriate … Aghleam in Mayo. The NDP Review 2025 was published in line with the programme for Government commitment. The plan committed €275.4 billion in public capital investment to 2035, the largest and most significant capital investment in the history of the State. Arising from this, €19.1 billion in Exchequer

June or July. However, I will engage with the Ministers in the Department of Finance and the Department of public expenditure on this. A budget Estimate package is being put together in my Department. I am working with my officials to devise it. It will focus

successful implementation of ICT projects under their remit. There is support for the Public Appointments Service and for digital and ICT initiatives of significant scale, risk or strategic importance, including all projects with an estimated lifetime cost exceeding €5 million. The OGCIO operates a formal peer review process

assumptions. All of this is based on a set of assumptions and there is a whole variety of those assumptions. Which public spending obligations will transfer to the new Ireland? How would the tax code be applied? How might Northern Ireland's economy develop over the long term … there. Either figure would clearly have a material impact on the public finances affecting not only the headline budget position but also the underlying fiscal balance. This illustrates why the range of estimates matters. They are not simply academic differences. Each figure would have a significant implication

return of a proper bus service. The area in question has the lowest level of car ownership in the city, with an estimated 57% of householders not having access to cars. In addition, the population in the area is ageing. Having their bus service end before nightfall … need to revitalise the city, it seems extraordinary that the residents of St. Mary's Park and Garryowen cannot avail of public transport to visit the city centre. We are also trying to promote a more sustainable future. The use of public transport is crucial in this regard

real and lasting impact on the general public's understanding of the lived experience and impact of dementia, not only on the person with the condition but also on their families and children. The Economic and Social Research Institute, ESRI, estimates that the Irish population aged … from 780,000 in 2022 to over 1.3 million by 2040. Ageing is the biggest non-modifiable risk factor for dementia. It is estimated that there were approximately 64,000 people living with dementia in Ireland in 2020, with approximately 11,000 new cases each year. This figure

public servants, and that is essential. We have moved away from the system of existing level of service, ELS, plus additionality, which we discussed with the Deputy at the budgetary oversight committee, to ensure that we examine the total base of spend through the Estimates process, something

from the infamous €336,000 Oireachtas bike shed, and another cost overrun is the National Children's Hospital that has seen its original estimate of €650 million increase to €2.24 billion and counting for the hospital, with no opening date; — there is the €10 million being spent … should have cost €2 billion but is projected to cost €15.8 billion, and Ireland is the world leader when it comes to squandering public money, bad budgeting and bad planning; — Government spending overruns have averaged €5 billion each year since 2023, and the International Federation of Accountants

accounted for in my budget. It would be great if I did have more money but that will be something for the Estimates process when we go through that. In terms of the numbers that are required, a recent independent report I commissioned from Indecon, which I brought … skilled workers projected over the next ten years if we play out all of our national missions such as the infrastructure and public transport projects, the grid renewal and meeting the housing demand. My Department and the agencies will absolutely ramp up output to the maximum possible while

weir. This threatened to scour the channel and undermine part of Fermoy's flood defences. It required urgent intervention by the Office of Public Works, OPW, to stabilise part of the foundation. This breach, unfortunately, had the effect of lowering the river level upstream, which significantly impacted upon … also constructed. The proposal for the installation of a fish pass, in addition to the full repair of the weir, is currently estimated at around €6 million. Planning permission for these remedial works was approved in February 2024 but, unfortunately, we are no closer to works beginning

implementing cost controls in respect of Departments, it is all about efficiency, how we improve productivity, digitalise more and, ultimately, build better public services for people who want to see them improve. People want to see the endpoint of the increased expenditure the Deputy referenced to ensure that … used in previous years to one that better serves a focus on efficiency and reform. That will be a key part of the Estimates process

mile and last mile of any journey are as important as the middle. We know there are people who would like to get public transport to work but the time it takes them to get from their house to the bus stop or station at either … than 600,000 journeys, while car sharing services facilitated over 500,000 journeys last year. These numbers are expected to grow substantially, with estimates suggesting that expanding car sharing alone could take demand for 300,000 private cars off our roads completely. The national policy statement on shared

more of a desire among everybody in Germany to reunify. According to the evidence, the cost of unifying both sides since 1990 is estimated to have been about €2 trillion, yet we still have a situation where GDP per capita in east Germany is just 66% of that … economy. There are crucial differences in our economies. For instance, 15% of the entire workforce here in the South is employed in the public sector while the figure in the North is 30%. That is a quite different economic model and it is something we need to look

there is early engagement when a €4.3 million Fórsa project was abandoned, an unaffordable affordable childcare ICT system exceeded its original estimate of €3.5 million by nearly 50%, and now, €30 million spent by Irish Rail has effectively been written off. These are just examples of the tens … Department allowed it to flounder and did not give the help it was seeking. We found this out at the Committee of Public Accounts. There is a multimillion euro public expenditure crisis due to the lack of competence. More needs to be done. I ask the Minister

growth. The Institute of International and European Affairs reached a very different conclusion in 2024. Professor John FitzGerald and Professor Edgar Morgenroth estimated a basic cost of close to €11 billion a year. If wages, welfare and pensions in the North were raised immediately to southern levels, their … plainly. Productivity in Northern Ireland is in line with that in our Border and midlands regions, well behind the economy as a whole. Public sector employment accounts for 33% of jobs in the North, against a much lower figure here. The North has a far higher share

also being developed to support active citizenship and participation during the Presidency period. Another important way the Government aims to increase public participation and interest in the work of the European Union is through its EU jobs strategy. The strategy, A Career for EU, aims to improve Irish … candidates and advocating for reform of the EU recruitment processes. Outreach and awareness raising have expanded significantly, with third level careers events alone estimated to have reached approximately 30,000 students in 2025. Hundreds of Irish candidates received targeted training supports across multiple EU recruitment competitions including

referenced previously with regard to the HSE, there is no centrally maintained list for residential services. I know the disability capacity review estimates that Ireland needs at least 1,900 additional residential places by 2032 but this is potentially up to 4,000 if we look at restoring … with one referral point, have annual regional targets as well as national targets to reduce emergency placements and out-of-area placements, expand public and not-for-profit provision through multi-annual funding while stabilising existing private placements to avoid forced moves - and as Deputy Coppinger has said

mitigating the socioeconomic barriers to education. A culture of lifelong learning must be encouraged by removing financial barriers and investing in childcare and public services across the island. Fulfilling investment commitments, as outlined in the national development plan and ensuring timely delivery of infrastructure such as all-island … HMRC and the NISRA to improve the data on tax receipts in the North. This would help to provide more reliable estimates and forecasting. It is about us having the data to be able to do the accurate forecasting we need

housing. Construction cost estimates, when URDF funding was originally approved in 2021, was about €595 million. The programme now has a total estimated cost of €1 billion plus. It is a combination of tender price inflation and development of the design of some individual subprojects, that is, when … raised issues in terms of Cork. I would point out that the Cork Luas project is not in planning. It has been in public consultation. There are a lot of issues around that. This is communicating with the public. Sports clubs have articulated real concerns about the proposed

neighbour or friend who is adapting to new responsibilities and challenges. In County Laois, we know the reality of this challenge. It is estimated that we have 800 people in Laois who are living with dementia. Given demographic changes and our ageing population, that number is very likely … single day, often behind closed doors and without recognition. I join everybody else here today in acknowledging Jordan and Cian Adams in the Public Gallery and commend them on their huge achievement. People like them bring attention to dementia. This is my first time since being elected

which is among the largest per capita of any EU state; — these measures have been further extended until 1st September, 2026, at an estimated cost of €270 million; — the Value-Added Tax (VAT) rate on electricity bills has been reduced to 9 per cent, until 2030; — enhanced social … from 2028; — achieving value for money must be sought at all stages of policy formation, and it is the responsibility of every Minister, public and civil servants within all Departments; — earlier this year, the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation published Circular 21/2026 Expenditure

Minister for Health the number of people currently on waiting lists for essential care in outpatient, inpatient and day case treatment in public hospitals; the estimated total cost of clearing these waiting lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51321/26

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the estimated overall annual cost to the State of employing public sector officials with salaries of €100,000 or more, including pension costs, including employees in Government departments, State agencies, State-owned

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the estimated full-year cost of ensuring that every public sector worker earning under €100 thousand receives a pay increase of 10% in 2027; and if he will make a statement

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the estimated total annual costs of private consultancy fees across the public sector over the past five years, for Government departments, State agencies, State-owned companies, semi-State companies, and other bodies

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the estimated cost to re-instate the supplementary pension for members of uniformed services which was abolished under the post-2013 single public service pension scheme, by each individual uniformed service

Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of providing free public transport on bus services for U18s, U22s and U25s in Budget 2027. [54901/26

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated revenue from all parking charges at public hospitals in 2024 and 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51332/26

estimated revenue raised by stamp duty from the sale of homes or residential zoned land to private citizens, public bodies, approved housing bodies and other non-profit companies; the estimated revenue raised by stamp duty from the sale of homes or residential zoned land to for-profit private

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the estimated full-year cost of abolishing fares on all public transportation services and publicly contracted commercial services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51341/26

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost to the State of training students in key public service professions such as nursing and teaching; and whether his Department has examined graduate emigration patterns in these sectors. [50258/26

Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Health if she will consider including the shingles vaccine in publicly funded vaccination programmes or under the drug payment scheme; the estimated cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51287/26

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost of abolishing emergency department charges for public patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51329/26

value nationwide associated with rezoning, public infrastructure delivery, and other initiatives of public bodies, therefore the total revenue that could be raised by a 50% windfall tax on all such value uplift; and the estimated total revenue that could be raised with the same tax applied only

Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Transport the estimated timeframe to progress the recommendations within the Strategic Rail Review which will see public rail transport resumed in County Monaghan. [58005/26

Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the spend in 2025 on leasing buildings by the OPW, the estimated cost in 2026 and whether all of these spaces are fully utilised currently. [51016/26

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost of providing and staffing 1,000 additional acute beds in a public hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51323/26

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost of providing and staffing 100 additional level 3 ICU beds in a public hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51324/26

Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if his Department are still committed to ending the process of using Supplementary Estimates to cover Government overspends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55527/26

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of providing free school meals for all post-primary school pupils in public schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51282/26

asked the Minister for Health the total number of locum staff employed in public hospitals through private healthcare agencies in each of the years 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the total estimated cost in each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter

Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide details of the rate of expenditure control levy applied across all Government departments; the estimated value of the levy in each case, in tabular form; and if he will make

Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the status of all flood relief schemes in County Clare, including the funding allocated, expenditure to date, estimated completion dates and current stage of delivery. [53845/26

Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to outline the schedule of works for the OPW renovation works at the Round Tower, Kells, County Meath; the estimated cost of this work; the breakdown of same; the costs incurred

forthcoming Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP): the expected publication date for OPAP; whether a costed implementation plan will be developed and published before or only after OPAP is finalised; whether the HSE holds any internal or working estimate, published or unpublished, of the total cost of full

that the Morrison's Island public realm improvement and flood protection scheme in Cork city was due to be substantially complete by the summer of 2026, the reason completion has now been deferred to 2027; the revised completion date and current estimated cost of the scheme