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wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Ruth Coppinger - To discuss the loss of a mainstream teacher in a DEIS plus primary school … dyslexia. Deputy Joe Cooney - To discuss the need to provide funding to local authorities for the refurbishment costs of tenant in situ scheme houses. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman - To discuss the recent fire in an apartment complex in Castleknock, Dublin 15 and what steps can be taken

that the Minister did say the private wires legislation is coming. That will enable people who can have solar panels on their own houses to store the energy in batteries in those houses. It will also hopefully mean that when we are trying to encourage more people … with EVs, and when they are in the newer housing estates operated by management companies, they can put a cable under the ground and get their domestic tariff. You can tackle climate change by still allowing people to drive. I am a firm believer in giving options

immediately instituting a change in the process by which communications are issued to ensure it will not be made again. The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has asked that the chair immediately meet officials in his Department to ensure the process is robust and that errors … Department itself does not process the appeals, as the Deputy knows. He is not questioning that. The Department passes them on to the Housing Agency. The appeals board is separate from the Housing Agency and the Department and is chaired by a senior counsel. The error should

save The Complex, all the artists' and cultural space. They proposed that the venue could be redeveloped to have social and affordable housing on top of it. It would have been a win-win for the north inner city. The Government had the chance to save a cultural … artists’ studios and rehearsal and performance spaces. It could have done all of that, as well as getting social and affordable housing on top of it, for a small amount of money, relatively speaking, in the greater scheme of things. It did not do it, however. It just

what the hell they are at? They do not understand the benefit. Do not attack the tourism sector to try to fix the housing sector. Are we to ruin the tourism sector to fix the housing sector? That is where the Social Democrats and Labour have been … upgraded. It is a sad thing to find out that after public representatives from the Government side stated it would get 50 houses with a recent do-up of the wastewater treatment plant, it would only get 15. Who is codding who while trying

which are beyond the scope of the Bill's original subject matter, as I said. The Bill, which completed Second Stage in the House in January of this year, addresses long-standing safety issues with regard to liquified petroleum gas and natural gas and I wish … House for leave to attach amendments addressing another outstanding issue in the energy sector. New sections, which have necessitated this motion, will amend section 22(1) of the Turf Development Act 1998 which sets the statutory borrowing limit of Bord na Móna. This is currently

whatsoever, put up for sale on the private market land in Cherrywood, which is zoned for more than 1,000 units of housing. It is shocking that the State - the only political representation on it is Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael - is selling off land that could … used for housing in the midst of a housing crisis

hope that is the case and I will engage with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to make sure that it will go for housing and that the 1,000 houses will be built because we need those 1,000 houses as well. In response to Deputy Paul Murphy

read a Second Time." I am pleased to introduce the Dublin Transport Authority (Amendment) Bill 2026 for the consideration of the House. As Deputies will be aware, the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, as originally enacted, provided for the establishment of the Dublin Transport Authority … over 2016 levels by 2040. The national development plan review 2025 outlines Ireland’s largest-ever public investment plan to transform infrastructure, housing, transport, energy and public services through to 2035. As committed to in the programme for Government, this national development plan provides extra funding

costs mount and progress occurs at a snail’s pace. I am proud to have been representing the people of Limerick in this House for over a decade. It has been the honour of my life. I tend to travel to Dublin by public transport, most regularly … train. Upon arriving in Dublin, I mostly use public transport to get to Leinster House. What I notice most – I am sure other Deputies will concur - is the contrast in provision of public transport in Dublin compared to Limerick. In Limerick, like many other counties, public transport provision

serious about economic competitiveness and our population growth, we need to have investment in public transport. To remind Members in the House, because sometimes they might not hear this articulated, the national development plan and the sectoral investment plan for transport has €24 billion in funding of projects … next four years will be transformative. I hear the frustration of many people who speak to me every week, including Members of the House, regarding BusConnects and other issues relating to Dublin. We heard about that from various Deputies during the debate, and is understandable and fair

families who are dealing with the added difficulty of the cost of disability, day in, day out. As we all know in this House - it has already been mentioned tonight - The Cost of Disability in Ireland report by Indecon showed that people with a disability face additional costs … Minister mentioned in his speech that the Government had increased the disability allowance by €10. Is he aware that a number of approved housing bodies where many of those living with a disability are living - and thankfully living - have recently increased their rents? In a surprise move

know this acutely, even from a personal perspective. People have higher energy bills, increased transport expenses, medical and therapeutic supports, specialised equipment, housing adaptations and, in many cases, reduced opportunities to participate fully in education or employment, as I said. These are not optional costs; they are essential … about grants, say, for home adaptations and things like that. It is the case a majority of the time that those grants for housing adaptations do not necessarily fit for these very people. Research commissioned by the Government has demonstrated that the additional cost of disability can amount

factored in, poverty among disabled people is drastically underestimated. Even those figures do not capture the daily reality. At a protest outside Leinster House before Christmas, one person spoke about having to decide whether to turn on one or two bars of an electric heater because energy costs … have risen so sharply. At a later session on the Leinster House campus, we heard a harrowing account of a disabled person who had to stop home dialysis because of energy costs and rely instead on hospital dialysis, a change that put her health at greater risk. That

wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Barry Ward - To discuss allowing for the inclusion of parental details on children's passports in cases … Carol Nolan - To discuss implementation of the EU CPC driver training directive. Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss the need for social and affordable housing in Arklow, County Wicklow. Deputy Michael Murphy - To discuss ongoing delays in the SEAI warmer homes scheme. Deputy Louis O'Hara - To discuss recognition

number of different things happening and I want to set things out clearly. From a European perspective and context, I will take the House back to last year. Prior to me coming into this Department and at a time when there was continuing escalating violence in Gaza … make sure that Europe responds to this and does so collectively because I believe, and I think we all believe in this House, that this is the strongest way in which we can send a very clear message. It will also impact the Israeli Government and the actions

look forward to working constructively with Members as the Bill progresses. I am aware that there is general acceptance across the House that measures are needed to ensure the welfare and safety of children are protected in the wake of what are, thankfully, rare but incredibly serious … child's best interests, welfare and safety that are prioritised in the aftermath of these horrific crimes. Everyone in the House will agree that this is a worthy purpose and that is why I commend this legislation to the House

happy that Sinn Féin is supporting this Bill on its way through the Houses. I also want to remember Valerie. I have an older brother, and I am sure that Valerie's three sisters are very proud of the fact that their big brother has led on this … them like this. Regarding the legislation to protect children, it is going to take ongoing efforts from the Members in these Houses and from our communities. Lifting the lid on the scourge of femicide uncovers layers and layers of needed legislation. I know that my colleague an Teachta

serious impact, bringing vacant and derelict properties back to use and revitalising towns and villages across the country. The Government's new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030, reinforces and expands the range of existing measures being implemented by Government to tackle the issue of vacancy … difference. I would love to see the towns and villages coming back into play, as has happened around Europe. Much of this housing is of a good quality and we need to do an awful lot more. I thank the Deputy for raising an issue that is close

absence of a UN mandate, deployments cannot proceed. They must cease, regardless of our position or of the will of this House. Deputy Heneghan asked why we are doing this now. I will give examples. We know very clearly that the troops I met in Limerick … know our troops want to continue their work there - if the EU or any other regional organisation proposes such a mission, the House can decide to be part of that. I think that is a role the House should take on. I emphasise that even though the reforms

from the Opposition, Sinn Féin in particular, is empty rhetoric, no solutions and the usual sloganeering. That will not build houses. I have a document here with all the objections of those parties' representatives. They objected to housing project after housing project

they supposed to work harder and save more? They are already doing that but it is not working because the housing system is fundamentally broken. We have all been knocking on doors in Galway, so I am sure the Taoiseach has seen the same thing I have. Everywhere … look, there are lock-boxes hanging from houses turned into short-term lets, houses that could be homes for students, workers or young families. Instead they are Airbnbs going for extortionate rates while young people like Lauren are left crying into their phones, wondering what they are supposed

Fianna Fáil has not abandoned ordinary people. The highest number of social houses built on record was built last year - 9,000 new social houses. That is the way to deal with the housing crisis which has led to the rent increases

salary of the Governor of the Central Bank. Last year, the Government even attempted to appoint this same individual as a so-called housing tsar, effectively sidelining the Minister for housing, before backing down under sustained pressure from this side of the House. Therefore, the public is entitled

final winding down of NAMA and the transfer of all remaining matters to the NTMA. As I have said many times in this House, the legacy of NAMA is a trail of destruction left behind for families, villages and towns across the country. Under the guise … workout vehicle, it has been the most economically destructive agency in Ireland's history. It has been the catalyst for the disastrous housing crisis that has plagued us. I said that last night and have been saying it for the past year. I pay tribute to the late

Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how he will prioritise water and wastewater infrastructure to deliver the capacity to facilitate housing development in our towns and villages. [12723/25

Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures being taken to accelerate the delivery of social and affordable housing in the Dublin Bay north constituency; if he is reviewing the delays in planning, procurement or funding allocation; and if he is considering

Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he, the Department or the Gníomhaireacht Forbartha Talún has had any negotiations or discussions with institutional land owners in Dublin 8, 10 or 12 (details supplied) in relation to purchasing, swapping or co-developing … their land or part thereof for social, affordable rental, affordable purchase and private housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11795/25

Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the grant support available for the provision of expert conservation advice to private owners of vacant traditional houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12725/25

Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide the final quarter social and affordable housing figures for 2024, including the full-year figures for social new build, acquisitions, cost rental and affordable purchase. [12585/25

Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans to introduce or expand urban renewal schemes to rejuvenate town centres as part of new housing developments; if such plans include grant supports for building over existing businesses in town centres

provided to energy poor homes; the way in which ‘energy poor homes’ are defined; the total amount of funding provided to approved housing bodies, by approved housing body; the funding that was provided to private landlords; the average amount of funding that was provided, in tabular form

Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he expects the Land Development Agency to begin delivering houses for Limerick, given it has yet to lodge a planning application for direct delivery in Limerick since their inception, despite being active in Limerick

Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if his Department have advised the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in relation the turnkey purchases for houses rather than various forms of direct build or forward purchasing; if he has advocated for the increased use of turnkey

Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the temporary waiver scheme in respect of development contributions for planning for houses will be continued for the foreseeable future. [12977/25

Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider reviewing the Government criteria for the local authority affordable housing schemes, which stipulates that just 30% of new homes in such schemes are ring-fenced for local applicants, with a view

Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the housing grants available for a person (details supplied) living in a home who’s owner is now deceased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10773/25

Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will engage with the Housing Agency regarding a cost rental tenant-in-situ application (details supplied) to prevent a person from becoming homeless; and if he will make a statement on the matter

Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of fossil fuel boilers that were granted funding through the housing aid for older persons grant in 2023 and 2024, per local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11132/25

Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a supplementary estimate will be brought forward to revise the December 2024 estimate arising from the Cabinet memo allocating €450 million to the delivery of social and affordable housing; if so, when

Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm the 2025 social housing tenant-in-situ target, with a breakdown for each local authority area; if a circular communicating this and the new restrictions to the scheme has been issued to local

Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social housing tenant-in-situ purchases concluded in 2024, with a breakdown by local authority area, providing an average purchase cost for the total number of such acquisitions and an average

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding any initiative proposed by his Department that seeks to address long-term vacancy in privately owned housing units [11190/25

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of persons in receipt of housing assistance payments at the end of each of the past ten years. [11310/25

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount paid in housing assistance payments in each of the past ten years and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [11311/25

Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on planned new social and affordable housing units for east Cork over the next five years, including expected unit size, cost, completion deadline and any additional details. [11587/25

Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of persons on the housing list in east County Cork, by local electoral area. [11588/25

Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will introduce a legislative amendment to clear the way for the Housing Agency to conduct technical reviews and issue second appropriate remediation option determination to the local authority under the defective concrete block

Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has any plans to increase the income thresholds to qualify for social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11640/25

Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the affordable housing plans for counties Roscommon and Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11688/25