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certainly will ensure consideration is given to the additional projects the Deputy mentioned, in addition to the two that are scheduled to commence next year, the new military equipment store, locker block and upgrade of the other ranks accommodation block. I will ask my officials to engage with … Defence Forces on the other projects he referred to. We will continue to invest in and support Stephens Barracks. I am aware of the important role it plays in our Defence Forces strategically and the affection and pride the people of Kilkenny and the south east region have

defence system compatible with and integrated into the recognised air picture, RAP, which also requires military primary radar air capability. A project team comprising senior civil and military personnel has commenced work on a programme to develop further military radar capabilities. This includes military primary radar systems, ground … based air defence, and maritime and counter unmanned aerial systems. These are costly and complex projects but delivery has been prioritised by the Government and 2028 has been identified as a target date for delivery. I have asked officials to consider a much more aggressive timeline given

trajectory will not change and it is only going to accelerate. According to the ESRI, the number of people aged over 70 is projected to increase by 94% between 2015 and 2030, and by 2051 the population of those aged over 80 could increase by 270%. More … older people. Just this week the chief executive of ALONE called for a loneliness action plan. This is notably absent from the programme for Government despite previous commitments that were not delivered by the previous Government. It is disappointing that the programme for Government does not commit

Government making progress on that as a key element of housing. The other area I will mention is the Go for Life programme. I welcome the commitment to it in the programme for Government. It is a roll-out of activity for older people and people with chronic … than 20 years, in terms of capital, but a huge amount of work is done there. To support people living longer, three key projects, namely, the new emergency department, the 100-bed tower and the new intensive care unit, are all vital for the northside, for all those

development has come to an abrupt halt due to the withholding of funding from the Department of Justice through the immigrant investor programme. I ask the Minister to work with her colleagues to ensure this national child development centre is built as quickly as possible in Kildare town … understand that a capital investment application has been made to the HSE. This project needs to get off the ground. The centre is needed by so many people, not just in Kildare South but throughout the State. I ask the Minister and her colleagues, on behalf

pair, but what normal people term as childminders working in the family home. This is a new policy that is in the programme for Government. It is brand new and did not exist in the past five years. The programme for Government has committed to introducing sensible regulations … will be assessed against delivery. Is the Minister committed to instructing her officials to change the regulations to ensure she fulfils this programme for Government commitment to extend the childcare scheme to childminders working in the family home

This Government has been steadfast in its support for Ireland West Airport Knock through the regional airports programme. More than €20 million has been invested in key infrastructure, safety and security projects at the airport. There were record passenger numbers again. The trajectory for that airport is important … reaches its full potential. The SDZ has the potential to open up the Atlantic economic corridor. As the Deputy said, key infrastructure projects like the western rail corridor are critical to its viability

within the strategy to enable the development of the hydrogen sector in Ireland. These actions aim to remove barriers to early hydrogen project developments and to enhance our knowledge through targeted research and innovation across the hydrogen value chain, laying the groundwork to deliver on our long-term … this new industry, and examining the feasibility of exporting hydrogen. We are currently finalising a detailed implementation plan for the multi-year work programme set out in the strategy to ensure appropriate governance arrangements are in place to support delivery of the actions set out within the strategy

just 1.2 for foreign-owned firms. Agriculture and agrifood is a sector that is forward-looking, dynamic and innovative. We have to project this image not only because it is true but because what people from outside the sector think really matters. I believe if the average consumer … Across both the beef and sheep sectors, supports provided by our Department include the national beef welfare scheme and suckler carbon efficiency programme, the sheep improvement scheme and the national sheep welfare scheme, and they all make an important contribution to farmers' incomes. We can only achieve

that the long-term outlook for the agrifood industry remains positive and vibrant. I welcome significant commitments to our agrifood industry in the programme for Government. Regarding beef, for example, the programme for Government states that the Government will "Increase scheme supports for suckler farmers over a five … year term in office and ensure straightforward measures to encourage uptake." That is most welcome. On the sheep side of things, the programme for Government states the Government will "Increase scheme supports for sheep farmers over a five-year term in office and ensure straightforward measures to encourage

Dublin knows anything about farming, but there are people in Dublin who know something about farming. I have been involved in the programme for Government and it recognises the critical role the agrifood sector plays in the economy. The nature of the food business, especially one as outwardly … economic growth by 50% compared to 2013. Emerging economies have increasingly driven global agricultural market developments over the past 20 years and are projected to continue to do so over the next decade. Regional shifts in markets are expected, linked to changing demographics and new economic affluence, including

completely appreciate where Deputy Healy-Rae is coming from on this. I reiterate that under the recent review of the rural water programme, the amount per household was increased from €9,000 to €15,000, but I accept that there has to be some degree of flexibility, especially … solved and it was fantastic. However, these black spots exist right around west Cork and, obviously, in Kerry. There has to be a programme of replacing these pipes in order that we sort out the water pressure issue. I will take back the Deputy's point about

public transport network and increasing service levels, as outlined in policies like Connecting Ireland and BusConnects, and as committed to in the programme for Government, the Government will aim to achieve with the providers more balanced regional development and greater connectivity for all public transport users … comparisons were made between network redesign phases 1 to 5a before launch, from quarter 4 of 2019, and after launch, from 2023. The programme has led to a substantial increase in service levels. Customer satisfaction research into phases 1 to 4 of the network redesign project shows

that bring AI solutions to the market. Ireland has a number of excellent AI research facilities. The Government provides a range of funding programmes to support collaboration between industry, research and academia through which AI-related projects are funded. These include Enterprise Ireland innovation vouchers, innovation partnerships, technology … Government will also update the 2022 study on AI skills for the expert group on future skills needs as part of the programme on technology skills. Safety and security are central to trust. For this reason, the landmark EU AI Act, which is the world's first comprehensive

present reality reshaping our economy and society. The potential of AI to drive growth and innovation in Ireland is immense, with some projections even suggesting it could boost GDP by tens of millions over the next decade. To seize this opportunity, we must build upon the refreshed … public trust through transparency and engagement. Our Government must increase investment in AI. While we are set to increase spending on AI research projects by over 50% to €1.8 million in 2025, we must go further. We must guide the development of data centre infrastructure crucial

know the Taoiseach would agree that the previous Government had a vibrant school building programme at primary and post-primary levels, with multiple projects in my constituency of Dublin South-West as an example. Where does the Taoiseach see the emphasis at primary level over the coming years … terms of the school building programme? Does he agree the needs of those developing areas should be monitored closely? Would he also agree with me that one of the issues that emerged in this general election, which would not have emerged previously, aside from patronage and parental choice

that I think will be transformed. Deputy McGreehan's point about schools was well made. There is already a very interesting shared island project we have agreed with the Northern Ireland Executive on school completion. That is an innovative programme and there is good co-operation … Bacik raised, we will examine that to see what we can do from the shared island fund to develop some of the easier projects. Well, they may not be easier, as they will require a lot of time and investment. The Dublin-Belfast line, for example, could potentially

intervention services; additional community CAMHS teams, CAMHS-ID teams, inpatient beds and early intervention in psychosis teams; multiannual funding certainty for the clinical programmes for eating disorders, ADHD in adults and self-harm and suicide reduction; 20 additional eating disorder inpatient beds and community-based services; the full … emergency department roll-out of self-harm and suicide reduction programmes and embedding them across primary care and everyday clinical practice; an action plan to combat loneliness and isolation; the reopening of Keltoi, the residential dual-diagnosis facility; consultant liaison psychiatrists and suicide crisis assessment nurses in every

very limited meaningful impact if our mental health services are not properly staffed. I sincerely welcome the introduction of the mental health clinical programmes over recent years, but the reality, certainly from late last year – I do not know whether my figures are as up to date … they should be – is that we know we were about 40 teams short across mental health clinical programmes, ADHD, dual diagnosis, early intervention for psychosis, and eating disorders. That points to a series of major issues with regard to how professionals in this area are recruited and retained

statistics are parents desperate to do the best for their child. I welcome the reinstatement of the Mental Health Bill 2024, which the programme for Government notes is a priority. The programme for Government states that its passage “is essential to modernise our mental health services”. My party … courageous suicide prevention teams who patrol the banks of the River Shannon to assist anybody who is in need, or the Bedford Row project. Without their efforts, many families in Limerick would be in a much more difficult position. They have provided coping skills to children and their

social housing tenancy, including voids, untenanted properties and properties available with an AHB. There were 1,500 acquisitions approved for 2023 and the programme was extended by the Government into 2024 with a further 1,500 acquisitions, 1,300 of which would be tenant in situ. Local authorities … bodies in 2023. While final figures for 2024 have not yet been collated, it is expected that 1,500 acquisitions were completed. The programme for Government contains a commitment to continue with the tenant in situ scheme. As a result, we have to assume it is not suspended

their 11 sitting tenants. I am a little confused as a result of the reply. The Minister of State indicated that the programme for Government contains a commitment to continue the tenant in situ programme and that there are annual targets in place. The reply also states … decision on a tenant in situ programme for 2025 is expected to be made by Government shortly." Nowhere in the two pages of the detailed reply is it stated whether the existing scheme - not just for the city council in Galway but also for the Minister of State

health nursing services is limited. The Department of Health is working with the HSE to address these challenges as a priority in the programme for Government. I take on board the suggestions made about how we can entice people into those all important positions as public health nurses … more nurses to specialise as public health nurses, it was provided that existing nurses who wish to enter the public health nurse sponsorship programme could remain on their current salary scale. Public health nurses have seen their salary scale improve with the addition of one further scale point

other taxation measures, the Government must balance the costs of the measures in question against their impact and the overall budgetary framework. The programme for Government is clear. It commits us to introducing measures to support SMEs, in particular in the retail and hospitality sectors. It acknowledges … increased cost pressures on these sectors and states that this will entail changes to VAT, PRSI and other measures. The programme makes it clear that these measures will be implemented as part of the normal budget process. This process will consider the timing of any VAT change

account but also to ensure progress in his Department in the context of what is an important role. There is reference in the programme for Government to ensuring that "the Office of Public Works (OPW) and its structures deliver best value for money outcomes on all projects". Will … Minister of State indicate precisely what he means by that and a timeframe for the completion of that project

asked the Minister for Transport the way in which the €940 million current allocation to the NTA in 2026 is being allocated by programme, operator, county and service type; the amount allocated to County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55652/26

Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the current RTFO rate applying in 2026; the projected annual RTFO rate to 2030; the estimated physical blend of biofuel in petrol and diesel for each year; the modelling assumptions used by his Department; and if he will make

Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on each Programme for Government commitment assigned to his Department, including the lead unit, delivery milestone, target date, current status and expenditure to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55658/26

Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport to provide a list of all park and ride projects under consideration or development by the NTA for Cork, including location, current status, estimated capacity, estimated cost, planning status and delivery timeline; and if he will make a statement

Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if funding is available under current National Transport Authority or local authority programmes to improve bus stop facilities in rural towns and villages such as Knock, County Mayo; and if he will detail the applications, approvals or planned works relating

Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the number and proportion of staff who have completed AI-related training programmes since January 2024; the levels of training, introductory or advanced use; to confirm the associated expenditure on each level of training provided, by his Department and public

asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the proposed extension of the Luas network to Bray; the anticipated timeline for the project, including the commencement of construction; the expected date on which the line will become operational; and if he will make a statement

topical issue on Thursday 16 July 2026 on Metro south-west, to provide clarity on the intentions to meet the commitment in the Programme for Government to “Commission an independent feasibility study into continuing MetroLink from the city to South West Dublin”; whether this study will simply

establish a national vehicle-transition scheme similar to the ICE2EV pilot scrappage scheme; if he plans to introduce a long-term, sustainable programme to support motorists in moving from internal-combustion vehicles to electric alternatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56755/26

amount of funding allocated to County Kerry for regional and local roads in each of the years 2021 to 2026; and the roads projects expected to be completed with the 2026 allocation. [56829/26

Rail or the NTA, the cost overruns recently reported on were mentioned and / or discussed; if any concerns were expressed about the IT project; if any potential cost overruns were flagged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57169/26

Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 127 of 15 July 2026, if the updated projected cost range will be reported on in Q3 in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57172/26

James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport the total amount of funding allocated to the National Transport Agency that directly or indirectly funds projects which are located in each of the four Dublin local authority areas for each of the years 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date

update specifically regarding funding for DART+ South-West; if financial support is being sought or considered with a view to delivering the project earlier than 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57773/26

Minister for Transport the current earliest construction start and end dates of the N2 Clontibret to the Border and Ardee to Castleblayney road projects. [58006/26

Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport whether the Railway Order application for Phase 2 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, including electrification, the new depot and new stations at Blarney, Monard, Tivoli, Ballynoe, Carrigtwohill West and Water-Rock, remains on schedule for submission

Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport whether funding has been identified within the National Transport Authority’s capital or current expenditure programme to facilitate the future introduction of a Transport for Ireland town bus service in Tullamore; and if he will make a statement

Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Transport the towns identified for the next phase of the Transport for Ireland town bus service programme; whether Tullamore is included among those towns; the anticipated timeline for the next phase of rollout; and if he will make a statement

Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport on the contribution of the Active Travel Programme to progress against the 2030 national targets on transport emissions reduction. [58400/26

Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport on the contribution of the Active Travel Programme to measurable increases in walking and cycling journeys. [58401/26

Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the contribution of the Greenway Programme to progress against the 2030 national targets on transport emissions reduction. [58403/26

Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the contribution of the Greenway Programme to measurable increases in walking and cycling journeys. [58404/26

Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the contribution of the Safe Routes to School Programme to progress against the 2030 national targets on transport emissions reduction. [58406/26

Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the contribution of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programme to measurable increases in walking and cycling journeys. [58407/26

Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the Cork Luas project as of July 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58872/26