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thank the Minister of State. We know, and I will not recount, the different overspends around OPW projects that have been interrogated by the media, and indeed in this House, during the last period. The OPW is a very proud organisation with a long track record of achievement … staff and the work it does to become a watchword for waste. There has been a fair degree of opportunism about various projects around these Houses, quite frankly. That being said, that is not to say the criticisms were wrong. Accountability is important when it comes to public

comes to pricing it up. There can be other problems and issues. If I, or my predecessor, had turned around and stopped that project because it was going into an overspend, I would have Deputies in this House asking why there was a delay on this project … what was keeping it from being done. We did what we did in the best interest of getting that project up and running and we will continue to work. I put a huge emphasis on delivering value for money going forward in the guidance I have

thank the Deputy. The programme for Government states that this Government will undertake a programme of workforce planning to identify the optimal staffing model within the public sector to meet the needs of our changing demographics. In considering the approach to this, I will have regard … including principal officer standard. Delegated sanction is subject to the overall pay bill ceiling as set out in the Revised Estimates Volume. Projected staffing numbers and composition should fall within the parameters of the Department’s pay bill. With regard to the public service workforce, I highlight

expeditious delivery of critical infrastructure in the early part of the term of this Government. What are the most important infrastructure development projects that could be supported by this new division? The Minister must have something in mind. I have no doubt that he does. I have … concern that probably surfaced in the context of the election campaign in November but also subsequent to that in the programme for Government negotiations. I am not sure if there were any issues at all between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. I refer to the idea of whether

build upon indicative assessment work previously undertaken by the OPW under the Irish coastal protection strategy study, and comprise a substantial, multi-annual programme of works to assess coastal risk nationally, and then in detail at higher risk locations as a basis for then determining potential viable works … manage this risk. This work will contribute to the work of the interdepartmental steering group on coastal change. The OPW has commenced work programmes and projects to deliver on recommendations from the national coastal change management strategy report to develop the understanding of how our coast is evolving

respective responsibilities in the Department. I take very seriously the concerns that have been articulated relating to value for money on particular projects, well-documented ones, many of which were unacceptable in terms of their cost overruns. It is important that there is that anchor of discipline … overall spending when it comes to capital projects in our economy and that there is a focus on delivery at the lowest cost. A lot of that comes down to the design process and, in terms of bigger capital projects, where standardisation is possible and where design protocols

cost an arm and a leg. That is the reality. It just moves on. The question is how could this have happened? This project was initially approved by the Department of public expenditure. I do not know if it was Deputy Donohoe or Michael McGrath who was there … time. In its annual statement, the Arts Council states: In July 2021 the project moved to a standing item on the Council’s Plenary Agenda. The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media have been updated and informed throughout the project. Does the Tánaiste believe that

that the previous two Governments allowed the council to get away with it. At the outset in 2018, the full cost of the project was not included in the business case. This was a major breach of the public spending code. As the project spiralled out of control … shouted, "Stop". A review of this fiasco has found that the Arts Council board did not have sufficient expertise to manage the project. Any gaps in expertise are the fault of the Minister who appoints people to the board. As recently as 29 October 2024, a month before

point offences, and ensure there is no benefit to drivers from, so to speak, stacking up offences. A key commitment under the new programme for Government is continued support for the consolidation of the Road Traffic Acts. I am pleased to say that from the start of this … month, we have had a dedicated team fully in place within our Department working on this important project. That team will bring this long-standing commitment to fruition. The programme for Government also calls for the introduction of graduated driving penalties and speed awareness courses as an alternative

roads safe is that we need significant increased investment in our road network to ensure the safety of our citizens. The road projects will be announced shortly and I welcome the significant increase in road investment, which will help local authorities around the country. A significant upgrade … measure that has been really beneficial, which I have seen in my own village of Graiguenamanagh, is the safe routes to school programme. We need to see greater urgency and investment in safe routes to school because we have to keep our children safe

number of serious accidents on our roads. That is what we all want. In respect of road funding, there are two particular projects I would like to raise. The first is the Thurles inner relief road. This project has been going on for years and there has been … talk about it. The land has now been acquired and the route has been chosen. We now need the funding. We need the project to move to the next step. It is a safety issue. Every piece of traffic coming into Thurles has to pass through the town

Member in each case: Deputy Mattie McGrath - To discuss reform of the power up grant. Deputy Aidan Farrelly - To discuss Dart+ projects in Kilcock and Sallins, County Kildare. Deputy Michael Murphy - To discuss the commitment within the programme for Government around urban and rural regeneration schemes. Deputy Donna … discuss issues of animal welfare, including attacks on sheep. Deputy John Paul O'Shea - To discuss the need to progress the N20-M20 project in Cork. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness - To discuss cardiac care at University College Waterford. Deputy Paul McAuliffe - To discuss the delivery of housing

refuge in this region. This will include community-facing ancillary support services. Cuan has worked with Safe Ireland to fund and resource a project manager post and a change manager post, in addition to supporting the organisation to form the local partnership needed to drive the project. Last … supports are provided to the Castleblaney area by Tearmann Domestic Abuse Service, now operating as Safe Ireland Cavan-Monaghan. The TLC Kidz recovery programme is delivered by Barnardos, which supports children recovering from their experience of domestic violence. Emergency refuge accommodation services are available in Dundalk, County Louth

policy. I welcome hearing the Deputy speak as a Minister of Government. Fair play to him. One of the big positives in the programme for Government is the abolition of the means test for carer's allowance. Carers do so much work and save our country so much … each budgetary year. We should front-load it and try to remove it in the first budgetary cycle of the Government. In the programme for Government, there are some very positive things relating to aviation. I am delighted to see Shannon Airport has been selected

will talk about the programme of Government 2025 vis-à-vis my city and constituency of Cork North-Central. To my mind, this plan does not go far enough. With the exception of Luxembourg, Ireland is the richest country in the European Union but the plan does … accept that everything, from fuel to food, is getting more expensive but this Government is doing nothing. It will say in the programme for Government that it will increase by €12. The Taoiseach then came out yesterday and said he would cut the cost-of-living supports

know where there is value for money, and we can help. There have been mistakes made in the past. The Government's projection this year is that it wants to deliver 60,000 houses. Its projection last year was that it wanted to deliver 40,000 homes … money from Uisce Éireann, I want it audited. We will then need to look at other international companies that are able to deliver projects of the same size for less money. Value for money will make sure the money the Government has in its purse can deliver twice

systemic, structural or simply bureaucratic, and deliver for families, workers and businesses - for Dublin - as per the roadmap and commitments in the programme for Government, through reform and delivery. Dublin has its challenges. In that context, a lack of childcare, after-school infrastructure and youth services needs … under the age of three on waiting lists for early years services and thousands families without after-school options in their communities. The programme for Government gets the balance right. Our local childcare services need to be funded fairly in order to be viable while parents need affordable

priorities. Through improved cross-cutting departmental working and promoting simultaneous action, Ministers of State will enable a more cohesive approach to delivering the programme for Government. There are a range of areas on which the Government will focus its attention. The assistance and support provided by Ministers … State will be essential to achieve our ambitious targets: accelerating the number of homes available; implementing new programmes of health digitalisation and modernisation and reform of the education sector; supporting Irish businesses not only to find new markets but also to reduce costs; bringing together relevant stakeholders

assure the Deputy that the URDF, like the RRDF, is crucial to towns and villages across the country. The programme for Government provides for an expanded URDF programme under what would be known as the towns and cities infrastructure investment fund. The programme is very important and will

sentiments expressed by Deputy Lahart. At the end of his contribution, he referred to something with which I will start, namely that the programme for Government is laudable and I commend it. However, it is based on the premise that we continue as a prosperous country and continue … PRSI exceed 50% of all of the tax take. It is, therefore, critical that we protect those jobs and industries, otherwise the programme for Government will fall apart. We should also separately develop a long-term plan for Ireland that looks at infrastructure development over several decades

will these storms and extreme weather events. I am sure everyone will agree that business as usual will not cut it. However, this programme for Government confirms what we already knew, namely, that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have run out of ideas. There is very little … this programme for Government and certainly nothing new for the people of Kerry. The Government is determined to continue with more of the same and we all know what doing something again and again and expecting a different result means. While it is packed with promises to explore

Shinn Féin. Unfortunately, I stand here frustrated with the same issues I raised when I was first elected in 2020. The programme for Government is not serious about addressing the urgent issues of housing, childcare and public transport, among a long list of other matters, and things have … started on the 115 bus route that allegedly serves Kilcock. We need Dublin Bus back in Kilcock. The DART+ West project must be a huge priority for this Government. We must identify a suitable site in Kilcock so work can start on this vital infrastructure and it must

Forces, the Garda, the Dublin Fire Brigade and the Prison Service. It was promised by Fianna Fáil. It should have been in the programme of Government, which is what this debate is about today. We turn to those people when we need them. As my colleague said, when … stringent process in order to get this career yet they face this situation because the Government has not put this issue into the programme for Government. Some €500 a month is what we are talking about today. That is what is involved in the pension. It is unacceptable

being here and congratulate her on her appointment to her new Department. As regards the topic we are discussing, that is, the programme for Government, as part of my re-election, I compiled a 28-page document for Government's attention on what I feel the priorities should … also some day-to-day issues on which Government needs to improve. We saw from fiascos like the bike shelter and much larger projects like the national children's hospital that there is a strong desire among the public, and there needs to be on the part

asset management, underground cables and replacement of aging overhead lines and poles and ESB Networks plans to massively scale up its timber-cutting programme; — Uisce Éireann is committed to protecting and future-proofing Ireland's water infrastructure; the impact of incidents such as Storm Éowyn are actively reviewed … Government continues to support those individuals and families severely impacted, including through the Department of Social Protection's Humanitarian Assistance Scheme, and the Programme for Government 2025 - Securing Ireland's Future includes a commitment to develop an Extreme Weather Event Assistance Scheme for homes and community organisations, farmers

Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the Cork BusConnects project as of July 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58873/26

Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the Mallow relief road project, as of July 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58875/26

Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the M20 Cork–Limerick motorway project as of July 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58876/26

Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport the annual funding allocated under the Active Travel Programme to each local authority in each of the past ten years; the details of each approved scheme, in tabular form. [58930/26

Transport to provide a detailed update on the planned Ashford-Rathnew park-and-ride; the amount that has been expended on the project; if the land has been purchased; the status of the planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58937/26

Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the total amount that has been expended on the MetroLink project to date; when the final budget will be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58947/26

Transport for an update on progress made to date on the western rail corridor; the status of all planned phases of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59035/26

Minister for Transport the reason funding has not been released under the National Development Plan for Luas Finglas; the current timeline for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59088/26

whether his Department has undertaken a cost-benefit analysis comparing the extension of the taxsaver scheme to shared mobility services with direct subsidy programmes; if so, to provide details of any such analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56641/26

Minister for Finance his Department's position on the current EU allocation under the proposed Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the AgoraEU programme (details supplied); and whether Ireland will be seeking an increase in this allocation during the MFF negotiation process. [57482/26

Finance the tax revenue collected in 2025, by the main tax categories; the way in which this outturn compares to original Budget 2025 projections for each category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55316/26

Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the current annual rate of consumer price inflation and the projected average inflation rate for the remainder of 2026; the way in which these figures compare to the inflation forecasts made at the time of Budget

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will provide a report on the progress made implementing the Programme for Government commitments within his remit relating to credit unions since the formation of the Government; and if he will make a statement

Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance 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

past decade; the measures being taken to ensure the sustainability of the public finances and to manage or reduce the fiscal deficit; the projected public debt figures for each of the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56616/26

Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether his Department or the Central Bank has undertaken any assessment comparing a review programme (detail supplied) with other Irish banking redress schemes; the conclusions of such an assessment; to provide a copy of any review undertaken

Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the projected details of Irelands income and receipts from the EU MFF in each of the years 2026 to 2030. [58023/26

Finance the position regarding the work of the recently established flood insurance protection gap working group; their terms of reference and planned work programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58961/26

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the key performance indicators currently in use to assess public service reform programmes; the baseline targets set under each indicator; the progress to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55299/26

Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide a list of all capital projects under the National Development Plan under his Department’s remit including OPW that were completed on schedule and within budget in Cork north-west

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation 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

Reform and Digitalisation whether the Office of Public Works is currently using AI technologies in the management of public buildings, heritage sites, maintenance programmes, procurement processes or energy management systems; to provide details of such usage and associated expenditure; and if he will make a statement

Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he has considered designating large scale geological energy storage projects under the Critical Infrastructure Act 2026 process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55962/26

Digitalisation the number of buildings in the Office of Public Works estate that are fully wheelchair accessible; the number that are not; the programme of works in place to bring the remaining buildings into compliance with section 25 of the Disability Act 2005, which required public buildings

Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the funding streams currently available through the Office of Public Works to local authorities for coastal erosion mitigation projects; whether Fingal County Council has applied for such funding in respect of Rush; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58009/26