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need to understand the condition of a building and its design, access, fire-safety, planning and other requirements before deciding whether a project is viable. The expert advice grant is a useful companion measure. To bridge that gap and to ensure projects are viable before major construction starts

agree, that the only way to combat it is through An Garda Síochána being informed and involved. The drug-related intimidation and violence programme that was launched last year by my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Murnane O'Connor, seeks to put together a co-ordinated response … their families. I encourage victims to seek support through their continued investment in our confidential reporting pathway, the Garda drug-related intimidation reporting programme. The Garda has the expertise, resources and powers to provide support and protection to victims. I appeal to victims, notwithstanding that I know

represent a rural area. For many people who come from rural backgrounds and work in agriculture, on farms, on large-scale agricultural projects and in various food-related activities in many rural areas and economies, drug use is as much an issue as it is in urban areas … going to deal with this, resourcing the Garda is essential. I am supportive of youth diversion and the resourcing of the DRIVE project. I completely agree with my colleague that these are under-resourced. I am supportive of the various organisations in communities. All of that is important

seeing clubs progress under the next round of the community sport facilities fund. While neither of my Department's sports capital funding programmes, which are the community sport facilities fund and the large-scale infrastructure fund, provides for the acquisition of land, which is something we have discussed … context of the Department's capital envelope under the national development plan to work to ensure that we can fund as many new projects across the country as possible and, particularly, that we can see more AstroTurf and all-weather facilities developed in the Deputy's area

infrastructure to all premises. The commercial broadband retailers operating in both the blue commercial areas, and amber State intervention areas, have their own programmes to encourage and support the adoption of high-speed broadband services within the business community. The decision to take up available services is ultimately … connectivity, fall primarily within the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment that delivers a range of educational, awareness and enablement programmes to support small and medium-sized businesses in embracing digital technologies. It is our objective to make sure that everyone gets broadband. I know

funding allocations. The 2026 round of the CSFF includes a number of new features, including increased maximum grant amounts that will allow local project applications to apply for up to €250,000, which is a €50,000 increase in the maximum from the last round, and also regional … tier 1 projects to apply for up to €550,000. A new regional tier 2 funding category has been introduced on a pilot basis for larger multisport facility applications from local authorities and sports national governing bodies. Additionally, eligibility criteria have been eased with lease requirements

Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport further to parliamentary question No. 44338/26 of 11 June 2026, and his statement that “projects that are not moving forward will have to be taken off the books so new ones can be considered”, whether any projects have since

colleague, Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan. Further to parliamentary question No. 44338/26 of 11 June 2026, and the Minister's statement that “projects that are not moving forward will have to be taken off the books so new ones can be considered”, Deputy O'Sullivan is asking whether … projects have since been removed from consideration under the large-scale sport infrastructure fund, the amount of funding involved and whether that funding can be reallocated

thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response. I also thank the Minister, Deputy O’Donovan, for bringing this project to Cabinet and getting approval in April of this year. The actions in July are the start of what will, we hope, eventually be a fully fledged … tourist route. I strongly believe this proposal could be a huge positive North-South project. There is support for this in Northern Ireland as well. This could also be a massive attraction for US visitors, especially those with Irish links, and could be comparable to the Wild Atlantic

Regarding the Cork area, in the last round of grants there were only two major projects for all of Cork county and city. One was for €2 million, where athletic clubs got together with the county council. The other one was a €1 million project for a really

hubs, improvements in essential services and a sustained expansion in our investment across all schemes included in my Department's rural development investment programme. The next iteration of Our Rural Future for the period to 2031 will be published by the Government in the coming weeks. It will … total allocation of €628 million for our Department in budget 2027. This allocation will help to ensure that our Department continues to deliver projects of real impact across communities in Ireland and, in particular, rural communities. The policy will continue the whole-of-government approach and the investments

Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if social inclusion and community activation programme, SICAP, funding for next year will be increased or decreased; and the way in which he expects to maintain the delivery of services under the programme

local authority in the country to do so. That allowed us to ring-fence funding to provide matched funding for these types of projects across the three electoral districts. That is what we have done. As I said, we took a brave step, which is now being followed … vast majority of other local authorities. This project’s development is dependent on the funding being put in place. It is an opportunity to provide a much-needed facility in Newtown Forbes and its surrounds for many generations to come. As the TD representing Longford, I urgently request

from speaking to both of them and I pay credit to them. That is why I was so delighted to see the SÍOL programme come forward. Some of my colleagues in Dublin would have been envious of programmes that are in place elsewhere. Tackling disadvantage should

talking, moving and doing things. Our Department provides funding to men's sheds under a variety of funding supports, including the local enhancement programme, LEP, SICAP and the LEADER programme. Since 2018, over €2.7 million has been allocated to men's sheds through the LEP for building upgrades

This question relates to the assurances that are required regarding the future of the LEADER programme in respect of funding levels, allocation timelines and long-term security, rather than things being announced every single year. It is similar to the SICAP project. I ask for a multi-annual

important the opportunity is availed of, as the Minister said, to showcase LEADER, especially some of the major projects that have played a huge role in helping ensure rural communities are not as isolated. However, there is a need, as I said, to look at the multi-annual … talked about earlier, there is also a requirement to look at reforms to reduce bureaucracy and simplify matters to ensure the communities and projects that are part of this are not tied up in bureaucracy and red tape and can get on with the work they

regulations and our own regulations. I thank the LEADER companies the length and breadth of the country that do extraordinary work through the programme and in bridging the gap with community groups by bringing them through the LEADER process, which is very intimidating. There are LEADER people … million in LEADER funding for 2027. That gives a sense that activity is beginning to ramp up again within the current programme and right across the country there will be extra drawdowns of LEADER funding throughout 2027. People on the ground will see the impact of LEADER funding

Minister for his comprehensive reply. I will pick out an example of the work that has been done and the funding for projects in rural areas. Mo Chairde in Keadue, County Roscommon, has received grant funding for a new meals on wheels van. It delivers meals to elderly … inclusion of Ballinasloe, which, as we know, has significant community deprivation and intergenerational unemployment issues. I note the Minister's comments about the projects that have been submitted and I hope that the fund is not simply a slush fund for local authorities. It should be for groups

also welcome the positive news of the appointment of a design team to prepare the assessment and business case for the proposed project. I assure the Minister of State's officials the business case is very simple. The key issue is when funding will be committed to deliver … remains ready for the development, so the question before us is very straightforward, namely, when will the funding be provided to allow this project to proceed. A new facility would provide modern security standards, improved accessibility, appropriate facilities for victims and vulnerable court users and more efficient arrangements

Courts Service. The size, geographical spread and age of the courts estate means renovation, maintenance and management is a multi-annual programme which requires to be phased and progressed based on delivery capacity and affordability. It is a priority to ensure resources are in place to deliver efficient … Courts Service has received an initial funding allocation under the revised national development plan to support the advancement of a courthouse project in several areas, including Portlaoise

school. In regard to enrolment, on occasions since I have been in this House, the school has been eight pupils below its original projection and the Department has withdrawn a mainstream teacher from the post, and I spoken to all the teachers and the principal. The result … that fifth and sixth classes are combined into one class of 35 children. That goes against the programme for Government that I signed up to and the ratio we are trying to get to. Many of the children in those classes have additional educational, behavioural and emotional support

Hopefully, it will be a pioneering hospital, given its pioneering costs. I have seen the inside of the hospital twice over the build project. It looks fantastic to the untrained eye in terms of what it needs and does not need. It is so bad that … hands down. Every party, including Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Labour Party, had champions for this proposal. There are not many big projects over which the State has full control, but this is one of them. It would send out a huge message. I understand the naming

investment in education at primary and secondary level and particularly in third level. The Deputy mentioned the Minister, Deputy Lawless. The INSPIRE programme, which was launched last year, does not get a mention in the House because the Deputy is not into long-term stuff. The INSPIRE programme

institutional burials. The provisions close a significant gap in the 2022 Act by allowing for first cousins to take part in identification programmes. It is a very welcome change. We are glad to see it will apply retrospectively to enable first cousins to apply to participate … identification programme that is already under way. We all know about the horrors that went on behind the high walls of institutions in so many cities, towns and villages across the country during the previous century. The vital work of people like Catherine Corless laid that bare

timeframe for granting approval to schools in Carlow and Kilkenny that are waiting to move to the next stage of their capital projects. [54162/26

Youth the process used to review schools' eligibility for DEIS status; the criteria used to determine whether schools enter or exit the programme; the planned reforms to ensure the DEIS model better reflects changing patterns of disadvantage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53965/26

Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the procurement and governance arrangements that apply to major school capital projects and the safeguards in place to ensure transparency, competition, and value-for-money. [54048/26

Minister for Education and Youth if her Department will outline the final stages for the three-school campus in Celbridge to move the project from stage 2a to stage 2b; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54122/26

Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the building project for a school (details supplied). [53967/26

Minister for Education and Youth the current status the application by a school (details supplied) under the additional accommodation scheme; the stage the project is currently at; when permission will be given to move to the next stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter

Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the building project for a school (details supplied). [53966/26

Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide an update on a school building project (details supplied) given the current building no longer being fit-for-purpose; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53898/26

Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the progress of outstanding major school building projects (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54116/26

Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Education and Youth the way in which school building projects will be selected for the next Education Sectoral NDP Implementation Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54101/26

Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Youth for a progress report on school building projects approved in Dublin mid-west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54069/26

Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the up-to-date position of advancing a new school building project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54031/26

Ukraine, concerning the proposed drone deal during the President's recent visit to Ireland; the proposals made to Ireland; the technologies, capabilities or programmes discussed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53274/26

Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 231 of June 2026, the original projected cost of the VAT reduction on apartments for the year 2027. [54685/26

Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Youth the guidance and supports that are available for groups looking to start an after-school programme including regulations, funding, and the way to apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54272/26

Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will ensure that a building project for a school (details supplied) will proceed to the next stage at an early date in view of the urgent need to provide much needed additional permanent accommodation

increase the number of primary school teachers and to reduce the pupil-to-teacher ratio in primary schools as committed to in the programme for Government. [53935/26

asked the Minister for Defence the measures being taken to maximise opportunities for Irish companies and manufacturers to participate in future Defence procurement projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54052/26

Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Defence the specific capital investment projects planned for the Defence Forces over the next five years; the way in which these investments will address current capability gaps identified by the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if she will make

Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which Ireland is using European Defence Agency joint procurement projects to achieve greater value-for-money in defence expenditure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53700/26

Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Naval Service; and the status of the P60 fleet extension programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53892/26

Department's engagement with the Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems (CRIS) at the University of Limerick; the details of all projects at CRIS for which funding is currently being provided by her Department; the plans to expand strategic funding for field robotics innovation; her plans to visit

asked the Minister for Defence if she will provide an update on the Commission on the Defence Forces recommendation to develop an accelerated programme of Naval Service vessel replacement to ensure a balanced fleet of nine modern ships by early in the next decade; and if she will

light of recent disruptions to oil supplies caused by the attacks on Iran by the USA and lsrael, he will consider introducing a programme to instal PV panels on as many as possible of the houses in the State to reduce dependency on fossil fuels; if the estimated

received an updated timetable for the delivery of MetroLink within the past 12 months; if that timetable includes the phased opening of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54322/26