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most of the private providers have increased their premiums. One of the reasons they give, similar to what we are seeing in the public health service, is high health inflation. When I asked this at the Oireachtas health committee I think I was told that it had come … interests of consumers, as is, as I said, looking at the rate of health inflation. It seems to me it is difficult to estimate and it fluctuates. I am not even sure if there is a perfect science in relation to health inflation. Certainly, it seemed

significant impact and it is, as the Deputy has acknowledged, a complex issue as well. The Government is allocating a significant amount of public money to affected homeowners. We are doing so to try to help enable them to rebuild their homes and get on with their lives … over 50%, because the scheme is now ramping up. It is designed so that sufficient additional funding will be provided as required. The estimate is that the overall cost of the scheme will be in excess of €2.2 billion. Notwithstanding the challenges that I accept and the legitimate

value for money for Irish taxpayers. I again thank the speakers who contributed. We all agree that the State should act in the public interest. The intentions behind the Bill for the pursuit of quality as much as price are laudable. However, the Bill would likely have … inconsistency with the directives. As the Deputy rightly stated, an evaluation of the cost increase associated with civil procedures in the Netherlands was estimated at 3%. Applying the metric to the national development plan would result in an increase of over €10 billion. This would cancel

citing general data protection regulation, GDPR, concerns and six years later, nothing has replaced it. The Department is estimating its procurement spend using estimated tender values on eTenders, not actual expenditure data. I believe this is a structural governance problem and a very practical step is adding … sounds small but it would be transformative. It would begin creating that golden thread from tender to contract award to payment because public money should be traceable from beginning to end. I will say this plainly: we cannot govern a system that we cannot see. I greatly appreciate

What is really great is that it has oversight and sets out a clear roadmap in respect of a national register, audits, public information campaigns, binding accuracy standards and, crucially, a dedicated budget and staffing for local authorities, which are so badly needed. A recently published Electoral Commission … register that should not have been due to death, emigration and people moving between local authority areas. The register even exceeded the estimated eligible population in 11 counties. I welcome my colleague Deputy Aidan Farrelly’s electoral (amendment) Bill, which would see the voting age reduced from

Irish public transport system. I look forward to seeing its introduction as part of BusConnects Dublin before ultimately being delivered across the entire public transport network. Many people have seen contactless ticketing systems in other countries and feel like it is taking a long time to deliver here … project is on the greater Dublin area, to be rolled out in four phases. This is a major, complex project, with an estimated capital cost of over €160 million to implement it in the greater Dublin area alone. Phase 1 is due to launch in September

salaries and expenses of An tÚdarás Póilíneachta agus Sábháilteachta Pobail and for the payment of certain grants. Vote 46 — Fiosrú (Revised Estimate) That a sum not exceeding €20,667,000 be granted to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending … effective police service equipped for the times we live in but which also respects and upholds the traditions and service to the public and the community policing ethos on which it was founded. When I commence the Act tomorrow, we will have: a new Garda board; the Policing

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

walk around Dublin with me and Opposition spokespersons on housing. The number of vacant, derelict properties with water, electricity, infrastructrure and public transport right outside is an absolute sin. I know the housing crisis cannot be solved overnight - no one is suggesting it can – but what the Minister … connections or on wastewater. We know the ESB cannot get them connections as fast as possible but there are thousands of properties - an estimated 164,000 vacant properties not including derelict properties. This is where we could get an easy win and turn them around in a space

also presents serious risks that cannot be ignored. We all can recognise the benefits AI can bring to individuals, business and the public sector, be it through task automation, improved data analysis or increased efficiency and competitiveness across many sectors. However, AI is not an inherently positive force … back and hope for the best as artificial intelligence reshapes our labour market. A recent report by the ERSI and Department of Finance estimated that around 7% of jobs in Ireland could be displaced by AI in the short- to medium-term, the equivalent of almost

sectors. These include business and professional services, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, machinery, medical devices and advanced manufacturing. The agreement would also improve access to Mercosur public procurement markets, offering Irish companies new opportunities to compete for major contracts in rapidly developing economies. There are also potential benefits for parts … June 2021, found that the agreement could have broadly positive impacts for Ireland overall. Taking into account direct and indirect effects, the assessment estimated that Ireland's global goods exports could increase by approximately 0.24% or €1.1 billion. It is also important to consider what this could mean

under threat due to a lack of water and sewerage infrastructure. The greater Dublin drainage project needs to be progressed. Nationally, it is estimated that we need up to €120 billion for water development. That is a huge amount and we need to focus on key projects … resource our planning system, as others have mentioned. Logjams are seriously slowing the process down, and that is before community facilities, childcare, schools, public transport, playing pitches and the other amenities necessary to build communities alongside housing are even considered. There are also deficits in the energy grid

together. There was a summer economic statement that could have been written by a transition year work experience student in the Department of public expenditure. A medium-term framework was published a month ago with no departmental spending ceilings, and what is more, it is all being paid … powers and responsibilities of Dáil Éireann under the Constitution. It is why Labour has proposed that the Dáil needs its own independent Estimates commissioners to keep the Government in check. The threadbare revised national development plan did not include capital Vote ceilings for 2025. A total

wants it to go to. The INMO has pointed out that the Government could have hired 11,000 additional nurses or that free public transport could have been introduced for the cost of this cut in VAT. On housing, the Government is throwing money at developers yet again … cost of some of the other initiatives it has introduced today. The cost of the cut in corporation tax for cost rental is estimated at €20 million. The cost of the corporation tax cut on some construction goods and the conversion of non-residential buildings has been

mainly for cooling purposes, but a much greater factor is the water used in producing electricity for them. The authors of the report estimate that this is equivalent to the water consumption of 340,600 homes, or 18.5% of Irish households. I have already made the point about … over the course of five years. I want to talk a little about the KPMG report. Over €110,000 was paid by the public to produce a junk science report on the supposed economic benefits of data centres. First drafts were not junk science enough, so the Department

This means just not climate and environmental damage but also economic damage. The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and the Climate Change Advisory Council estimate that we face fines of between €8 billion and €26 billion due to our failure to meet our international obligations, which are also moral … electricity supply, but sure it is okay; we will supply them with electricity for roughly half the cost of what Joe and Mary Public pay in their household. The next big, bright idea is that we will import fracked gas from America. During Trump's recent pronouncements

about improving the service. Deputy John McGuinness raised the funding model. Based on the regulatory impact that was done, it was estimated that the cost would be €1.1 million over the first three years for HIQA to be able to bring in the legislation and the process itself … important that Members are aware that the legislation is to regulate home care providers, regardless of whether they are in the public, private or voluntary sector. That is going to bring about an increase in the quality, safety and consistency of service delivered throughout the length and breadth

aware, on 2 June 2026 the new standard, IS 465:2026, was published. This standard replaced the previous standard, IS 465:2018. This publication requires a review of the operation of the Act, which has now been commenced. It is being carried out by my Department with … also be brought to the social homes scheme in the future. In February 2026, the County and City Management Association produced a revised estimate of the number of affected dwellings for private and social homes, and the Irish Council for Social Housing has also provided an estimate

There are challenges. Nonetheless, earlier this year, the new Government allocated up to €700 million additionally over the Estimate for a whole variety of schemes to give them the green light. It allocated about €450 million for new projects and then approximately €300 for the tenant in situ … time. It was interesting to listen to the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, IFAC, this morning, which is concerned about additionality in public expenditure. Nonetheless, housing remains a priority for us. I hear what the Deputy says and we will see what we can do to deal with these

where suitable, nature-based solutions. The third is preparedness, which involves helping people and communities prepare for and respond to floods. This includes public information, emergency actions and early warnings. The co-ordination group also works to raise awareness and to encourage people and businesses to protect themselves … invested €580 million in 56 completed schemes, provided protection to 13,580 properties and delivered €2 billion in estimated avoided damages. Since 2018, the number of schemes at design, planning or construction stage has increased to 100 active schemes with ten schemes at construction, five schemes at detailed

have fertility issues related to the condition. Fertility care has really benefited from targeted investment by the Government. There are now six regional public fertility hubs across Ireland accepting referrals from GPs directly and from consultants. The system ensures early access for women with suspected or confirmed endometriosis … operational for those women who require complex specialist care in menopause. A total of six regional fertility hubs will provide support to the estimated 47% of women with endometriosis who will also experience related fertility issues. To support the implementation of the national framework, the HSE has established

early to say that we are delaying anything. I genuinely feel that there is an urgency about delivering this. Improving public transport services and infrastructure is central to improving citizens' quality of life and achieving our decarbonisation goals. Achieving these goals has been set out in the programme … project involves a 3.9 km extension to the Dublin Luas tram network from Broombridge to Finglas. The route will serve an estimated population of 56,000 by 2035, at four new tram stops for communities in the Finglas area: St. Helena’s; Finglas Village; St Margaret’s Road

funding to pursue it. A constituent asked me recently why there is not a solar farm on the top of every Government and public building, as the EU promised to fund and complete by the end of this year. Another asked me why we do not have … fund of nearly any other party, one that would cover the country in 500,000 solar panels, bringing down energy prices by an estimated 40%. My deputy party leader revealed at the weekend that the €3.3 billion in one-off energy payments over the last number of years

assistance from the State due to his level of income. He has completed the 12 lessons and has now been provided with an estimated driving test date of 12 January 2026, over eight months after he applied. The fundamental issue here is testers. We are paying the price … ramped up. I will finish on the point that, in addition, we do not need to force people to drive but instead offer public transport. We need to deal with the ghost buses and roll out free, frequent and accessible public transport to people so they

THAT this Resolution shall have effect on and from 3 April 2025. (3) IT is hereby declared that it is expedient in the public interest that this Resolution shall have statutory effect under the provisions of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1927 (No. 7 of 1927). This … original 13.5% VAT rate from 1 May. This financial resolution extends these temporary reductions until the end of October 2025. The estimated cost of this change is €85 million. The Government is conscious that energy prices are beginning to increase again and believes in this context that

total estimated cost to the Exchequer associated with the recent renaming and rebranding of his Department including but not limited to cost categories (details supplied); the breakdown of the incurred or projected costs; and if a cost-benefit analysis or any assessment of public value was carried

total estimated cost to the Exchequer associated with the recent renaming and rebranding of his Department including but not limited to cost categories (details supplied); the breakdown of the incurred or projected costs; and if a cost-benefit analysis or any assessment of public value was carried

total estimated cost to the Exchequer associated with the recent renaming and rebranding of her Department including but not limited to cost categories (details supplied); the breakdown of the incurred or projected costs; and if a cost-benefit analysis or any assessment of public value was carried

total estimated cost to the Exchequer associated with the recent renaming and rebranding of his Department including but not limited to cost categories (details supplied); the breakdown of the incurred or projected costs; and if a cost-benefit analysis or any assessment of public value was carried

total estimated cost to the Exchequer associated with the recent renaming and rebranding of his Department including but not limited to cost categories (details supplied); the breakdown of the incurred or projected costs; and if a cost-benefit analysis or any assessment of public value was carried

total estimated cost to the Exchequer associated with the recent renaming and rebranding of his Department including but not limited to cost categories (details supplied); the breakdown of the incurred or projected costs; and if a cost-benefit analysis or any assessment of public value was carried

total estimated cost to the Exchequer associated with the recent renaming and rebranding of his Department, including, but not limited to, cost categories (details supplied); the breakdown of the incurred or projected costs; and if a cost-benefit analysis or any assessment of public value was carried

total estimated cost to the Exchequer associated with the recent renaming and rebranding of his Department including but not limited to cost categories (details supplied); the breakdown of the incurred or projected costs; and if a cost-benefit analysis or any assessment of public value was carried

total estimated cost to the Exchequer associated with the recent renaming and rebranding of her Department including but not limited to cost categories (details supplied); the breakdown of the incurred or projected costs; and if a cost-benefit analysis or any assessment of public value was carried

total estimated cost to the Exchequer associated with the recent renaming and rebranding of her Department, including, but not limited to, cost categories (details supplied); the breakdown of the incurred or projected costs; and if a cost-benefit analysis or any assessment of public value was carried

total estimated cost to the Exchequer associated with the recent renaming and rebranding of his Department, including, but not limited to, cost categories (details supplied); the breakdown of the incurred or projected costs; and if a cost-benefit analysis or any assessment of public value was carried

total estimated cost to the Exchequer associated with the recent renaming and rebranding of his Department including but not limited to cost categories (details supplied); the breakdown of the incurred or projected costs; and if a cost-benefit analysis or any assessment of public value was carried

where public offices are relocating due to difficulties or excessive cost associated with retrofitting existing buildings, to outline the proposed new location of each office; whether the new accommodation is newly constructed, leased, or purchased; the anticipated energy rating of the new accommodation; and the estimated total cost

Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of 10 of December 2025, when the first meeting of the ‘project steering group’ took place; the number of meetings of this steering group since its inception; the provenance of the cost range estimate referred

Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of IT projects within their Department, or bodies under its aegis, which have been allocated funds in excess of €1 million in the years 2020 to date; the purpose of any projects; the initial estimate to complete

Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill as is currently drafted in relation to the advertising of nicotine, vaping and nicotine pouch products; the levels of advertisement that will be permitted and restricted under the current drafting of the bill; to provide an estimate of when

Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will outline any further procurement or tendering required for the completion of the Financial Management Shared Services Project by the NSSO; if any further procurement of tender packages sit outside the original business case accepted by his Department; the estimated cost

Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to outline the full set of stages of a flood relief scheme from inception to construction; the total number of projects at a point between stage 1 and the final stage, including all schemes managed by the OPW or local authorities; the estimated

Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the details of any planned schedule of works for Garda stations in County Offaly, in 2026; the stations in the county for which works are planned; the nature and scope of those works … anticipated timelines for commencement and completion in each case; and the estimated cost of each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66259/25

Minister for Transport further to reports (details supplied), that the National Transport Authority does not currently have sufficient funding to provide new public transport services in 2026 and that discussions are under way regarding its funding allocation for 2027, whether he will ensure that sufficient funding is provided … allow the next phase of the Towns Programme to proceed, including the provision of a town bus service for Tullamore; the estimated additional annual funding required to introduce such a service in Tullamore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64103/26

Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 544 and 619 of 30 June 2026, the way in which the forecasted overspends of the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs … Migration will be accommodated for within the Government's fiscal rules; if Supplementary Estimates will be used to cover these overspends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55526/26

Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the position regarding all actions in each of the Climate Action Plans 2021 to 2025 under the remit of his Department; to provide a breakdown of the legacy actions remaining, broken down … year of the climate action plan they were initially included in; and the estimated timelines for completion, in tabular form. [54634/26

Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the total amount of public expenditure incurred in each of the years 2019 to 2025; the allocation or projected expenditure for 2026, in supporting the governance of recognised post-primary schools; for the purposes of the reply … include all Departmental, agency, ETB, school-level and Department-funded third-party expenditure that is recorded or capable of being estimated in relation to boards of management, patrons, trustees, management bodies, finance sub-committees, board training and induction, financial-governance supports, the financial support services unit, audit

Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the projects located within the Galway West constituency that are being funded under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Programme, the Higher Education PPP (HEPPP) Programme, the Technological Sector Strategic Projects Programme (TSSPP), the Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Programme (HESIP … overview each project with the progress made to date; the forthcoming stages in the project lifecycle; the expected timeline for completion; and the estimated cost range of the project or programme, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20746/26

Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated extra non-budgeted cost to ESB Networks and Eirgrid of the damage caused by storms and other weather related events since September 2024; the extra charge that would have to be levied on customers … these costs over a three year period; whether it is his intention to introduce a measure funded by his Department to assist the public in paying for these extra costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21151/25