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decade is being invested in transport. There is a public transport deficit that we need to catch up with and address with major projects that the Deputy and I are aware of. In the year before last, which is the last full year for which we have figures … there were 365 million public transport passenger journeys. People are responding. We need to accelerate projects. We regularly discuss the need to get new services in place. The Deputy can be assured that we will do that. The rural focus on electric vehicles is something Deputy Daly

waiting times for the scheme. The Minister will meet again with SEAI representatives to try to progress and build more efficiencies into the programme. We are not where we want to be. We want to make the scheme more agile. Demand for it has increased significantly … provides to households. At the same time, the level of work involved, often amounting to full home retrofits, means these are complex projects, not quick fixes. The grants available are in the region of €31,000, which is significant. We have allocated record levels of funding to support

start of what will, hopefully, be a fully-fledged tourist route. I strongly believe that this proposal could be a positive North-South project. It could also be a major attraction for US visitors, especially those with Irish links, and could be comparable to the Wild Atlantic … have pinpointed several key counties to consider with a suggested route. Ultimately, however, this map would benefit all parts of Ireland. This project should be a part of a national strategy for Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland

total funding allocated to the large-scale sport infrastructure fund, LSSIF, to date; to provide a breakdown of funding awarded to each individual project, the amounts that have been drawn down or are in the process of being drawn down; the details of projects that have

family to be in. It is inhumane. I am asking for follow-through on the two commitments on this issue in the programme for Government. One relates to the early access scheme and the other is for a review of the reimbursement process as a whole … lucky. I ask the Minister to urgently speak with the Minister for Health to ensure those two commitments in the programme for Government are honoured and prioritised with immediate effect

difficult to navigate. It leads to delays and, in some cases, abandonment of the process by a member of the public. The programme for Government commits to review the Act. Can the Minister confirm a timeline for delivery of this solicitor portal as per the programme for Government

around the country to develop and build these rehabilitation and step-down facilities so that we can free up hospital beds? Will a programme be put in place? This is an innovative way of trying to get people out of hospitals faster. At the same time, it will … ensure that, when people go home, they have gone through a full rehabilitation programme and are ready and fit to go back to their homes and get suitable support thereafter

need for an autism unit at Causeway Comprehensive School - Scoil Chuimsitheach an Tóchair. Deputy Louise O'Reilly - To discuss the school summer programme. Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher - To discuss the designation of Burtonport as an approved port for landings by fishing vessels on a Saturday from … opening of the new Killarney Community Hospital. Deputy Colm Burke - To discuss the establishment of a national radiation therapy equipment replacement programme. The matters raised by Deputies Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, Paul Murphy, Ciarán Ahern and Seán Crowe, Colm Burke, Danny Healy-Rae and Pat the Cope Gallagher have

down to 64.7%. Part of the problem is machines breaking down. There is a need for a national radiotherapy equipment replacement programme. I know the programme is starting but it is about whether we can do it faster over the next four years. We will be in Government

state-of-the-art, 130-bed community nursing units. The new CNU in Killarney is part of the overall CNU programme, which will deliver seven public private partnership, PPP, projects and provide a complement of 130 beds, of which 50 will be long-stay beds, 30 will

Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2026, noting that the Bill fulfils the commitment set out in the Programme for Government, to progress legislation to prohibit the import of goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, and further noting the proposed introduction … Culture, Communications and Sport, is a statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes. The Sport Ireland recognises national governing bodies, NGBs, play a key role in helping to deliver the strategic priorities identified in national sports policy

Government does acknowledge and takes very seriously the role of carers in our society. I acknowledge that we have made commitments in the programme for Government, particularly the commitment in terms of the weekly income disregard and that we would eliminate the means test, essentially. Already, as part … even with an income of €138,000 will retain a partial payment. That is a significant step taken already in respect of the programme for Government commitment to abolish the means test for carer's allowance over the lifetime of the Government, which is the commitment we made

focusing on high-value manufacturing services and research and development opportunities in the region. Under its 2025 to 2029 property programme, the IDA plans 23 projects nationwide, including an advanced building solution and further business park upgrades in Portlaoise

residents in Ballivor went days without water and this forced school closures and disruption to local businesses. Five years on from when the project was announced, construction has not started on the long-promised new water reservoir in Ballivor. Water is tankered in daily. Houses are being built … responsible for anything. Can the Taoiseach commit to coming back to me with a start date for the upgrade to Ballivor water storage project? When will a shovel be in the ground? Previous commitments have not been honoured

track record of taking action in response to the actions taken by the Israeli Government which contravene international law. We are fulfilling our programme for Government commitment and this Bill is significant legislation. It is possible, because of the findings of the 2024 advisory opinion of the International … level would be most effective in this case. The Government is proceeding with this Bill in accordance with its commitments under the programme for Government and I thank Members for their contributions to the debate on this Bill

summer programme or July provision scheme has proven an invaluable resource to families and provides a vital service over the course of the summer months. Since the turn of the decade, those numbers have quadrupled from 13,000 to almost 70,000. However, I have received a number … this Chamber. I would like reassurance from the Government that there will be no cut to SNAs in relation to the summer programme and that it will ensure that this vital service can be provided from 24 June. It is only a matter of weeks away. I would

raise St. Anne's Special School in the Curragh, County Kildare. It has been waiting ten years for a new school building. The project remains at stage 2b design, and planning permission is due to expire next year. The Taoiseach will appreciate there is very little time … diverting funding from essential educational and sensory equipment. I ask that the Taoiseach follow up with the Minister for education on this important project for St. Anne’s Special School in the Curragh

range of measures via parliamentary questions but I would like to see supports increase for schemes such as the cycle to work programme and to expand them to the self-employed. I would also like to see increased investment in capital projects, particularly in public transport. We badly

quickly as possible. The counter-UAS anti-drone technology is progressing this year. There were tenders agreed last year for the sonar programmes, that is, the radar programmes under water. That will be complemented by the sonobuoys, which will be worked from our helicopters. The longer-range equipment

approved optical appliances. In 2017, the HSE published two important documents, the Primary Care Eye Services Review Group Report and the national clinical programme for ophthalmology. The review report set out how a significant proportion of eye services could be delivered in a primary care setting … under the COSS, irrespective of their medical card eligibility. This remains a priority and work is ongoing to implement this recommendation. The clinical programme set out a model of care regarding how the realignment of eye services from an acute hospital setting to the community would be undertaken

committed to a sustainable An Post and post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure throughout Ireland. The programme for Government states that the Government will continue to provide the nationwide network of post offices with funding to ensure their sustainability and enhance … million per annum has been allocated for supporting the network subject to all legal requirements being satisfied. In line with the programme for Government, the funding will support the stability and sustainability of the nationwide network of post offices, protecting and nurturing a commercially focused post office network

Department has a strong track record of delivering the Government's school building programme, with over €6.9 billion invested since 2020. This has delivered more than 1,400 completed school building projects along with over 4,000 small-scale improvement works to meet priority maintenance needs and advance

focus on healthcare in the west because the masterplan for University Hospital Galway, UHG, and the redevelopment of the hospital is a critical project for our region to ensure that we have a modern, resilient, future proofed, model 4 hospital and to ensure that staff and patients … progressed quickly and will not face delays. The Critical Infrastructure Bill has gone through this House. The Minister has indicated that certain projects will be fast tracked under that legislation. Will he give a commitment today that the UHG plans will be designated as critical infrastructure

forthcoming. There are real concerns that the Government has not budgeted sufficiently for the infrastructure either . This cannot be another project that is held up indefinitely. I understand that it is at an early stage, but I still ask the Minister to give a commitment that this … going to be fast-tracked as a critical infrastructure project. It is so important for the west of Ireland

complimented on ensuring that this has happened. I also welcome the Government's continued focus on accelerating the delivery of crucial infrastructure projects, particularly in view of the importance of housing, transport and utilities to economic growth and regional development. One issue that is occasionally raised by communities … businesses and local authorities is the need for greater co-ordination and faster decision-making across the agencies and Departments involved in major projects. Delays in infrastructure delivery can have very real consequences for housing supply, inward investment and regional growth. Can the Minister outline what practical improvements

Gaeltacht the total cost of engagement with a company (details supplied) in each of the years 2020 to 2025, across his Department, by project, year and value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51773/26

Gaeltacht the total cost of engagement with a company (details supplied) in each of the years 2020 to 2025, across his Department, by project, year and value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51791/26

Gaeltacht the total cost of engagement with a company (details supplied) in each of the years 2020 to 2025, across his Department, by project, year and value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51809/26

support Bosnia and Herzegovina's accession application to the EU, including in the context of the "Ireland for EU Enlargement" capacity-building programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50193/26

Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of training and education places available across further and higher education, apprenticeships and upskilling programmes aimed at developing the workforce required to deliver energy-efficient homes, including retrofitting, construction and related trades; and if he will make a statement

Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to the National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035, the number of the 42,000 student accommodation beds projected by 2035 that are anticipated to be delivered in Cork; and the years in which those beds are expected to come on stream

Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science given student numbers are projected to rise significantly over the next decade increasing by up to 19% from current levels his plans to prepare for this increase; and if he will make

Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the status of each of college of future FET projects proposed throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50243/26

Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the actions taken by his Department with the third level sector to promote student exchange programmes with other countries including Taiwan that already has such a program in place. [50199/26

Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which job coaching supports are currently available within the 11 universities delivering programmes for persons with intellectual disabilities and autism; whether such supports include dedicated job coaches to assist participants in securing employment; if not, whether there

asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on improving access to graduate entry medicine programmes. [49861/26

Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the proportion of HEA or SOLAS-funded programmes that incorporate sustainability, green approaches or green skills in their delivery; the way in which this is being tracked; and if he will make

Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the funding that was provided to retrofitting, broken down by each programme in each of the years 2020 to 2026, in tabular form. [50344/26

Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he is aware of concerns that the Government’s retrofitting programme discriminates against those with solid fuel homes; the measures he is taking to address this; if he has considered ringfencing supports to address this

Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he is aware of concerns that the government’s retrofitting programme discriminates against those with older homes; the measures he is taking to address this; if he has considered ringfencing supports to address this

Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide a breakdown of the budget allocations for each programme under the subhead b4 of the revised estimate for each of the years 2023, 2024, 2025 and to-date in 2026, in tabular form. [50391/26

Environment to provide a detailed breakdown of the funding he has allocated to accelerate the delivery of offshore wind broken down by programme in each of the years from 2020 to date, in tabular form; to report on progress toward 2030 target; his views that the measures introduced

Environment to provide a detailed breakdown of the funding he has allocated to accelerate the delivery of green hydrogen, broken down by programme in each of the years from 2020 to date, in tabular form; to report on progress toward the 2030 target; his views that the measures

Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will assist with a community solar farm project in South Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50547/26

asked the Minister for Transport to provide an annual breakdown of the funding received by regional airports as part of the regional airports programme, by airport, for the years 2023 to 2025 and to-date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement

Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the projected first- and full-year cost of the Finglas Luas, broken down by cap ex and op ex, in tabular form. [50722/26

Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the projected first- and full-year cost of the Dart North, broken down by cap ex and op ex funding, in tabular form. [50723/26

Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the projected first- and full-year cost of the Dart West, broken down by cap ex and op ex funding, in tabular form. [50724/26

Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the projected first- and full-year cost of the Dart South West, broken down by cap ex and op ex funding, in tabular form. [50725/26

Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the funding allocated to make train stations accessible, broken down by programme, service and-or action, showing cap ex and opex funding, in each of the years 2020 to date, in tabular form. [50748/26