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also asked that the huge windfarms, the new technologies and new sized blades and towers could at least be discussed in this House. That did not happen. Deputy Stanley has a Bill on this issue. I ask the Minister of State to take … profits to sort out a meter or help them to pay a bill, or they are asking why a single man in a house would generate electricity up to €3,000 of a bill. There is something wrong. They will not reach out to the customer

regardless, for them to plough on regardless, and that they get the results they want.That shows the bubble that exists in Leinster House and that the anger and frustration that exists outside of Leinster House is currently only being articulated by Aontú. Our motion looks for common-sense … indeed for the Irish nation as a whole.That gift is not in Westminster.It is not decided by Stormont.It is decided by this House and then by a referendum of the Irish people.Why are we withholding that opportunity? Some people might say they have heard the Government say things

thank the Deputies for raising these important matters. I welcome the opportunity to update the House on behalf of the Government. The Government is not opposing this motion. However, I would like to make a number of points in respect of each of the proposals raised … motion, which might warrant further consideration by the House. In relation to voting rights, it should be noted that to extend the franchise at presidential elections to our citizens resident in Northern Ireland would require the holding of a referendum to amend the Constitution. In this regard

regarding supporting the Minister on her work in this area. It is very important that work takes place on that side of the House, as well as the Government being held to account. I was present in the Chamber when the Minister made one of the most impactful … speeches to the House I have ever seen. We will not allow this to stand in our Parliament or out on the streets regarding what has been done on trans healthcare. I would like to use my time to talk about the impact of cardiovascular disease

homes. That is a matter for the council to get going. There is about €11 billion of public expenditure allocated to housing this year between capital, current and Exchequer funding. That is a lot of funding from the State side. We are not throwing money at developers … putting a lot of money into housing. We are putting a lot of money into social housing

that are most necessary and deserving is an almost impossible task. I will acknowledge the targeting of funding towards education, disability matters, healthcare, housing and, hopefully, public transport or transport infrastructure through the national development plan when we get to that stage. They are the key elements … over-the-shop living and dealing with dereliction and vacancy. As I walk even from here to Busáras at night or into Leinster House in the mornings on the return journey, there are second, third, fourth and fifth floors of buildings that are ripe city-centre locations providing

wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Joe Neville - To discuss issues concerning the Ryevale House IPAS centre in Leixlip, County Kildare. Deputy Malcolm … Quinlivan - To discuss the increased number of wandering and malnourished horses in urban areas of Limerick. Deputy Thomas Gould - To discuss the Social Housing Construction Status Report for quarter 2 of 2025. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire - To discuss the docking of the MV Matthew in Marion Point

Deputy to put his cynicism to one side and look at budget 2026. It contains a record allocation of over €9 billion for housing capital investment. This has been a major issue that has come back to us in the consultation on Our Rural Future. The vacant property … refurbishment grant provided by the Department of housing is really important in rural areas. A sum of €165 million has been allocated for the vacant property refurbishment grant for 2026. Generally, in terms of our work on Our Rural Future, there was a 7% increase in the population

gardaí and emergency services responded swiftly and it is an ongoing investigation. I raise something I have spoken about since entering this House, which is water quality in Dublin Bay. I have heard multiple TDs across this House mention it and many of my constituents in Clontarf, Raheny … plan has a 150,000 population equivalent and nearly a third of the load is for Intel. That is for industry, not for housing. Intel treats its own water abroad in the US. Why can it not do it here? When we bring in the private wires Bill

uncontrolled use for the fund beyond what it was envisaged to be used for. The Government needs to provide assurances to the House in that regard and tell us why that is not going to happen or why it cannot happen. It is also brought forward in isolation … This is one of the difficulties, and I am afraid I say this quite regularly about legislation, particularly legislation that comes through this House. When we look at the legislation we are being asked to pass, even though it only has two sections and is a one-page

assure the Deputy and the House that the Minister of State and the Government are committed to proactively addressing, along with Cork County Council, the flood risk to homes, businesses and communities in County Cork. These measures are being funded through the Government's €1.3 billion allocation … agree with Deputy Collins on many of the issues he raised. In 2009, there was a major flood in the west and 14 houses in my area were flooded. It took nearly five years for reports to be done by the OPW. I have to say that when

redress is one I fully support. It is indicative of the support for that campaign that all the Opposition across the House have supported Charles's motion today. The motion highlights the fact that light-touch regulation, facilitated and supported by the State, is the root cause … build that home. There is the joy of the completion and moving into the home, and then there is devastation that the house is totally falling apart. Every morning, you get up to find a new crack, a new hole and more mould. You wake

Someone was in touch with my office just last week, a family in Donegal who live in a semi-detached home. Both their house and their neighbours' home have defective blocks. One house is recommended for demolition and the other recommended for remedial work. Both were built … stuff that is coming back. No builder will ever agree to take on that job and so the families in both houses are trapped. They cannot move forward and cannot rebuild. Many others simply do not have the money to even enter the process. They are left living

Friday evening last, there had been no transfer of funds to Donegal. I acknowledge that thanks to the intervention of the Minister for housing, Deputy Browne, and the Minister for public expenditure, Deputy Chambers, that transfer was made on Friday evening and payments went out on Saturday … emails from people in Donegal suggesting that I should vote in favour of this motion. The Deputies on the other side of the House know the position I am in as a member of a party in government but they can take it for definite that I will

more detail with the Deputy, but there is no sense, by the way, that it is the holy grail in terms of housing options. There could be significant issues with converting it to housing units or apartments. There may be lot of issues with building; I am surmising … notwithstanding the fact it provides a wide range of services to the community. I will ask the Minister for housing to give the Deputy any background on that she requires

information of Members, the Deputy should not make reference to the President or draw that office into any controversy in this House. That is a ruling. The Deputy also cannot and should not make reference to people outside the House. They are not here to defend themselves … rules and that we want to conduct this debate properly, giving everybody the opportunity to speak but while observing the rules of the House. I call Deputy Ivana Bacik

record today my own engagement with the Tánaiste, Simon Harris, in particular in recent months in my role as Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. It is my true and fair experience of the Tánaiste that he works exceptionally hard with his Government colleagues with a focus … make our country a better place for all. The programme for Government itself is an ambitious plan and contains significant commitments in housing. The Tánaiste has been clear from the start of his term that housing and the delivery of homes for people across the country

thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to address the House today on the significant challenges facing our tillage sector. Before I outline the Government's response, I will begin by acknowledging the strain that many farming families in the sector face. Coming … where there were a lot of competing demands, I commit to continuing to work with all stakeholders and with Members of this House to identify value-added opportunities. That might be new milling facilities or supporting businesses in taking up the opportunities they have. It might be looking

find the time to meet up. I have been out visiting the community-based drug projects while also inviting groups into Leinster House for roundtable discussions to discuss how we can tackle drug-related intimidation and ensure better outcomes for those seeking rehabilitation, dual diagnosis and family support … organised the first-ever recovery event in Leinster House in September to mark and celebrate Recovery Month. It is a pity that Government Ministers could not or did not attend to hear how, with proper funding and support, people, families and communities can and do recover from addiction

necessarily have that vision or the level of information coming at them as came at me in that committee. Members from across the House, including representatives of Sinn Féin, the Labour Party and the Social Democrats, were members of that committee and everybody signed up to the report … also changes to the research and development, R and D, tax credit. Some people around the country, and indeed some people in the House, might ask what difference the R and D tax credit makes. It provides the opportunity for foreign direct investment and Irish companies to continue

second plank of the budget is to finance the single most significant social issue of our day, which is the lack of housing. I welcome the increased investment in housing, which includes an enhanced funding allocation of €563 million to support the provision of homeless services, an extension … rainy day fund, with €1 billion set aside in a contingency reserve that will be held centrally. Since my election to this House, I have been visiting schools across my community and meeting principals, teachers and parents to see how the State can best support our education system

move the following Further Revised Estimate: Vote 34 — Housing, Local Government and Heritage (Further Revised Estimate) That a sum not exceeding €9,220,194,000 be granted to defray the charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of December … salaries and expenses of the Office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage including grants to Local Authorities, grants and other expenses in connection with housing, water services, miscellaneous schemes, subsidies, grants and payment of certain grants under cash-limited schemes

injects a degree of equity and; third, the derelict and vacant homes grant, which is quite substantial and has enabled about 3,000 houses to become available, whereby people have refurbished such houses and got a substantial grant for doing so. Sometimes, it is possible to combine grants … Those are the measures so far. I acknowledge that people are above the threshold which puts them in difficulty regarding the affordability of housing. We are constantly trying to see if we can bridge the affordability

everyone else. He is like Pontius Pilate; he is washing his hands. If Deputy Eoin Ó Broin or I was the Minister for housing, we would stand up and be counted. We would accept our responsibility and we would deliver the housing. It would cost €13 million … every boarded-up house in the State and the Minister will not give it. Will he commit to giving that money to local authorities

ensures that patients benefit more from a stable and sustainable workforce. Mental health does not exist in isolation. It can be influenced by housing instability, employment or education. It can also be influenced by trauma. I welcome the investment in trauma-informed communities around the country. We know … supported the passage of the Mental Health Bill 2024 through the Dáil in July and I welcome its continued passage through the Houses. If I am correct, it is with the Seanad at the moment. We must continue to reduce mental health stigma and promote the broad range

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide the estimated full-year cost of providing emergency accommodation for homeless people in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67157/26

Carer’s Allowance are experiencing financial hardship as a result of increases in essential household costs, including electricity, heating, food, insurance and housing; and the measures that are available specifically to support carers experiencing such hardship or will they be addressed in Budget 2027. [66916/26

national budgetary restrictions or expenditure controls currently limiting the HSE’s ability to fill essential frontline posts in community nursing units, including Riada House in Tullamore; the steps being taken to address these constraints; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67215/26

Minister for Health the actions being taken to address staff burnout, sickness levels and the sustainability of current staffing arrangements at Riada House Community Nursing Unit; the supports being provided to frontline staff working under severe pressure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67213/26

Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the immediate intervention measures that will be put in place to ensure that Riada House Community Nursing Unit has sufficient staff to provide safe and appropriate care to elderly and vulnerable residents; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health to confirm the current staffing levels at Riada House Community Nursing Unit, including the number of funded posts, the number of vacancies, and the measures being taken by HSE Midlands management to address the impact of these pressures on resident

Health the recruitment restrictions, budgetary controls or staffing ceilings that are currently in place within the HSE that affect the ability of Riada House Community Nursing Unit, Tullamore, County Offaly, to recruit and retain sufficient nursing and care staff; and if she will make a statement

better energy warmer homes scheme whereby people who are experiencing energy poverty and are eligible for upgrades, cannot get works done on their house due to current building regulations and heat loss issues. [65826/26

Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he has engaged with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding developing guidelines for solar farms. [65912/26

Environment the input his Department has had into the development of wind energy development guidelines as initiated by the Department for Housing; Local Government and Heritage. [64891/26

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to review a situation regarding apartments (details supplied) that have been refused access to the Fire Defects Remediation Fund; and to make a statement on the matter. [65979/26

Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the review of the Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 will take place; if it will be published; if there is a timeline for publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter

Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department maintains a risk register; if so, if copies of the register since 2022 will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66072/26

Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applications approved, in progress and refused under the Land Acquisition Fund; by local authority, by year to date, in tabular form. [66026/26

Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends to progress section 47 of the Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66102/26

Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the departmental review on income thresholds is due to be completed. [66056/26

Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm that a building which was not previously used as a dwelling is eligible for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, provided it is intended for conversion to residential use; and if he will clarify

Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to clarify that an independent Local Property Tax (LPT) record is not required for a building applying under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant; and that ancillary buildings forming part of a landholding already subject

Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm that an independent eircode is not required for a building to qualify for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, including in cases where the building forms part of a larger landholding. [66159/26

Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether a building that does not have an independent land registry folio is eligible for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant; and if he will confirm that title deeds, including certified copies provided by a practising

Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether a building that is the subject of a Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant application is required to be a standalone property with independent utility connections, specifically electricity and water; and if he will confirm that

Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the third call under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund announced on 28 May 2024; if the funding to all local authorities announced (details supplied) was drawn down; and the number

Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if any private investment for the Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region has been sought, negotiated, or secured from Chinese or other international private investors. [66281/26

Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region (Shannon Pipeline Project) will be structured as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) or procured wholly by the State. [66261/26

total estimated expenditure for phases 1 and 2, of the development at Castlerea Prison, including the provision of four modular six-bedroom houses, an additional ancillary services building and the construction of 21 lower-security units at The Grove, including all associated planning, construction and related project expenses