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focus on autism assessments. Other initiatives outlined in the report include increased investment in housing adaptation grants and in the public transport retrofit programme, along with enhanced supports for employers for the employment of disabled people. In addition, budget 2026 also contained targeted and mainstream social protection measures … National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030. I believe we have made a strong start in year one of our programme of work and investment. Future budgets are expected to build on this progress to ensure disabled people are supported, empowered, and enabled to fully participate

Deputy knows, the Government is committed to balanced regional development and supporting rural communities, as outlined in the programme for Government. Regarding fiscal supports, a range of tax-based enterprise supports are available to businesses and enterprises across the country, in particular SMEs. These incentives complement more regionally … agencies. At a taxation level, the measures available are generally available nationwide but when they are coupled with the specific expenditure programmes available through the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Enterprise Ireland and others, we can see a compelling opportunity for investment in the regions. Examples

qualifying criteria, and to ensure allocation is based on need rather than artificial caps or historical ratios; — commit to a multi-annual programme of class size reduction, reducing the average class size to at least the European Union average, beginning in Budget 2027, recognising that smaller classes … need the special education teaching, SET, allocation model reviewed and increased, reversing the removal of complex needs. We need a multi-annual programme to reduce class sizes to at least the EU average, starting in budget 2027. We need a timebound school building delivery task force. We need

education for persons with disabilities. I urge the Government to read that report and to look especially at the Sky is the Limit programme, which operates in Corpus Christi Primary School in Moyross, in my constituency of Limerick City. It is a programme that embeds counselling, therapy

seeking an update, if I can, on the Sláintecare programme board and how that will operate, given that we have a new CEO of the HSE and, indeed, a new Secretary General in the Minister's Department. I wish to take the opportunity to thank Mr. Bernard Gloster … faith in and I know they will do lots of good things. During the previous Dáil, the leaders of the Sláintecare programme board were the heads of the Department and the HSE. Will that continue? I also refer to the implementation plan, which I think ended

site adjacent but not connected to it. It is now going to be connected. I have allocated over €40 million for capital projects this year, including for the next stages for the acute mental health unit at Waterford. The project will move to design feasibility this quarter when

like it to go further. They deliver prevention and public health every day. This extends to flu vaccines, Covid vaccines and school-based programmes. Of the 26% of children who got vaccinated last winter, 56% got their flu vaccine from a pharmacist, which is remarkable. I am delighted … over 65 who have a medical card. Pharmacies deliver services like health checks, blood pressure management, weight management, and smoking and vaping cessation programmes and help people to live with long-term conditions. All of this demonstrates the ability and willingness of community pharmacies to be an essential

effective and evidence-based drug prevention. Significant support is currently being provided for drug prevention. In 2023, a first-of-its-kind funding programme to support evidence-based drug prevention initiatives was launched, providing €1.5 million to date. This funding has supported five programmes and represents a significant

built 157,000 homes nationally since 2020, but the community in Glanmire is feeling the strain of that housing development. The State-led programme will step up and step in where the need is greatest targeting areas with unmet demand and low levels of existing childcare. Glanmire ticks … from an affordable, high-quality facility run on a not-for-profit basis. Again, Glanmire ticks that box. The initial phase of the programme will acquire and refurbish places that can provide in excess of 100 childcare places and facilities that can open in late 2026 or early

honest about. He is working on that separately. We are very clear that the definition in respect of infrastructure relates to State-funded projects or programmes. Obviously there would be a limited number which are designated in that context, which we brought to the Dáil as well

delays. We want to see this happen but there is a real fear now of the impact of global fuel prices delaying these projects further. Can the Minister reassure the people of Galway that the current increase in fuel prices will not slow down the delivery of infrastructure … projects across Galway city and county

just under one in four euro going to transport. Notwithstanding what was raised earlier, and earlier in the week, many of the projects from a transport perspective are in public transport, in low-carbon projects in terms of bus, rail and others that we want to see advanced

form of public works contract requires the contracting authority to set a financial cap on liability. That depends on the complexity of the project. There are also number of other requirements that are designed to mitigate the risk of non-performance, including holding back a specified percentage … develop the model with construction and manufacturing expertise so that there is a collaborative approach at the design phase in terms of the projects which are advanced. This issue has been related to me and particular sectors have raised it. It is about striking a balance and ensuring

legislative scrutiny is that there is a risk this would lapse into the autumn, and we want to use the Bill to get projects done. Nearly everybody in the Opposition would share the objective of getting them delivered, whether it is critical grid infrastructure, which we need … build our low-carbon, renewable future, whether it is some of the public transport projects that have been referred to, or I can list some of the other areas as well. The Bill is a very clear enabling framework, and I want to be able to enact

been a significant move to rebalance the level of risk that consultants and contractors are expected to bear when engaged on public works projects. Liability caps and index-based price adjustment mechanisms have been introduced in the consultancy and construction contracts. Further reforms that are highlighted … digital technologies. There is also a focus on training and supports for contracting authorities engaged in works delivery through the commercial skills programme. Through the construction sector group, there is ongoing engagement between the Government and industry on building the capacity of the sector itself through a range

here representing the taxpayers and we have to make sure that the taxpayers are getting value for money for services, not only capital projects but also IT projects. This is where we are seeing systemic failures right across the board. I hope the Minister of State will

Parliamentary Assembly. He said that in far too many instances over the years process won out over delivery with regard to the capital programmes for different Departments. I refer to the childcare sector in particular. With the Minister's approval, the Minister, Deputy Foley, recently introduced the building … blocks grant scheme towards the provision of new childcare places and the upgrading of existing facilities. That is a very worthwhile programme. The Minister, Deputy Foley, recently visited my constituency, where she met some of the providers who have availed of the building blocks grant scheme and others

totally unsuitable accommodation. Again, I am very glad that the HSE, in conjunction with the Department of children, is advancing that project. However, again and again, despite the best efforts of HSE officials at local level, it takes far too long to get projects to construction. I sincerely

Migration published its sectoral investment plan on 4 December 2025. The second half of the sectoral investment plan will focus on bringing the projects for Dublin metropolitan region north to construction in 2028. Given the commitment in the Department of justice's NDP sectoral plan, the Office … ensure momentum is maintained. The Deputy should have no doubt that I will keep him and all public representatives involved informed as the project advances. I welcome ongoing engagement to ensure the community's needs are fully

Minister, I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments and monitoring monthly expenditure at departmental level. The programme for Government set out clear prioritisation for the national development plan review to ensure that investment can be maximised in the coming five years for strategic infrastructure … sectoral investment plans; revised infrastructure guidelines approved and issued; enhanced National Development Finance Agency support arrangements for sponsors; and improved focus on priority projects. The removal of bottlenecks has been progressed through the joint utilities and transport clearing group. Capacity and productivity reforms within the construction sector have

thank the Minister for the response. One of the key issues facing communities is the length of time it takes for major projects to move through the system. At present, pre-planning stages for major road projects can exceed one year, while electricity, water and wastewater infrastructure

need to speed up infrastructure in this country. We have had a huge infrastructure deficit for decades and there are major infrastructure projects that we need to move on very quickly. Many of them will have a climate-positive outcome. However, it is incredible that while the Government … saying that climate obligations will remain central to those projects and the assessment of them, the Minister and the Government are bringing in a Bill that will disapply the climate Act. It essentially sets it aside and says that it will not be part of the process

expected to give its findings? As I said earlier, and as the Minister of State acknowledged, there are barriers. Only eight projects have qualified and not one has been built. While it looks okay on paper, there are serious problems with the scheme in practice. There are massive … delays in the enabling grant. There are huge ESB network connection costs. These projects are made almost impossible financially. Having access to the SRESS tariff is another difficulty. It only matters when you are exporting electricity to the grid. It seems to be mired in bureaucratic difficulties

urgency around it. We listen to the frustration from communities that are giving their time and energy in trying to get these projects off the ground. We are very much committed to the community-enabling grants. That has not changed and we want to ensure that anything … complete, processing enabling grants will be a priority. We will have clarity and certainty for the communities that want to deliver these projects because we know how beneficial they are and we know what impact they will have locally

priorities. The Deputy has previously asked me in the House about our climate targets. I have just said very clearly that while our projections and carbon emissions are going in the right direction, it does not look like we will hit our 2030 target. Having said that … need to see how we can bridge that gap between the projected reduction and the target itself. That is why CAP 26 is so critical. I want us to look at the most impactful measures that we can make and to get off an administrative hamster wheel

Brabazon asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she intends to undertake a review of the Bia Blasta Pre-school Nutrition Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46787/26

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on the State-led childcare programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47449/26

Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide capacity data for 2025-2026 programme year for early learning and care and school age childcare for cork county as part of the early years sector profile; the way in which this data is being

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality his plans to fully implement the promise made in the Programme for Government of a €200 per month childcare and to provide a timeframe for implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter

Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the categories of project development costs he expects will remain eligible for Community Enabling Grant support under SRESS following the completion of the ongoing review. [47141/26

McGreehan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if consideration is being given to a transitional arrangement for community renewable energy projects that incurred costs in good faith in anticipation of the introduction of Community Enabling Grants under SRESS. [47142/26

Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether he has assessed the impact on community renewable energy projects, including the Blackrock renewable energy community in County Louth, which have already incurred significant development costs while awaiting the introduction of SRESS Community Enabling Grants

Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of community renewable energy projects nationwide that have incurred development costs in anticipation of accessing Community Enabling Grant funding under SRESS; and the estimated value of those costs. [47144/26

Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if SEAI has been instructed to advise communities that have already incurred project development costs regarding their eligibility for future Community Enabling Grants under SRESS. [47147/26

asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures he intends to introduce to ensure that smaller community-led renewable energy projects are not disadvantaged compared to commercial developers as a result of delays in introducing Community Enabling Grants under SRESS. [47148/26

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to confirm if alternative funding has been arranged for the STEM engagement officer and the STEM programme, in County Laois; the positive contribution made by this role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47370/26

asked the Minister for Defence if she will set out in detail the actions taken to date by her Department towards achieving the Programme for Government commitment to introduce a new management system for the Curragh Plains; if she will indicate which relevant State body or agency

funding has been provided for in the next five year Transport Infrastructure Ireland funding phase 2025-2030 in order that this important project can proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46821/26

Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on a project (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47575/26

Rail to increase passenger capacity on rail services operating between Dublin Heuston and Tullamore; whether an assessment has been undertaken of current and projected passenger demand on the route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47599/26

into the provision of additional track capacity, including double tracking, on the rail line between Portarlington and Athlone; the potential benefits such a project could have for service frequency, reliability and future passenger growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47600/26

costs and other related costs such as professional fees; and the amount that has been spent to date on the project. [47680/26

Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth her plans to deliver school transport for the July provision programme at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47169/26

address the accommodation crisis at a school (details supplied); the expected date for the completion of the design and planning stage; and the projected date for delivery and occupation of the new accommodation. [47249/26

restricted due to lack of accommodation; when a decision will be made on the school's application for additional classroom accommodation; whether the project will be prioritised given the school's urgent needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47250/26

Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if alternative funding has been arranged for the STEM engagement officer and the STEM programme in County Laois; if she recognises the positive contribution made by this role; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47353/26

correspondence (details supplied); if she has been made aware of the issues relating to the provision of transport schemes for the Summer Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47389/26

Minister for Education and Youth the expected timeline for the delivery of the permanent school building for a school (details supplied); when the project will proceed to tender; when construction is scheduled to begin; the anticipated completion date; and the steps her Department is taking to ensure that

Minister for Education and Youth the steps her Department is taking to address the ongoing lack of clarity surrounding the 2026 summer provision programme, particularly in relation to delays in issuing home-based sanctions, guidance to schools on staffing and enrolment numbers, and the potential financial implications

Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will confirm that summer programme resources will be available to a school (details supplied); the reason there has been a delay in providing this information to schools; and if she will make a statement