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energy as well. I genuinely think that we can have different perspectives on this. It is taking far too long to deliver transformational projects, including transformational projects from an energy point of view. The Critical Infrastructure Bill tries to get that balance right

abide by the climate Act when it comes to our critical infrastructure. There are reasons other than those relating to environmental laws for projects in this country being delayed. A lack of resourcing of planning authorities, regulatory bodies and the courts over the past ten years has resulted … projects being delayed. It is not fair to dump on environmental laws. It is not as if our rivers and waterways are in pristine condition or that our biodiversity is in a strong position. We need the climate Act. The whole point of section 15 of that

Deputy is right in that there are lots of factors involved. At times, environmental law can be a factor when there are projects we need to deliver at real speed. This is not about all projects; it is about those that are deemed to be critical

rapidly growing area - are not anticipated and planned for. I have questions for the Tánaiste that are in adherence with the programme for Government. What intergovernmental State or semi-State communication and collaboration has taken place? What plans have been or are being prepared for County Meath, which … programme for Government, to "ensure accurate estimates of the demand for essential services", including but not limited to school places, public transport, water supply and social infrastructure? What is the current status of the unit for future planning

data driven in terms of the questions that puts down in this House and, indeed, in the discussions that we had around the programme for Government. I thank her for that because what she is raising today, as she rightly said, is a commitment in the programme

have another question about rare diseases. Like Deputy McCarthy, I am going to keep raising this until I see some action. The programme for Government commits to an early access scheme. It also commits to a review of the reimbursement process, which numerous Deputies have raised here over … have an archaic, outdated system. Can we please knock heads together and undertake to carry out what is committed to in the programme for Government, or at least begin to do so? It is going to take a significant period to carry out the reviews. Can we please

immunisation advisory committee has recommended respiratory syncytial virus, RSV, vaccination for those aged 75 and over and also for high-risk groups. The programme for Government committed to expanding RSV vaccination. I ask the Tánaiste to outline the steps the Government will take and the timeline for deciding … whether an RSV vaccination programme for older adults will be implemented as part of managing future pressures on the health system and protecting the health of the older population

admissions and lower costs to our health system. The importance of improving our air quality is clear. Indeed, it is highlighted in the programme for Government, which commits the Government to continuing efforts to raise air quality standards, especially in urban areas, ensuring healthier environments … that we breathe. We are currently compliant with existing EU air quality standards and our national clean air strategy, and our programme for Government commits us to doing more as we acknowledge that any level of air pollution has a negative impact on our health and environment

came into effect in 2018. The health benefits of these things are overwhelming. That progress has, thankfully, continued. The national air pollution control programme report in 2024 shows fine particulate matter, PM2.5, dropping 33% from the 2005 baseline to 2021. Regulation has worked in this area but, again … renewable heating systems. It also means protecting people from fuel poverty by targeting households on the lowest incomes for retrofitting grants and programmes and, as others have said, providing a just transition. It further means - in this week of all weeks - finally recognising that we need to invest

Obviously, the youth diversion programme does not mean that children cannot be arrested, convicted of offences or apprehended by gardaí. If gardaí come across youths who are involved in criminal behaviour or breaches of public order, they can apply the law in respect of them … subsequently, after their arrest and once they go through that process, they cannot then be put on the pathway of the youth diversion programme. Deputy Ward will know that generally criminal behaviour is committed predominantly by boys and men between the ages of 14 and 30. Once they

year 2028 would mean a long time waiting for the next tranche, so I thank the Minister of State for clarifying that additional projects may be taken on in the interim if the school reaches significant progression within the project stages. In the spirit of moving this

prefabs and the building of much-needed ASD units, which will include a sensory room as well as special educational needs classrooms. The project was granted permission by An Bord Pleanála on 24 February 2025. However, the school, the parents and the community are dismayed that, to date … Aidan's is not listed among the 105 projects specifically highlighted as moving to tender and construction by 2026 and 2027 in the first tranche of the 2026 NDP roll-out. This oversight needs to be addressed, and St. Aidan's should be included on the NDP priority

committed to ensuring appropriate accommodation is available for all school pupils and will, in the wider context outlined, ensure that each school project under the school building programme is subject to due diligence required under the Government's infrastructure guidelines. The Deputies made a very strong case

part of the DEIS strategy to 2035. It represents the most significant expansion of targeted educational supports since the establishment of the DEIS programme. It is designed to provide enhanced, evidence-based support to a cohort of 121 schools with the very highest concentrations of children and young … While they fall outside the threshold for inclusion in the DEIS plus scheme, they continue to benefit from enhanced supports through the DEIS programme. Under the new DEIS strategy, both schools will receive increased DEIS grant funding and enhanced home school community liaison provision, HSCL, with each school

have all been in this situation over the years. I would have questioned why some schools were not included even in the DEIS programme. I found that difficult to understand, but the new system seems to be very transparent and open. As the Deputy rightly stated, this does … junior and senior national schools. Both schools serve disadvantaged school communities and continue to benefit from the enhanced support from the DEIS programme. This reflects the need of the supports needed in those communities. Through the DEIS strategy to 2035, the Department of Education and Youth remains committed

propose to take Questions Nos. 12 to 32, inclusive, together. The Cabinet committee on justice, migration and social affairs oversees the implementation of programme for Government commitments that relate to matters under those areas. It was established in February 2025 following the appointment of the new Government … taken place. The median timeline from application to enforced removal was 24 weeks, and 15 weeks for voluntary return. This indicates the pact programme can meet the future timelines for the border procedure. The number of international protection applications has been rising over the past number of years

match the public support with proper funding for facilities as we see in other European countries. We need to see far more project support through the large-scale sport infrastructure fund. We see €400 million committed to projects related to the Ryder Cup in Adare

superstars if they get the right supports, training and funding. I know there is a lot of money spent on sports capital projects. I am not here to criticise anybody about sports capital projects. The money is out there but I just wonder are we really looking

people who come to make Ireland their home. There is a great opportunity for us to do that in soccer. In the programme for Government we have committed ourselves to an audit of all urban areas in the country to see the availability of playing space … type of relationship that should exist between a club and a local authority, that amount is excessive. That is an objective for the programme for Government. We need to do it. We need to look at where in the country we are limited in terms of sporting facilities

this country, dependent on fossil fuels from imports we risk our economic security and well-being. We are implementing the largest infrastructure programme in the history of the State and capital investment is projected to exceed €200 billion over the next decade. Thankfully, we are seeing clear progress

Critical Infrastructure Bill without a definition of “critical infrastructure”. Under this legislation, it would solely be at the Minister’s discretion to designate projects as critical infrastructure. In practice, this means that a Minister could decide that a new data centre, a premium office block … money. This is the track record of critical infrastructural delivery by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, a record best known by the projects that have still not been delivered, not least the national children’s hospital. All the Government’s attempts so far to speed up infrastructure delivery

done and the positive impact reopening that rail link from Sligo right down that corridor would have on the entire western seaboard. That project needs to be prioritised. Reports have been done but the problem with many of the reports on the western rail corridor is that they … long run. This is why it is absolutely critical the Government recognises the need to provide the maximum amount of funding for key projects in areas where we have the most potential, particularly in areas in the north west, throughout the midlands and throughout the western seaboard where

sightedness, no ambition and little to no accountability. As a result, our housing, health, water and transport are all suffering because critical infrastructure projects, vital projects for our economy and the quality of life of people across Ireland are moving at a snail's pace

would be a new city library, and there has been no development. The issue here is that nobody is taking responsibility for the project. The Government says it is the responsibility of the council. The council says it is waiting on the Government. This passing of the buck … looked at that business case? We need a working group, the various Departments and the council to come together to work on this project and deliver the world-class library the people of Cork were promised over five years ago by the Government

Deputy understands that the element we speak about today, the library, on which we agree, is one element of the Grand Parade project and has been allocated funding under the urban regeneration and development fund. That funding has been provided. Equally, the Minister, Deputy Calleary, and the previous … part of the city we are regenerating. I look forward to working with the Deputy and with Cork City Council to develop that project

Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Youth if alternative arrangements are possible for children who have been approved for home-based summer programme supports but who are in overcrowded or emergency accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47681/26

urgently progress the construction of two special classrooms recently approved for a school (details supplied); to liaise with the school to ensure this project commences at the earliest possible opportunity and is operational for the next school year in September 2026; and if she will make a statement

Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when the next round of the Sports Capital Programme will open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46988/26

company; if the company has provided his Department with details of its plans for the expenditure of the €1 million in legacy project funding granted by his Department; if he is aware of negotiations between the company, University of Galway and Údarás na Gaeltachta to transfer control

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if a company (details supplied) shared their intention to expend €1 million resourced by his Department on projects that mark the legacy of Galway European Capital of Culture 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47779/26

Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47571/26

Marine the estimated cost of installing real-time water quality monitoring infrastructure in the Blackwater catchment; if funding has been allocated to this project; the expected timeframe for delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46944/26

Marine further to Parliamentary Question 1514 of 9 June 2026, to provide a breakdown of the costs associated with the First-Time Verification Project, including the total amount of public funding received, the amount contributed by breeders, the basis on which breeder charges were calculated, and any additional

children availing of targeted access and inclusion model supports, by county and by city and county childcare committee area in the 2025/2026 programme year; and the number of early learning and care settings in each area delivering AIM supports, in tabular form; and if she will make

Disability and Equality the average and longest processing times for access and inclusion model Level 4 and Level 7 applications in the 2025/2026 programme year; the proportion of Level 7 applications processed within the published twelve-week timeframe; the number awaiting decision at the most recent date available

number of applications under the access and inclusion model for specialised equipment, appliances and minor building alterations in the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 programme years; the number approved; and the average time to approval, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47333/26

residential spaces for adults with intellectual disabilities that were provided for in Budget 2026; the total funding dedicated to providing these spaces; the projected cost of each additional residential space in 2027; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47363/26

Aird asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the details of the new maximum fee caps being introduced under the core funding programme for early learning and childcare services from September 2026; the expected impact of these changes on affordability for families; and if she will make

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of repeat offenders identified through the National Environmental Health Service test purchase programme for nicotine inhaling products since 2024; and whether consideration has been given to enhanced sanctions for repeat breaches. [46971/26

Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the current status of each acute hospital bed project included in the acute hospital bed plan; the timeline for the next stage; the timeline for delivery; and the amount spent on each to date, in tabular form. [47076/26

Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the current status of each elective centre development project; the timeline for the next stage; the timeline for delivery; and the amount spent on each to date, in tabular form. [47077/26

Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the status of each capital project for which funding has been granted; the date work commenced; the timeline for the next stage; the timeline for delivery; and the amount spent to date, in tabular form. [47078/26

Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the status of each capital project which is in appraisal; the date the application was received; and the timeline for decision, in tabular form. [47079/26

organisation; whether sustainable funding options are being considered to ensure the continuation of its affordable counselling services, including its national gambling addiction counselling programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47289/26

Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Health the number of the 110 dedicated eating disorder clinicians from the National Clinical Programme that are working full time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47308/26

services that will be operational at phase one A compared to the full service at phase one B; and to confirm whether the project remains on schedule for initial opening by the end of Q3 2026. [47321/26

April 2026, the mechanism by which a person can avail of the referenced community based team of the ADHA programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47345/26

Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Health her plans to introduce a publicly funded vaccine programme for shingles for persons aged over 75 years-of-age. [47417/26

Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost to fully implement the National Clinical Programme for Early Intervention Psychosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47698/26

Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of fully funding the National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders and deliver the remaining eating disorder teams by 2027; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47699/26