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thank Deputy Gould for his contribution. As I said, €11,000 is not a limit - more can be put into individual houses - but that is an average. It can also be combined with those energy efficiency grants. Much can be done in terms of improving houses with those … voids back into use was quite impressive. To say the scheme is not working is unfair, but if there are problematic areas or houses that have been void long term then perhaps there can be discussions in terms of bespoke solutions

decisions made, may be available from individual local authorities. My Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity by local authorities and approved housing bodies in each local authority. Comprehensive data on social and affordable housing is published on my Department

thank the Deputy for this important question. I am very much aware of the housing crisis right across this country that causes very serious pain and suffering for individual families as a result. That is why I am determined to get our housing deliveries increased at a significant … this year. Local authorities will be issued a circular in the very near future notifying them of their allocation of funding to purchase houses under the tenant in situ scheme

Michael's Estate in Inchicore. She has been pursuing a campaign and working extremely hard on the matter for some time. Under Housing for All, the Government set out plans to deliver 54,000 affordable homes, including 36,000 affordable purchase and 18,000 cost-rental homes … place a comprehensive range of supports for affordable home ownership and cost-rental homes being delivered by local authorities, approved housing bodies, the Land Development Agency and via the first home scheme, which is a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks. To assist the delivery

Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the role of accessibility officers in Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council; what oversight is in place to ensure future housing developments meet universal design standards; and if additional measures … being considered to improve accessibility in social and affordable housing projects. [12947/25

from a public finance perspective, building up a buffer. We were often, not necessarily by the Deputy but by many others in this House, ridiculed for setting money aside for rainy days. People asked why we did not spend it. There are some in this House who believe … spring forecast, which will be published next month. However, this is going to require significant attention and engagement from everybody in this House and I, on behalf of the Government, want to work in a constructive way, right across this Chamber, so that we can do our very

been a week now since Micheál Martin visited Donald Trump in the White House. He grovelled. He licked his boots. He simpered in front of him. He laughed at his stupid jokes and a brave face was put on the appearance by Micheál Martin himself … American capitalist class and is utterly servile, one rapist invited another to supposedly represent Ireland on St. Patrick's Day in the White House, after Simon Harris had given an official invitation to address the Houses of the Oireachtas. It was a deliberate and embarrassing snub

antidemocratic suggestions are not being put from this side of the House. The world around us is changing as we speak. In recent weeks and months, the postwar system that has brought us peace and security unknown to any past generation has been called into question. Our European … foundation on which a strong economy and the capacity to invest are built. Interest rates play a huge role in the provision of housing, especially apartments. Higher interest rates also make it more expensive to invest in our infrastructure as our population grows and to support our population

with their nearest neighbour and the impact that Russia may have on their independence in the future. Much has been made in this House about how we make Europe safer. One thing we have to re-imagine here is that we have a new position … location, not only geographically but economically given the prevalence of subsea cables in our immediate nautical territory. I spoke about energy in this House yesterday. As we embark upon further interconnection of our energy, we are going to increase our exposure to Russian mischief relating to those interconnections

attempt to exploit that particular moment, completely oblivious and refusing to reference the actual substance of what I said in terms of housing being the number one priority in Ireland. The Deputy can criticise our policies as a Government but she should … monopoly of concern or empathy on the housing question. Everybody in this House knows it through our own communities and the people we represent that this is the number one issue. No one will buy into Sinn Féin's propaganda, its feigned outrage and its feigned protestation

Given the recent devastation, which was widely reported and debated in the House, caused by Storm Éowyn, which resulted in widespread power outages and damage amounting to hundreds of millions of euros, the Climate Change Advisory Council has urged immediate action to prepare for future extreme weather events … Cabinet committee on climate action, environment and energy next sit? I know the Taoiseach is eager, as is this side of the House, for the committees to get up and running but the Opposition has been holding on. We need to get on with the business

many of the schemes is lacking. The tenant in situ scheme has been paused now for more than a year. The affordable housing scheme has yet to deliver a house in Mayo, under this or the previous Government, over the past five to ten years. There has been … affordable housing under the scheme. We were promised ten but those units have been promised for many years and have not happened yet. The first home scheme is also not happening in the west in particular. The help to buy scheme is not happening in the west, largely

Government and all of my colleagues on this side of the House absolutely understand the consequences of the uncertainty of the world that we are now in and what that means for households and businesses. We see a world that has become more dangerous, more volatile and full … uncertainty. We on this side of the House are absolutely aware of the concern and anxiety that is causing for many in our country, whether that be small businesses trying to keep jobs or householders worried about whether they will be able to pay their bills and keep

although I know for many of us it has actually been quite a busy week attending many events both here in the House and in our constituencies. I myself just an hour ago was attending an event in my constituency which was hosted by Sandyford Business District, celebrating … female perspective if they are not in the room, and this is always one of the challenges we have here in this House. I also looked back on the report from 20 years earlier, in 2004, on women and sport. Those reports found that

right and proper that we acknowledge International Women's Day in this House, and statements are the appropriate way to do that. Some Members have doubts about that but I think it causes us to pause in what is normally a busy schedule in politics and to reflect … those who are marginalised. I would love to see a lot of action follow on from the statements here in this House and I would like to point my suggestions to the Members of this House. We have now made history in that we have a female Ceann

strongly believe that in this House we have to lead by example, regardless of how we feel about each other politically. Looking back on my career, in my years on Kilkenny Corporation I was influenced by the likes of Margaret Tynan, who was a trailblazer … that everyone can feel comfortable. I wonder how the State feels - I will mention it again, as I do regularly in the House - about the family of Shane O'Farrell and how the State treated Lucia O'Farrell, a woman concerned about the death

their consumption of public funds to provide public services and develop the capital infrastructure of our country. I would like to inform the House that my Department will carry out a full review of public financial procedures. This review will specifically examine the accountability requirements in terms … review will inform whatever steps are required in this regard. I also would like to bring to the attention of the House the work of my Department in the recent introduction of the updated 2024 internal audit standards, as well as the financial reporting reform for the Civil

medical equipment worth millions. It remains unused due to infrastructural delays reflecting poor planning and resource management. There have been overruns in public housing projects. Several projects exceeded budgets by millions. Inefficient public transportation investment and funds allocated for transportation projects were under-utilised and mismanaged leading … time, are we going to be saying this was another example of gross Government ineptitude? We need to invest in water to provide housing and in housing itself to avoid costing people a lot more in inflated rents. On the contracts for construction, consistently in this country

interventions at family and community level and youth diversion programmes, such as what we have in Muirhevnamor and being run out of the house in Cox's Demesne. We also need to see the likes of the Greentown project and real diversion for those who are becoming involved … chaotic outworking of serious organised crime. It is not only drug debt and intimidation; there are also chaotic cases, sales pitches, party houses and people who come apart under addiction and create a huge hassle for the communities and businesses that surround them. Supports are not in place

well. Deputy Doherty is familiar with these kinds of cases. He has worked on them too. I imagine many other Members of the House have as well. The Deputy is right that we are legislators. We make the law and it is up to the agencies … complaint is appropriate or whether it can accept that complaint. An agency and organisation, operating under the laws we develop in this House and pass as a sovereign Parliament, should be able to interpret those laws and we should give it the latitude it needs to be able

always thousands across the State. There are 200 of them in Limerick at the moment, and 200 is always the number of vacant houses there. These are local authority homes that, for whatever reason, are not in use. The process of local authorities applying for funding from central … living next door to a voided home, which can be magnets for antisocial behaviour, litter and dumping. It is not fair when a house is not heated for five, six or seven years and is closed up, meaning the houses on either side have to make

three Ministers well in their new portfolios. In our Private Members’ business of a week ago, I described what is happening with housing as an emergency. Indeed, the Housing Commission report calls for a radical reset of housing policy in Ireland. While every possible solution should be investigated

Member of Dáil Éireann in 2017, as she was, when we dealt with the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill that went through the Houses then. Section 33 provided for the inclusion of a new section 19A. All of us thought at that time this provision would deal with … protect the independence of the Judiciary. The last thing we want is for decisions of judges to be subject to review by this House or people this House decides to appoint to some statutory body. We went through a difficult circumstance in establishing the Judicial Council so that

agencies, that the option provided to them is either to make themselves homeless or to return back. The lack of availability of affordable housing is one of the greatest barriers and challenges for women and children who are victims or survivors of domestic abuse. It also means that … option of returning to the abuser is actively considered. In previous, very tragic cases, this is what happened. Supporting the long-term housing needs, therefore, of survivors of domestic violence must be given the priority that it deserves. In dealing with the issues of domestic and gender-based

ensure a State-led response to the crisis in apartment financing. Instead, he engaged in dismissing Labour Party proposals. At least the previous housing Minister, Deputy O'Brien, accepted that we offered constructive opposition on housing in this House

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the review of the 2001 planning guidelines for local authorities on early learning and childcare settings in order to increase childcare supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter

Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to introduce measures to reduce cost-rental rents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47823/26

Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures he is taking to address rent increases in Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48101/26

Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department will increase funding for the local authorities financial contribution scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47945/26

Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the cost rental tenant-in-situ scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48091/26

Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the unacceptable level of homelessness among third level students revealed recently. [46898/26

Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of applications made under the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund; the breakdown of applications from each local authority area; the overall amount of funding sought; and when allocations are expected

Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the tenant-in-situ scheme and other homeless prevention measures in Galway city and county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48289/26

Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the HAP review will be published and enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47824/26

Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way in which the planning permission for Newmarket in Dublin 8 will be progressed and made affordable for a community indoor market. [48283/26

Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his expectations for starter home supports in 2026 in light of the significant increase in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48066/26

Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current number of vacant homes officers in each respective local authority; his plans to provide funding for the recruitment of additional vacant homes officers where needed; and if he will make a statement

Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on engagement with lending institutions regarding the potential expansion of the first home scheme to include first-time buyers purchasing second-hand homes; the progress made to date in this regard

Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to ensure transparency in the home-buying process; if he will deal with artificial bidding wars, gazumping and ghost bids; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47822/26

Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 652 and 653 of 19 May 2026, the basis on which his Department refused to identify geographical areas where funded NPWS enforcement posts are vacant, citing operational security; whether any written

Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the changes now needed to the enhanced defective concrete block grant scheme in view of the publishing of the NSAI’s new standard I.S. 465:2026; and if he will make a statement

Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on Land Development Agency plans for Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48274/26

Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if all local authorities are working off a national differential rent scheme; if not, the different schemes being operated currently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47583/26

Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will take immediate steps to strengthen local democracy by reconstituting boroughs or corporations similar to the structures that once operated; and if he will consider Kilkenny city as a pilot project. [48286/26

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the Programme for Government commitment to earmark certain cost rental units for key local workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47675/26

Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he considers council rents to be too low at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48201/26

Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures his Department is taking to monitor whether local authorities are actively seeking out and registering all derelict properties within their areas to ensure that action can be taken to bring these properties back into

Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an updated on the affordable purchase scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48092/26

Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of local authority home loans issued, by county in 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026; the number of LAHLs, by county that have been refused for the same periods; the average household

Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an outline of his Department's current actions and future plans in the area of biodiversity which is within the remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement