Search the record

Callaghan, received approval from Cabinet not to oppose this Bill on Second Stage. It is well intentioned and it aligns with the programme for Government commitment to continue to roll out nationally the voluntary restorative justice programme. Restorative justice is provided for in the Criminal Justice (Victims … includes tailored provisions for restorative justice for those under 18 years old. This is administered through the system of youth diversion programmes, which are overseen by An Garda Síochána. Evidence shows that a restorative justice approach can support victims to recover from the impact of a crime

significant progress that has been made over the last few years in our rail network. Notably, we have made progress on the DART+ programme with recent planning decision for DART+ West and DART+ South West. I look forward to achieving a major milestone in the programme next year … looking at one region or another, the rail review not only encourages balanced regional development but also looks at how individual lines or projects fit into and strengthen the wider network in its entirety. The review has set out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance our rail system

preventative work, family support, diversion from crime, court processes and facilities, supervision of offenders, detention and reintegration, and support post release. Youth diversion projects are community-based, multi-agency youth crime prevention initiatives which divert young people who have been, or are at risk of becoming, involved … antisocial and-or criminal behaviour. When a young person's time with a youth diversion project is coming to an end, whether they age out naturally at 18 or are no longer in need of specific youth diversion project supports, a plan is put in place to assist

Minister for Transport, who, as the Deputy knows, has responsibility for overall policy and Exchequer funding relating to the national roads programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015 and in line with the national development … individual roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Transport Infrastructure Ireland ultimately delivers the national roads programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the national planning framework and the national development plan. The Government has earmarked €5.1 billion for capital spending

range of sources, including child benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform the Department's projections of school place requirements. Portmarnock school planning area, SPA, has five primary schools … enrolments are projected to peak in 2027 with enrolments decreasing thereafter. While the Department is aware of enrolment pressures and demand for additional school places in some areas, including Portmarnock, it is important to note that enrolment pressures can be driven by duplication of applications, applications from outside

longer a crisis; it is a social catastrophe. It is an emergency, as the Government has accepted. However, Government actions - cutting key housing projects, suspending funding and gutting homelessness prevention schemes - tell a very different story. Instead of rising to meet this catastrophe, the Government is failing time … have not been prioritised, delivered or funded. At the same time, in a bizarre, almost GUBU moment, the Government has suspended a delivery project that was going to build almost 500 social homes, almost 200 of which are in my constituency, through public-private partnerships. They were ready

ongoing advocacy for his county of Laois. The Government has earmarked approximately €5.1 billion for investment in new national roads projects between 2021 and 2030 and a further €2.9 billion for the protection and renewal of the network. I can confirm that approximately €600 million of Exchequer capital … relation to a bypass of the town. However, a proposed bypass of Mountmellick, unfortunately for Deputy Aird, is not included among the projects that are identified for development during the current NDP timeframe and therefore it was not possible to advance the proposed project at that time

thank the Deputy for raising the issue. First, I will discuss the Department of Education and Youth school energy retrofit pathfinder programme. The Department is leading an ambitious sustainable agenda and has progressed a number of measures to improve the overall sustainability of our school buildings as part … international levels with sustainable energy awards for excellence in design, specification and delivery. The Department's policy is supported by a strong research programme, with 56 research programmes at various stages. It is a priority for the Government to deliver on Ireland's ambitious climate agenda and reduce

colleague mentioned the pilot project, namely the community access support team, CAST, initiative that was launched in Limerick last October and commenced in January. The Minister of State was there at the launch. Like most things pertaining to mental health, the launch of the programme came … years after we were advised it would commence. However, we got there in the end and in its short time in operation, the project has been successful. It involves a combined Garda and HSE support group that assists those facing a mental health challenge, particularly during

going through the Houses of the Oireachtas be enacted. There was then a debate between different parties about the formation of Government. A programme for Government was agreed between the two parties. I am a Minister in that Government. I am bound, because of the principles of compromise … collective responsibility, to give effect to what was agreed in the programme for Government. It was agreed in the programme for Government that there was to be enactment of the defamation Bill as it went through Second Stage. Deputy Connolly can say that lacks moral courage, but that

Page 41 of the programme for Government says the Government will “support Uisce Éireann in the delivery of key strategic projects in our cities and regions.” It also says we will: Invest additional capital in Uisce Éireann to support reaching our new housing targets. We will prioritise water … infrastructure to deliver the capacity to facilitate housing development in our towns and villages. I have one more very important quote from the programme for Government, which I want to read into the record. It reads: "Ensure Uisce Éireann prioritises the delivery of the Small Towns and Villages

fully committed, as is the Department, to strengthening the bonds with all Irish communities overseas. Central to this work is the emigrant support programme, managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Since its inception in 2004, the programme has provided funding of over €250 million … organisations in 51 countries. Supporting the most vulnerable and marginalised Irish emigrants across the world is at the heart of this programme. In 2025, almost €16,500,000 will be granted in support of strengthening ties with the diaspora and our communities overseas. Britain is our close neighbour

Other Deputies have outlined the level of waste of public money on various projects, such as the national children's hospital, the Dáil printer that did not fit into a room, the art scanner that was bought for €125,000 without anyone thinking about where … bike shelter, the security hut and so on. The list of these projects goes on. What drives people mad is that there are local projects desperately looking for funding to stay open or enhance their services. Last week I raised the issue of the Blanchardstown Centre for Independent

intervention hierarchies to achieve transport objectives. One of the four priorities is decarbonisation and as such, the sponsoring agency of any road project must consider any potential positive or negative impacts of a given project in relation to decarbonisation. The sponsor must also demonstrate that a given option … NIFTI framework we have also developed and published the transport appraisal framework, TAF, which sets out the detailed framework for how all transport projects must be assessed. Under the TAF, climate change impacts are one of the seven appraisal criteria for intervention. As part of the development

thank the Deputy very much. I am aware that the progression of this project is of great interest to him and the local community. Indeed, I visited the area with him not so long ago and met community groups. The Government has earmarked €5.1 billion for capital spending … national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP. While the greater portion of this funding is to become available from 2026 to 2030, many road projects continue to be progressed. Projects already delivered in County Cork include the N22 from Baile Bhuirne to Macroom

under the infrastructure development plan, IDP, in Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny. I hope to visit it shortly. The Defence Forces IDP sets out a programme of anticipated project delivery based on the achievement of the high-level goals as set out in White Paper 2015. The programme reflects … spent on building works in military installations and barracks across the country under the capital element of the Defence Forces built infrastructure programme. Currently, one capital project is under way in Stephens Barracks, which is the development of a new barracks accountant facility. This project is expected

action. An additional €2.25 billion of windfall corporate tax receipts has been allocated from 2024 to 2026 to provide funding for critical infrastructure projects that are at an advanced stage, as well as to the existing climate action fund. Ensuring that projects are properly costed with realistic start … appraisal since the end of 2023. These set the value-for-money requirements and guidance for evaluating, planning and managing Exchequer-funded capital projects. Management and delivery of investment projects and public services within allocation and the national frameworks is a key responsibility of every Department, Accounting Officer

again thank him for his engagement and the Topical Issue submitted. In terms of current developments, the DART+ West and DART+ South West projects are moving to the next stage in light of recent planning decisions. An Bord Pleanála has given conditional approval for the DART+ West … railway order approval for DART+ West have been lodged, Iarnród Éireann is now working to progress the preparation of procurement documents for both projects to enable later construction. Iarnród Éireann and the NTA are also engaging on a new railway order for a depot. While neither Sallins

propose to take Questions Nos. 3 to 6, inclusive, together. The new programme for Government underscores our commitment both to solving the housing crisis and to providing the infrastructure to sustain a growing economy and society. Delivering infrastructure effectively is necessary to continue to attract foreign investment … Ireland, grow our economy, foster regional development, deliver on our housing commitments, meet social needs and achieve our very ambitious climate goals. The programme for Government sets out an extensive range of new actions in relation to infrastructure and housing in particular, building on the progress achieved

agus an deis seo a thabhairt dom. I am very pleased this afternoon to have the opportunity to speak on the programme for Government. I was also pleased to have been a part of the negotiating team for this programme for Government. In particular, I am very pleased … priorities that will shape the work of the Department of children, disability and equality over the next number of years. The programme for Government is committed to prioritising improvements in disability services throughout the country. In the first instance, the programme commits to the formation

Lord giveth. Rather than repeat what Deputy Cleere said, I want to echo his comments, in particular about the ambition of the programme for Government and its emphasis, in stark contrast to what went on in opposition today, on delivery and the aims of objectives of the programme … global consensus on trade, economic and, most significantly, climate is very definitely breaking down. It does not matter how much of the programme for Government we successfully implement - it is the intention that we will implement it - the most important, significant, alarming and urgent challenge that faces

note that the Government in its programme has committed to deliver more targeted and effective services for children with special education needs and to improve their supports, ach is a mhalairt atá fíor. Sensational Kids is a national charity and non-profit organisation that seeks to make therapy … withdrawal of funding by the Department of Justice with just one day's notice because of the closure of the immigrant investor programme. Since October last year, the facility has sat idle, yet Kildare has a waiting list of more than 2,000 children waiting to avail

preference or a different preference. "Go raibh maith agat" to everybody for sending me back here for a third time. On health, the programme for Government is the same rehash of undelivered old commitments and contains no solutions for the daily crisis we encounter in University Hospital Limerick … programme for Government is 161 pages long and has one mention of UHL. To say the people of Limerick are disappointed by that would be an understatement. Considering the consistent level of overcrowding at the hospital and the litany of unfortunate and avoidable deaths arising out of that

welcome the Minister of State to the House and echo the comments of my colleague, Deputy Kelly, about Tony Maher. This programme for Government contains more reviews than the RTÉ Guide and offers little in the way of hope for renters, people on the housing list or people … genuine belief that we would reach 40,000, despite the fact that every available expert was telling him we would not. The programme for Government commits to delivering 300,000 homes per year by 2030 with scant detail on how this will be achieved. We are just

delighted to have this opportunity to speak on the new programme for Government. Having read the document from start to finish, it is my firm view that it fails to provide for transformative change. Over the 162 pages, most of the commitments are vague, notional or regurgitated. There … deeply disappointing, particularly in housing where the previous Government's own expert commission called for a radical reset in policy. The new programme for Government continues the failed housing policies of the past. They have left us with record levels of homelessness, soaring rents and unaffordable house prices

Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport to list all schemes, funding programmes, capital funds, grant streams or other expenditure headings administered by his Department in 2025 and 2026 which result in allocations, awards, or spending that can be identified with a specific geographical location including county … district, town, or project site, to group these by funding stream or programme heading; to indicate, for each scheme, whether details of allocations or awards are published online; and if so, where such information may be accessed. [16560/26

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport whether he will confirm the current phase of the N/M20 project within the Transport Infrastructure Ireland Project Management Guidelines lifecycle; the anticipated date for completion of route selection and statutory approval; and whether a projected construction commencement date

Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to list all schemes, funding programmes, capital funds, grant streams or other expenditure headings administered by his Department in 2025 and 2026 which result in allocations, awards, or spending that can be identified with a specific geographical location … including county, district, town, or project site, to group these by funding stream or programme heading; to indicate, for each scheme, whether details of allocations or awards are published online; and if so, where such information may be accessed. [16550/26

Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to list all schemes, funding programmes, capital funds, grant streams or other expenditure headings administered by his Department in 2025 and 2026 which result in allocations, awards, or spending that can be identified … with a specific geographical location including county, district, town, or project site, to group these by funding stream or programme heading; to indicate, for each scheme, whether details of allocations or awards are published online; and if so, where such information may be accessed. [16556/26

Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to list all schemes, funding programmes, capital funds, grant streams or other expenditure headings administered by his Department in 2025 and 2026 which result in allocations, awards, or spending that can be identified with a specific geographical … location including county, district, town, or project site, to group these by funding stream or programme heading; to indicate, for each scheme, whether details of allocations or awards are published online; and if so, where such information may be accessed. [16549/26

Education and Youth the way in which a school (details supplied) performed under each of the individual criteria used to prioritise school building projects included in the recent announcement of 105 school building projects; the relative ranking or position for this school under each criterion and overall compared … with projects selected for inclusion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16241/26

Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Education and Youth to list all schemes, funding programmes, capital funds, grant streams or other expenditure headings administered by her Department in 2025 and 2026 which result in allocations, awards, or spending that can be identified with a specific geographical location … including county, district, town, or project site, to group these by funding stream or programme heading; to indicate, for each scheme, whether details of allocations or awards are published online; and if so, where such information may be accessed. [16548/26

Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to list all schemes, funding programmes, capital funds, grant streams or other expenditure headings administered by his Department in 2025 and 2026 which result in allocations, awards, or spending that can be identified with a specific geographical … location including county, district, town, or project site, to group these by funding stream or programme heading; to indicate, for each scheme, whether details of allocations or awards are published online; and if so, where such information may be accessed. [16546/26

Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to list all schemes, funding programmes, capital funds, grant streams or other expenditure headings administered by his Department in 2025 and 2026 which result in allocations, awards, or spending that can be identified with a specific … geographical location including county, district, town, or project site, to group these by funding stream or programme heading; to indicate, for each scheme, whether details of allocations or awards are published online; and if so, where such information may be accessed. [16554/26

Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Social Protection to list all schemes, funding programmes, capital funds, grant streams or other expenditure headings administered by his Department in 2025 and 2026 which result in allocations, awards, or spending that can be identified with a specific geographical location including … county, district, town, or project site, to group these by funding stream or programme heading; to indicate, for each scheme, whether details of allocations or awards are published online; and if so, where such information may be accessed. [16558/26

Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to list all schemes, funding programmes, capital funds, grant streams or other expenditure headings administered by his Department in 2025 and 2026 which result in allocations, awards, or spending that can be identified with a specific … geographical location including county, district, town, or project site, to group these by funding stream or programme heading; to indicate, for each scheme, whether details of allocations or awards are published online; and if so, where such information may be accessed. [16555/26

Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to list all schemes, funding programmes, capital funds, grant streams or other expenditure headings administered by his Department in 2025 and 2026 which result in allocations, awards, or spending that can be identified with a specific … geographical location including county, district, town, or project site, to group these by funding stream or programme heading; to indicate, for each scheme, whether details of allocations or awards are published online; and if so, where such information may be accessed. [16543/26

Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to list all schemes, funding programmes, capital funds, grant streams or other expenditure headings administered by her Department in 2025 and 2026 which result in allocations, awards, or spending that can be identified with a specific geographical … location including county, district, town, or project site, to group these by funding stream or programme heading; to indicate, for each scheme, whether details of allocations or awards are published online; and if so, where such information may be accessed. [16544/26

tender documents for the Multi-Party Framework Agreement for Civil and Structural (C&S) Services 2025 for HSE major works projects Project Type for Major capital works projects (€50M - €400M) in University Hospital Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16513/26

Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Health to list all schemes, funding programmes, capital funds, grant streams or other expenditure headings administered by her Department in 2025 and 2026 which result in allocations, awards, or spending that can be identified with a specific geographical location including county … district, town, or project site, to group these by funding stream or programme heading; to indicate, for each scheme, whether details of allocations or awards are published online; and if so, where such information may be accessed. [16553/26

Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to list all schemes, funding programmes, capital funds, grant streams or other expenditure headings administered by his Department in 2025 and 2026 which result in allocations, awards, or spending that can be identified … with a specific geographical location including county, district, town, or project site, to group these by funding stream or programme heading; to indicate, for each scheme, whether details of allocations or awards are published online; and if so, where such information may be accessed. [16552/26

Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to list all schemes, funding programmes, capital funds, grant streams or other expenditure headings administered by his Department in 2025 and 2026 which result in allocations, awards, or spending that can be identified with … specific geographical location including county, district, town, or project site, to group these by funding stream or programme heading; to indicate, for each scheme, whether details of allocations or awards are published online; and if so, where such information may be accessed. [16557/26

Transport the details of active travel initiatives funded by the National Transport Authority in Kilkenny since 2020; the initial cost estimate for each project; the outturn cost of each project; and for those still unfinished, the latest cost projection, in tabular form; and if he will make

Transport the details of active travel initiatives funded by the National Transport Authority in Carlow since 2020; the initial cost estimate for each project; the outturn cost of each project; and for those still unfinished, the latest cost projection, in tabular form; and if he will make

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the total gross expenditure incurred by the Health Service Executive in 2025 and the projected expenditure for 2026 in respect of apprenticeship programmes in social work, social care work, and dietetics, including salary costs, academic costs, employer PRSI … grant income received from the National Apprenticeship Office; and if she will provide a programme-level breakdown. [16011/26

Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of capital projects submitted to the HSE estates for Waterford city and county from acute, primary, community, mental health and other services over the past ten years; the status of each project; whether they are at appraisal, design … planning or construction or any other phase codified by HSE estates; the current status of each project, by year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16111/26

Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of capital projects submitted to the HSE Estates from acute, primary, community, mental health and other services over the past ten years, the status of each project, whether they are at appraisal, design, planning or construction … other phase codified by HSE estates, the breakdown by year and the current status of each project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16122/26

benchmark, ceiling, or reference range in respect of acceptable administrative or overhead cost ratios when approving grants under Ireland’s Official Development Assistance programme; if not, the rationale for the absence of such benchmarks; and whether any funded programme in the years 2022, 2023 or 2024 exceeded internally … assessed acceptable thresholds for overhead or programme support costs. [13888/26

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether his Department prepared any written projections of international protection accommodation demand, reception capacity requirements, or associated public service pressures linked to Ireland’s participation in the EU Migration and Asylum Pact … projected figures for the first three years of operation; and whether these projections were considered by Government prior to the opt-in decision [13684/26

Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the programmes or funding that have been provided to support rural communities and Gaeltacht areas along the Wild Atlantic Way for sustainable tourism, cultural activities, and landscape/heritage protection; the details of the funding, projects … outcomes for community development and conservation of local landscapes and heritage; how local communities and stakeholders are engaged in planning and delivering these projects; the measures being taken to ensure tourism growth benefits rural and Gaeltacht communities while protecting landscapes and heritage; and if he will make