Search the record

further EU sanctions. What is happening in Gaza and in the West Bank should not be taken in isolation. This is meticulously planned Israeli Government policy. It is illegal. It is unconscionable. It is inhuman. This brings me back to the issue of settlement trade. The Government … legal arguments made in our detailed written statement, which was prepared by my Department in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. We argue Israel is legally required, under international humanitarian law and as a member of the United Nations, to co-operate with and facilitate relevant

thank an Cathaoirleach Gníomhach for making the time for these statements, which I believe are the first on health in this new Dáil. The Government and I are fully committed to a vision of a universal health and social care service where people have access to services based … increasing and ageing population. A healthy population is beneficial for society as a whole, and improving the health and well-being of the nation is a major priority for this Government. As a result of the strong continuing investment in our health and social care services and changes

road safety advocates and road users, representing a range of interests and perspectives, to serve as a consultative body for the emerging action plan. In terms of legislation, I am committed to commencing the remaining provisions of the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, which was signed into … remove data protection barriers to local authorities directly receiving collision data, to strengthen the legal underpinnings for access to the data on the national vehicle and drivers file and to provide for abolition of the requirement for paper road tax, insurance and road worthiness discs. Before handing over

welcome today's statements ahead of World Mental Health Day this weekend. I acknowledge everyone who is struggling with their mental health, be that quietly or in crisis. I want them to know that they are not alone. I want to also remember those who have lost their … modern mental health service with permanently understaffed teams. Let us consider children and young people. There are 4,800 children waiting on CAMHS nationally, with 673 of them waiting for more than a year. The families of those children struggle to manage. Schools are trying to provide supports

habitats, species and conservation. It will also attend festivals, community events and national fairs, raising awareness of NPWS's mission and supporting national campaigns and educational programmes around the country. In Wild Nephin National Park, we completed 220 ha of bog restoration at the Bangor Erris natural heritage … valuable contribution to Ireland and Connemara’s heritage. In Brú na Bóinne National Park, work on the preparation of a masterplan for the new national park in Dowth is almost complete. The plan will enable strategic development of the park over the coming years and will adopt

starter homes, as well as our older people and those with disabilities who need different housing options. I welcome the Minister's opening statement when he spoke about this issue and his commitment to it. This is really welcome. This does show the Government's commitment to housing … doing this. The really good news today came when I read about Rosslare-Europort. I see CIÉ will soon be seeking planning permission to expand the port and develop a landmark facility for offshore wind energy. This will be a huge investment in the south east. Again, this

grateful for the opportunity to make a statement on Children's Health Ireland, CHI, and to reflect on the recent deeply troubling revelations about the insertion of non-medical grade springs into the spines of children undergoing complex spinal surgery and the emergence of a divergence in clinical … osteotomies for developmental dysplasia of the hip in children between separate sites in the CHI hospital group, comprising Crumlin, Temple Street and the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh. These are distinct issues, but they raise the most serious questions about clinical governance and patient safety in the CHI group

colleague, the Minister, Deputy McEntee, for her opening statement. I wish to thank those who conducted the review and Members of the House for the opportunity to discuss the review. The review represents the most comprehensive national reflection to date on how we can support children and young … which the Minister, Deputy McEntee, and I were delighted to launch last week, is only one step, though. The development of an implementation plan before the end of this year is key to delivering on these recommendations. I propose to discuss the recommendations in the report in more

authorities into one national authority; — the objective is to deliver a world-class public water services authority that meets customer needs, operates in line with best practice, represents value for money, and facilitates economic development in urban and rural locations; — Uisce Éireann is the national utility for drinking … delivering a sustainable funding path to further enhance the ongoing significant improvements in our public water and wastewater services; — under the revised National Development Plan (NDP), the Government has scaled up support for the water sector with a record allocation of €12.2 billion in funding

price of petrol is €1.74 per litre and diesel is €1.67 per litre. These prices are among the highest in Europe. With the planned carbon tax increase of 2 cent per litre, Ireland is set to become the most expensive country in the EU for diesel. Home heating … before. Surely be God it should stand up strong this year. However, there is nothing for inshore sector. The National Inshore Fishermen’s Association issued the following statement: The National Inshore Fishermen's Association, NIFA, wishes to express our deep frustration, disappointment, and sense of abandonment following

targets, shocking regional disparities, ageing infrastructure and major staff shortages, none of which were acknowledged by the Minister of State in his opening statement. To put it mildly, it was disappointing, particularly given the stories we have heard tonight. Ring-fenced funding for the cancer strategy has been … that every four-week delay in starting cancer treatment can increase mortality by 10%. This is precisely why we have targets in the national cancer strategy. We know that a person’s chances of surviving cancer are up to four times higher when treated at stage 1 rather

solved by an extension of planning permissions and this Bill will do little other than allow developers a blanket extension of time with no incentive or otherwise to force them to commence within that period. Certain sites with a short remaining planning duration that are earmarked for housing … previous Dáil during the debate on the Planning and Development Bill 2023 but quietly shelved the proposal in the 2024 Act. Much of the uncertainty around planning in this country has been caused by successive Governments that have introduced new national plans with new or different objectives that

projects that are desperately needed will get to the top. However, councillors in County Cork will soon vote on a county development plan that has no vision and cannot have a vision because most wastewater treatment plants in the county's towns are full and bursting … their money being spent wisely and to get something back for what they continue to give. Some €500 million left over in the National Oil Reserves Agency, NORA, fund has not been spent. At the same time, I am trying to get rural transport projects across the line

call it "consultation" is to be very generous - was carried out was in many instances completely inadequate. I made a contribution on statements on international protection recently about the need for respect - respect for the rules, of course; respect for the residents and asylum seekers because … migrants, and whether for education, healthcare or anything like that. There seemed to be no reference to anything like that. There is a planning system in this country and it is there because it recognises that to have an orderly situation in a town, a village

welcome the opportunity to contribute to the statements on education. Education is the great equaliser: it has the power to break down barriers, lift communities and, most importantly, to give every child the opportunity to reach their full potential. However, for too long, our education system has been … school capitation grant stands at €200 per pupil at primary school, the same rate that was paid to schools in 2009. The Government planned to increase this to €224 this September but the INTO has called on the Government to increase the capitation fund by 20%. The Government

will make an opening statement and then the Chair of the Oireachtas committee, Deputy Erin McGreehan, will speak and the Minister of State, Deputy Marian Harkin, will close the debate at the end. I welcome that we have taken some time in the House today to address … this comes to pass. We have many supports and policies aimed at our learners, but I am also conscious of the need to plan ahead, for the long term and to consider what the people in our colleges in 2025 will be working

support of the Palestinian people since October 2023. This includes €38 million in core support to UNRWA, as well as the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the World Food Programme and others. Our humanitarian response is not only about funding but is also about … workers from Ireland to work directly in co-ordinating the response on the ground. In addition, funding has been provided to Irish NGOs, Plan International and Oxfam through the humanitarian acute crisis scheme. This, however, is not just about words but it is about actual tangible action that

gives an indication of how little value we put on social enterprise. That research told us that there were 4,335 social enterprises nationally. The total income of social enterprises in 2021 was €2.34 billion. Almost 85,000 people are employed by social enterprises. That … opportunity. I praise the opening statement but I would like to see a hands-on approach. I would also like to see the annual report or a date for it and the published oversight minutes. There have been so many strategies and plans in so many areas without

treatment - just the fair treatment that patients in Germany, Italy, and many other European countries already receive. Please help to ensure that the "National Rare Disease Strategy" becomes a reality for those of us who cannot afford to wait any longer and, by doing so, provide access … wait up to 722 days for decisions to be made on orphan medicines. This is far above the European average. I welcome the plan to a more structured approach of achieving a 180-day reimbursement decision. As the Marie Keating Foundation has stated, we must make

said. While I would disagree with him on many things here at different times, I believe he approached the matter very constructively. His statements were very constructive and will contribute greatly. I hope this is the beginning of moving on the process. The big argument of those … that we cannot afford a united Ireland. As a left republican, I put the case that we cannot afford not to have national reunification. Various claims have been made by economists, some highlighting the economic logic of reunification and others exaggerating the cost, with the latter done mainly

waiting list of 304, which when calculated per 1,000 people of population equates to 2.386 per 1,000 or 157% of the national county average. The lowest waiting list per 1,000 of population is Dublin, with 0.076. County Clare's waiting list is more than … neglected by the State in their time of need. The HSE issued a statement to the media in response to the HCCI report. We should not be reliant on the HSE to issue statements in the wake of a report like this about the lack of services that

concerns about, and condemnation of, the attacks about which we have heard in recent months. In response to the Minister's opening statement, I welcome this debate. It is good that we are having it. I commend the Minister on the focus and urgency he has brought since … public representatives were poorly handled. We need to rebuild confidence by engaging earlier, sharing clear information and ensuring infrastructure and services are planned alongside accommodation decisions. Since January, the Minister has set a different tone and delivered measurable change. Staffing at the International Protection Office has been scaled

Estimates totalling around €4 billion. While this might be down on last year's figure, it is still an extraordinary ask of our National Parliament. The bizarre thing is that there is little or no real debate in this Chamber or in the line committees on the nature … capacity and function of the Dáil to keep the Government honest on its in-year spending plans. There is a worrying opaqueness about how we allocate resources, and how we plan. Time and again, I have criticised the opacity around the presentation of the cost, for example

this year. I will read a bit of the IPPN's opening statement. The current limitation whereby schools only have one year lead-in time to manage admissions is very problematic in terms of forward planning. Call to action: IPPN has called for a two-year lead … afterwards on it. The Government's amendment states: "a child's right to education is enshrined in the Constitution and, under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, must be accessible on an equal basis with others in the community in which they live

thank the Minister for her statement and the documentation we have been provided with that details the elements of both Votes. I will focus my contribution on Vote 40 and raise some issues with what has been outlined and what the Minister outlined, much of which is welcome … must acknowledge. It has been rising and that is welcome. That said, one of the key measures here is to progress the action plan for disability services, which is very important, but very much to focus on the supports and services to ensure they are person centred

Department has considered the impact of patients attending private hospitals being excluded from national statistics; the steps planned to ensure complete data for service planning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64020/25

shingles vaccine can reduce the risk of developing dementia in older people; if she plans to add this vaccine to the national adult immunisation programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61231/25

powers to directly rezone land where local authorities fail to do so in line with national housing and planning objectives; the legislative basis for such intervention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53757/25

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of affordable purchase properties completed nationally in 2023 and 2024; his plans for 2025 and beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35782/25

Minister for Transport the amount of capital allocation his Department has been allocated under the National Development Plan; the amount that has not yet been spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27130/25

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the expected connection date of the national broadband plan to a location in County Offaly (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15173/25

link bus route between Tuam and Athenry, County Galway; the current status of the route plan; when the National Transport Authority expects to implement this route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8455/25

Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the timeline for the National Development Plan review mentioned in the new Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4187/25

asked the Minister for Transport the reason funding has not been released under the National Development Plan for Luas Finglas; the current timeline for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59088/26

planning for children in State care; the nature and frequency of such reporting; whether national or regional benchmarks, targets or expected timelines exist for permanency planning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43647/26

Minister for Health if her Department could assess the impact of current delays on national workforce planning and service delivery within the nursing and midwifery sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35901/26

considerations that are required by her Department in order to develop and publish a national allergy action plan, given that no such plan is currently in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28987/26

Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Health whether there are any plans to update the 2019 Smiles and Sláinte National Oral Health Policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25917/26

Chap' Cleere asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the current balance of the National Reserve Fund; the planned contributions over the next three fiscal years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22043/26

implement a ten-year national replacement cycle for linear accelerators and to create a national oversight body responsible for equipment planning, procurement, and installation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17431/26

SAAO at St. Edmundsbury/Woodville and elsewhere along the Liffey Valley as part of plans to expand the National Parks and Wildlife Service’s land ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16624/26

high-speed fibre connectivity in the area; if the premises is included under the National Broadband Plan or any commercial rollout; the projected timeline for connection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14888/26

reduced the use of coercive interventions, such as restraint and seclusion; the national plan in place to ensure consistent implementation across all CAMHS services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14490/26

Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health if she will embed an action plan to end preventable baby deaths in the next National Maternity Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10777/26

Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if she plans to develop a new national cardiovascular health plan following publication of the EU’s Safe Hearts Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6840/26

asked the Minister for Transport the reason funding has not been provided under the National Development Plan for DART+ Southwest; the new timeline for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68528/25

Culture, Communications and Sport to provide an update on the roll out of the National Broadband Plan as of November 2025, including progress in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64379/25

Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health her plans to expand regional specialist FGM services beyond a single national clinic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64617/25

provide an update on the progress being made on the creation of the action plan to deliver the National Human Rights Strategy for People with Disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61510/25

Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the capital investment allocated to County Kildare under the National Development Plan from 2022 to 2025, by year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58699/25