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heard a Member of this House say that this Government is anti-climate change measures. I ask her to look at the programme for Government. I am a recently qualified mechanical engineer who helped to contribute to the programme for Government. Another Member spoken about the private wires

issue. I will speak to the Minister about it also. Deputy Heneghan raised the issue of private wires, which is in the programme for Government. As I said, the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, is preparing the legislation and has instructed his officials to do so. Deputy Ó Murchú … people, if they could, to hold off on the objections. It is extraordinary the degree to which some very worthy projects have been delayed. The objective is to protect people's homes, businesses and farmlands from being flooded, yet there is an inordinate delay in the planning process

raise the Cork city task force. As we know, the programme for Government provides for the establishment of a task force for Cork city. Like all urban areas, Cork city needs renewed focus, funding, resources, collaboration between key stakeholders, and short-, medium- and long-term planning. I hope … forward and I hope we can get a clear, concrete indication today about the establishment of the task force, which is in the programme for Government

interesting that many of those who opposed the 15% increase in LPT were among the first to get into photographs for those projects that were funded by the local property tax. We have a very unusual situation in this country. Property tax is normally regarded as a means … householders and constituents how it is spent. Similarly, in the case of Wexford County Council there have been efforts to show specifically the projects that have been funded out of that 15% increase. In that regard, I welcome the fact that the legislation now allows for variance

affordable housing need. The Government and the previous Government, under Housing for All, have rolled out the largest social and affordable housing programme in the history of the State. We will continue to do so. This is demonstrated by the record level of investment provided for the delivery … housing in recent years, and we must continue to do so. We must consider every available lever at our disposal. In the programme for Government, the Government has committed to delivering 300,000 new homes between 2025 and 2030, targeting at least 60,000 homes annually

these households in emergency accommodation are supported to exit homelessness as quickly as possible. Expanded significantly under Housing for All, the housing first programme provides the most vulnerable of our homeless population with a home for life, as well as key wrap-around health services and social supports … help them. The housing first national implementation plan aims to create 1,319 tenancies by the end of 2026. The programme for Government increased this target to create a total of 2,000 tenancies by 2030. More than 860 tenancies were created under the current plan

built. It has asked for €200 million from the Government to help to get started. That must not be a long-term project. It should be a short-term project. There should be houses starting on that in five years. It is near a rail line

conditions of staff are incredibly important, the physical buildings in which they operate are also important. While I particularly welcome the building blocks programme which was an important initiative, the Minister and I know the limitations of that. We could do with a few more bob from … also for the cap on it. Unfortunately, in Dublin, the €750,000 cap prevents some of the really good, experienced, community-led childcare programmes from expanding. I ask the Minister to continue to do all she can in this area in providing more capital funding, as well

Ireland ratified the UNCRPD in 2018. Since ratification, Ireland's approach has been to ensure cumulative advancements over time. The programme for Government commits to delivering a new national disability strategy that will provide an overarching framework for advancing the State’s obligations under the UNCRPD. In advance … establishes a modern legal framework to support decision-making by adults who may have difficulty making decisions without help; the introduction of key programmes like the work and access scheme to support disabled people in accessing employment; and the publication of the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People

regulation that relates to compliance with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. Additionally, Hungary is denied access to Horizon funding and the Erasmus programme. It is regrettable that Hungary’s access to these programmes is limited but it is essential until remediation measures are put in place

meeting the State’s intention to increase State-owned accommodation in this sector, which is a major step forward in delivering on the programme for Government. The Citywest campus will be the foundation stone for the new screening facility and border facility and will enable a one-stop … community engagement team is already working closely with local community leaders, community groups and stakeholders. A significant strength that applies to the engagement programme needed at this site is that the Citywest campus already enjoys good relationships and operational partnerships in the community with State services and community

community training workshops to support young, unemployed people aged 16 to 25. Since 1988, they have been delivering the Youthreach programme. I agree with the Deputy that they do really valuable and important work. I am having the opportunity to see more of it as I travel around … country. There are 31 CTCs throughout the country contracted by the education and training boards to deliver the Youthreach programme. This means they are grant-aided organisations. Each CTC is a non-profit company and has its own independent board of directors which is responsible for the recruitment

promises. It was in my party’s manifesto. I think it was in our partner’s party manifesto. It is in the programme for Government and we intend to act on it. We put it before the people as a proposition in our manifesto. We are in government … Government to the decision that we need to change the legislation that governs how we despatch our Defence Forces overseas. The programme for Government clearly sets out this Government’s intention to reform the triple lock legislation and this is intended to be done while also ensuring that

thank Deputy Ó Cearúil for the question. As he rightly says, our programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, sets out a number of commitments relating to national security. It is probably the most robust programme for Government in terms of national security and the focus, quite rightly

explore issues relating to the various different models of Irish-medium education provision. This will be a key element of supporting our programme for Government commitment to expand opportunities for students to attend Gaelscoileanna and Gaelcholáistí. Specifically on the school, I acknowledge Deputies Heneghan and Ó Muirí … others who have campaigned and supported and done everything possible to make sure that this project can come to fruition. I hope I am there to be able to see it through and to make sure that commitment is followed through on. As of now, we are working

have new buildings where we need them and we are replacing accommodation that is not fit for purpose. This is certainly a project that will be a part of that conversation. It did go in at the end of last year. Obviously we want projects to move

here. I understand that EMA approval was only given for it last Friday, so it is very early in the process. In the programme for Government there are two commitments. There is a medium- to long-term commitment to review the reimbursement system, and I suggest that this … should be done. I am glad that commitment was given in the programme for Government. There is also a reference to early access schemes. I am asking that in the case of the 100 to 120 people nationwide who have Duchenne muscular dystrophy - they are predominantly boys

hobbies. It will have trained nurses providing specialised care, including wound care, administering medications and managing chronic conditions. It should also provide rehabilitation programmes to help residents to improve mobility. A priority of nursing homes is to provide a safe and secure environment for the elderly resident … this falls down, the impact will be traumatic for the residents and their families. Unfortunately, as we saw from the recent “RTÉ Investigates” programme, in nursing homes and in particular in Beneavin Manor in my constituency of Dublin North-West, the quality of care is not the same

owners, came to public attention was before Leas Cross. The second time was six years after Leas Cross. The latest "RTÉ Investigates" programme is 20 years after Leas Cross, yet we see that very little is changing. The State gives these lucrative contracts to unvetted providers for emergency … have their hands and their fingerprints all over this because it is their policy. I could not watch all of the "RTÉ Investigates" programme. I had to look away for some of it because it is heartbreaking. What is most heartbreaking of all is that this

having this debate today but we should not be here. I give huge credit to the "RTÉ Investigates" team for putting together that programme. If HIQA had been doing its job, we would not have had to have it. Clare Doyle should not have had to take that … reason for that, and it is how they are treated, the lack of resources and all the things we saw in that programme last Tuesday night. They are being deprived of resources, being made to work extremely long hours and getting paid a pittance. The reality is that

RTÉ Investigates" programme was shocking, disturbing and difficult viewing. Nobody in this country should be treated in that way. It is clear that the nursing homes in question were understaffed and under-resourced and patients were treated in an appalling manner. What concerns me and many … need to review the powers and operation of HIQA and how and when inspections take place. It was clear from the RTÉ programme that a lot of issues happen at night, and there are questions about whether HIQA carries out inspections at night. That needs to be examined

private legal dispute, it is a child protection issue that belongs firmly in the realm of public law. This legislation delivers on the programme for Government commitment to review guardianship rights in such cases and aligns with key recommendations from the study on familicide and domestic and family … critical. We must build a society based on respect, equality, and mutual understanding, starting with education. We are introducing new, age-appropriate educational programmes in schools focused on respect, consent, and healthy relationships. Young people must understand acceptable behaviour and feel empowered to challenge harmful attitudes. Engaging

resolve the issues in these very old school buildings. That is why the school is looking at the bigger picture of the pathfinder programme. My contribution today probably only touched the surface of the issues in this school and what the dedicated team of staff is trying … children served. I already outlined that the school meets the criteria the Minister of State outlined in his response for the pathfinder programme, but the school is in desperate need of major assistance from the Minister of State's Department. Given everything I have detailed - and I understand

inquiries and was informed that there are operational challenges in the wastewater network in Celbridge, including Hazelhatch. However, under the national leakage reduction programme, Uisce Éireann is progressing with the replacement of 5.2 km of old water mains between Newcastle, County Dublin, and Celbridge, County Kildare. The main … contractor is mobilising crews to commence site investigations that are necessary for the design stage of the project. The construction phase is estimated to commence in quarter 3 of 2025. The Deputy raised a couple of other points. There is clearly a need for a structured protocol

particular for the remarks he made off script, which are welcome. I acknowledge that a commitment to examine and expand the AIM programme to make it available to younger children is contained in the programme for Government. I have concerns, however, with some of the language the Department

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the total funding allocated to date, and projected for 2026 and 2027, for the development of the proposed self-harm and suicide prevention training package for trainee general practitioners; the source of such funding; and the budget subhead under

trainee general practitioners and the forthcoming national strategy Connecting for Life 2026–2035; and to specify the oversight arrangements within her Department for programmes delivered under that strategy. [32209/26

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health what specific key performance indicators (KPIs) are used within the National Clinical Programme for Self-harm and Suicide-related Ideation; whether these KPIs are published; and if she will provide the most recent performance data against those KPIs. [32245/26

Health the formal oversight structures that exist within her Department to monitor the performance, data quality, and governance of the National Clinical Programme for Self-harm and Suicide-related Ideation. [32250/26

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether any modelling has been undertaken on the projected impact of overweight and obesity on acute hospital demand, primary care demand, and health service workforce requirements over the next 10 to 20 years; and if she will make

Flynn asked the Minister for Health the total annual expenditure by the HSE and her Department on obesity prevention, management, and treatment programmes for each year from 2020 to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32349/26

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether outcome metrics are in place to evaluate the effectiveness of obesity-related programmes funded by the State; if so, to provide details of those metrics and any published results; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the estimated number of persons living with lipoedema in the State; the projected demand for services under the proposed national care pathway; and the current and planned service capacity within the public health system to meet this demand. [32621/26

total budget allocation assigned to the development and implementation of the national lipoedema care pathway; the costings associated with clinical services, education programmes and patient supports; and whether dedicated funding has been ring-fenced for this purpose. [32622/26

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE capital projects since 2020 involving fire safety remediation works; the total expenditure on such works; and whether fire safety costs are systematically tracked and reported across the HSE estate. [32664/26

Minister for Health whether interim or final fire safety certification has been issued in respect of the Heather House Community Nursing Unit project; if so, to provide the dates of such certification and the certifying authority involved. [32666/26

defects, compliance issues, or remedial works relating to fire safety have been identified during the course of the Heather House Community Nursing Unit project; and if so, to provide details of same and any associated additional costs. [32667/26

Minister for Health whether independent oversight, audit, or inspection has been carried out in respect of the Heather House Community Nursing Unit project, particularly in relation to fire safety compliance; if so, to provide details and findings [32668/26

issues identified during the refurbishment works at Daisy Unit, Heather House Community Nursing Unit which led to the extension of the project timeline; whether these issues relate to structural defects, fire compliance, asbestos, design deficiencies, or contractor performance; and if she will provide a detailed breakdown of each

Minister for Health to provide details of the main contractor and any subcontractors engaged in the Heather House, Community Nursing Unit refurbishment project; the procurement method used; the contract value awarded; and whether the contract includes specific provisions relating to fire safety compliance works. [32942/26

date in 2026; and the extent to which this expenditure has reduced in line with the agency conversion programme. [33238/26

Flynn asked the Minister for Health the current maximum whole-time equivalent workforce ceiling for 2026 constrains the completion of the agency conversion programme; and whether any adjustment to this ceiling is under consideration. [33240/26

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether any assessment has been carried out on the impact of the agency conversion programme on service delivery, including waiting times, patient access, or staffing stability; and if so, the findings of that assessment. [33243/26

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health further to HSE's commitment on 17 October 2025, that the National Clinical Programme for Ophthalmology would consider the requirements and feasibility of implementing an audit; whether this work has commenced; the potential audit approaches being examined; when priority areas

Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the total expenditure by the Irish Medical Council in the years 2022-2025 and projected spending for 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33357/26

Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the annual cost of the Speak Out Programme in third level institutions for each of the years from 2022 to 2025 to date in 2026; his views on whether the cost reflects

Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Social Protection in the context of the programme for Government commitment to examine the extension of parents’ leave and benefit, whether he will outline the current status of this examination; the options under consideration to extend the duration of parents’ leave

place when parents or students have problems with the quality, options or nutritional value of the food provided under the hot school meals programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29990/26

Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection if he has given consideration to implementing bespoke employment programmes to tackle rising rates of youth unemployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31210/26

Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people currently supported under the work and access programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31083/26