Search the record

clear that this do-nothing Government has abandoned communities; — the Governments failure to invest in critical infrastructure such as water, electricity and under resourcing of the planning system is delaying the delivery of much needed homes; — the chronic underfunding of our local authority housing and planning departments which … needs to increase investment in and the target for the delivery of social and affordable homes. It is not just about money; it is also about reform in how those homes are delivered, a problem the Government continues to conceal from the House but everybody knows exists

protective clothing for use in hospitals and care homes. That was done with no thought of a reward; it was just the right thing to do. It is more important than ever that we in government deliver for people. That is why the programme for Government contains … colleagues in government, to deliver on that commitment through the implementation of the Trading for Impact social enterprise policy, which will provide critical support for people. Deputy Donnelly is right. Opportunity to make a real difference in our communities is what this is about. I stand for that

historic heart of a communications network connecting communities across the nation; and — the consistent, widespread and negligent destruction of Ireland's republican revolutionary history presided over by successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Governments; expresses: — dismay at the failure to deliver the promised 1916 Commemorative Centre … delete, delete, delete. Frascati House, home of Edward FitzGerald was demolished for a shopping centre in 1983. Nos. 124 and 125 Stephen's Green West, home of Robert Emmet, was demolished for an office block in the 1980s. No. 40 Herbert Park, home of The O'Rahilly

location. It is in rapid need of improved community service. This will help with that. It will reinforce the shift towards better-managed community care with clear leadership and planning. Ultimately, that is what we need. The Bill also clarifies and strengthens the responsibility of the HSE board … auditor. There might be financial controls in place but they are not always the best controls. Indeed, the service is not always delivered in the best way possible. However, this Bill gives the Minister for Health a more hands-on approach and a possibility of ensuring those jobs

recent years, we have seen that the shift to home-based work and the explicit right to request remote and flexible arrangements can deliver real benefits if managed well. This approach has the potential to shape a fairer and more productive workforce with increased morale. Since the right … reflect the realities of modern work and modern life. We commend the outstanding contribution of communities across Ireland that have established remote working hubs in local centres, GAA clubs and vacant buildings. Sinn Féin recognises the value of remote work during extreme weather events. While current legislation

Government to prioritise the needs of workers and families over the greed of vested interests. In this budget, the Government could have delivered supports to households who most need it through tax measures that put money directly in their pockets, but instead the Government has chosen to prioritise … property owners are penalised and actually held accountable for as long as they allow this building to be left in an appalling and unsafe condition right in the town centre. The local community is fed up with this being allowed to continue indefinitely. We need a derelict property

vibrant fishing sector, both for the communities that rely on them and for the wider economy. The programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, reflects this approach by committing to securing a sustainable future for the fisheries sector while supporting coastal communities that rely on this activity … private. I also recognise the appetite for the investment community to continue to put moneys back into this sector. That really needs to be recognised and welcomed. Through the seafood development programme the Government is delivering essential support to strengthen competitiveness and support sustainability and employment across

better at delivering that through apartments as well as housing developments in local communities. There were 4,005 dwelling completions across three electoral areas in Dublin West in the past five years. In the Castleknock local electoral area, there have been 689 dwelling completions. Two build-to-rent … monthly rents ranging from €1,695 for a studio to €3,274 for a three-bedroom apartment. We do not need any more build-to-rent apartments in what is a compact area where there is huge demand for other types of housing. We are also putting more

school replaced the old Scoil an Athar Tadhg recently and it is a phenomenal building. The secondary school is also going out for an extension and the community is also getting together to build a brand new purpose-built multisport facility under what it is hoped will … have provided additional buildings to Irish Water and I need to see this wastewater infrastructure upgraded. The difficulty I have, if I can be frank, is that I am not sure that I have faith in Irish Water to deliver that infrastructure. I am glad that, in recent

route. It is a real safety concern, and it is the sort of thing that discourages more people from leaving the car at home and getting them or their families on their bikes. People should not feel like they are taking their life into their hands when they … building up our offshore capacity can no longer be tolerated. The urgency we have seen from the Government in rushing through the legislation for this LNG terminal needs to be redirected towards meeting our 5 GW offshore target and getting the projects currently in the pipeline delivered

been set up to develop this, bringing together expertise from across the system with a clear focus on delivering more joined-up, accessible care linking primary care, community supports and specialist services in a way that works better for people. We are also continuing to focus on challenging … sharing a really clear message that effective treatment means HIV cannot be passed on. Through real life stories, this campaign is helping to build understanding and create a more supportive and informed society. We are beginning to see some impact from the campaign and recent figures point

mechanism is now there. That is important because it is something that the inquiry specifically asked for. This Bill is about delivering steps towards transparency, towards accountability and towards fulfilling our commitments in good faith. In recent months we have had a lot of discussion on the issue … Taoiseach has said, "If you are sincere in wanting to build a real peace ... you cannot with any honesty deny so many people truth and accountability for the terrible crimes committed against their communities". I cannot let this opportunity pass without again drawing attention to the fact that

that security is my first responsibility. The title of my office is not just about justice and migration; it also includes home affairs. Home affairs relates to the fact that we have to ensure that our national security is well protected. As set out in the programme … what everyone in this House wants to see, namely more members of the force out on our streets and visible in our communities. I also intend to invest in equipment and essential technology for An Garda Síochána. I will support the introduction of body-worn cameras nationwide, along

some type of normality for homes all over the country. Serious issues remain because we cannot put a plaster over a gaping wound. The devastation of the storm has been compounded by historical failures of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to build an energy infrastructure which … other option. While the Government may accept this as normal, we do not. Unlike this Government, Sinn Féin has a plan to deliver an affordable, sustainable and secure energy system that is resilient to extreme weather events. We also want to distribute the burden of the maintenance fairly

will confirm funding for successful projects before the end of this year. However, I reiterate the need for local authorities to deliver on these projects. There is no point in us allocating funding unless it is spent. Allocated funding going unspent is unfair on those local authorities that … communities. Funding of €43 million will be made available for the LEADER programme in 2027. The community centre investment fund is a relatively new fund to support the development and refurbishment of high-quality community facilities. It is available to community groups in both urban and rural communities

plan. Shortened delivery timelines, reduced regulatory complexity and a reliable project pipeline will all enable the construction sector to build and maintain the workforce and expertise needed to deliver on Ireland’s ambitious capital plans. Some of the key actions under this pillar include the prioritisation of Government … opportunities across Ireland, enhancing our competitiveness as a place to invest in and to do business and building abundance in our economy and society such that our people and communities will benefit from high-quality services that drive improved living standards. I thank my fellow Government colleagues

that we have a look at putting in place emergency legislation to speed up development, get these houses built and support families and communities. We can worry about the specifics and upgrading once the houses are built. It is very important that this be put in place. With … little bit more urgency and intensity to deliver housing throughout the country and, in particular, in my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny. Some of the schemes we have are proving very popular. A total of 4,000 affordable schemes were delivered in 2023. Delivery of affordable housing has more

presents challenges but also opportunities for Ireland, particularly in the tech space. As the Minister of State knows well, Ireland is home to many of the companies operating in the tech space. They could be in President Trump's firing line in his desire to get them … limited. I will mention some minor areas in the programme which are very welcome and important. On the arts and in terms of building community, the fact that the Government is committed to establishing an arts capital grant programme, similar to the sports capital grant programme, is welcome

market forces often move what supply there is towards profitable areas and thereby cater to the better-off, it is these vulnerable communities who are often left feeling the brunt. It falls to the Government to ensure market failures are responded to and not allowed to exacerbate … policy and it is providing long-term secure tenancies to renters at rates that are significantly below market ones. Over 4,000 homes were delivered by AHBs for cost rental according to the quarter 2 statistics for this year. One critical aspect that really underlines the success

unfair and unbalanced playing field [for this long-established provider in the community]. Core Funding was presented as a promise of sustainability and fairness for all childcare providers. In reality, it has failed to deliver on that promise. I know there is no silver bullet for the majority … work. We know the current model needs to be changed and the long-established community providers cannot be frozen out or locked out. The fact that the Bill rewards new builds and punishes experience is not fair. There are four things I will request. This is from consulting

figures he and his senior Ministers in the last Government promised would be delivered in housing last year. Time and again the previous Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for housing promised 40,000 homes. The latest figures suggest actual completion figures for last year were under 30,000, which … Development Agency that must be transformed to deliver at greater capacity on State-owned and private land. It must be transformed to deliver the social and affordable homes needed. The Taoiseach's party in the 1960s instituted a national building agency that delivered homes at scale

demand, and housing is now a financial asset, not a home. People having a home of their own should not be a luxury; it should be a fundamental human right. We need good-quality, secure and affordable homes that meet people's needs in terms of size, space … need a balanced housing system, one with an adequate number of social and affordable homes alongside a private rental sector and home ownership within reach of working people. The Government should be building enough public homes to meet the need for social and affordable housing. It should

half a million new homes. This achievement will have a tangible impact on the lives of countless people. The commitment to deliver 300,000 new homes by 2030 represents real progress for families across Ireland. We have seen at first hand the challenges posed by the housing crisis … healthcare needs of our growing population. I will advocate strongly for a fair distribution of these new resources to ensure that all communities have access to the high-quality healthcare they deserve. In addition, the programme's focus on education, with a pledge to reduce the pupil-teacher

then, it was an innovative plan. Today, we must double its ambition. Setting objectives is one thing, but delivering them is another. We speak of building 50,000 homes per year until 2040. That is achievable, but it demands radical change in efficiency and execution. People are asking … there is an over-reliance now on State intervention. That is not sustainable. Even when homes are built, purchasing them remains out of reach for many. They are seeing development in their communities but they cannot access those homes. Planning must prioritise viability, not just density targets

permission, which seems to be blocked, or if you are trying to grow your local town or village and bring people into your community, which cannot be done because the infrastructure is wrong. This is one of the schemes that the Government reopened under pressure … pauses a scheme that keeps families housed. The housing crisis is turning into housing chaos as more people are pushed out of their homes each year while the Government drags its feet. The tenant in situ scheme was working effectively, saving more than 2,500 households