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Ukraine now are guilty of complicity in the genocide being committed by Russia against the Ukrainian people. I requested a debate in this House two weeks ago on Ukraine to mark the anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion. It did not happen. I again ask in this geopolitical … need to call out what the US and Israel have done but there is something else we need to call out in this House. We see members of the Irish-American movement protesting about this and claiming to speak on behalf of the Iranian people while real Iranians

thank the Deputy for raising the matter. I can confirm that I drive through her constituency probably every day getting to Leinster House and I have been in it many times. My brother lived down from the Iveagh Markets in Francis Street, so I know it well … repair works are required to safeguard the structure for the future and are expected to cost approximately €13.5 million. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage gave approval for the final business case for these works in August of last year. These works began last December

behalf of the Minister for Transport, I thank the Deputy for the opportunity to address this issue in the House. The proposal for the Cork northern distributor road, NDR, is set out in the Cork metropolitan area transport strategy 2040, CMATS, which was developed … progress over the coming years and I thank the Deputy again for raising this matter and giving me an opportunity to update the House

feelings of anger, betrayal and devastation for the Traveller community because for 40 years it has been helping Travellers with education, health supports, housing advocacy, employment and training programmes and after-school programmes. I understand that issues have arisen within the organisation and that the governance … Traveller community itself is not penalised due to a situation it has not created. We need to ensure that education and health supports, housing advocacy and employment and training programmes for Travellers in my area continue and that there is a premises for these activities to take place

Deputy Gannon did, her absolute commitment, persistence and strong advocacy on this. I thank Deputy Gannon for bringing the Bill before this House for consideration on Second Stage. As someone who has been a Deputy as well as a Minister of State, I acknowledge that incredibly hard work … individual far beyond the sentence imposed by a court. It can affect, as the Deputy rightly pointed out, everything from employment to housing, education and training. It can limit opportunity. It creates barriers that make reintegration more difficult, and it can increase the risk of returning to offending

after a proportionate rehabilitative period. This will make it easy for people who have moved on from past offences to access employment, education, housing and other opportunities without lifelong stigma. I am from an area of high disadvantage. In the course of a debate not that long … drug use, it can follow them for the remainder of their lives, whether that is in the context of job opportunities, travel or housing. I will give an example. I have been advocate for the Irish homeless football team for a long time. I referred people

wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Thomas Gould - To discuss the need to provide Leap cards to families experiencing homelessness outside of Dublin … regular reporting of the defective concrete blocks appeals board. Deputy Michael Cahill - To discuss amending the national planning framework and the sustainable rural housing guidelines. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil - To discuss emergency works and capital works in respect of St. Patrick's Primary School in Celbridge, County Kildare

thank Deputy Gould for raising this important issue, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy James Browne. Supporting individuals and families facing homelessness is a key Government priority, and the increase in homelessness figures is a concern … school. The Department is committed to considering all measures necessary to support children and families in emergency accommodation nationwide. The Government's new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, includes a strong focus on measures to eradicate homelessness. A key measure in the plan is the development

point I have made today because I have raised this previously. We will disagree on politics and fight and argue over the housing policy and how I believe a number of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael Governments have caused the housing emergency we are in. I hope they

again thank the Deputy for raising this important issue, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Browne. I reiterate that resources and funding are not an obstacle to the urgent efforts required. More than €563 million has been allocated … homeless services in 2021. On the specific point raised in respect of the Leap card, the Government's new housing plan includes a strong focus on measures around homelessness and a key measure in the plan is a child and family homeless action plan. There was a public

completely support. As a father of four children, social media is the biggest issue in the day-to-day running of most houses. The influence it has on homes is ridiculous. Children growing up in this time and age are suffering from mental health issues and eating disorders … them are 15 or 16 years of age now and they have been dealing with this for years. This plays out in multiple houses throughout this country. There is going to be an epidemic of mental health issues regarding algorithms moving forward. We have a responsibility

Before Profit, not just on this Bill but on the issue more broadly. I believe there is a value that Members of this House share. I have seen much hand-wringing from the Minister and Government spokespeople who seem to grapple with this issue. What … reply which was added. It said, "she is giving Patrick O'Donovan a run for his money as the biggest idiot in Leinster House." I appreciate that everybody gets it but what I am trying to demonstrate here is that there is sexism and misogyny in our society

have all been subjected to abuse, as Sinéad was last night. I have been subjected to it myself, as has everybody in the House and particularly women. I do not think the gentlemen in the Chamber would disagree wthat women do face an increased amount of abuse online … acknowledge the risks of recommender systems. That is why the Government cannot support the Bill. I reiterate for the benefit of the House that the Government is relentlessly committed to online safety, in particular for children and young people

turbocharged by global instability for sure but also by the Government's policies. Households are struggling on every front, with the price of housing, groceries and energy. Those already in poverty are being pushed even further to the margins and everyone is feeling the squeeze. The costs … banana for lunch, while cutting back themselves. They are not alone in living that hardship. Let us not even start on housing costs. Unaffordable and unavailable, last month the median price for a home in Dublin broke €500,000 and the Government's new rental rules mean

country. It was a major decision by the Irish people, and one I supported, as the Deputy knows, both inside and outside the House, in respect of the change that occurred. The Government will examine the review, and we will revert to the House once that examination takes

disagree with the very false narrative the Deputy has put before the House in respect of the Government's position on renewables. It is a deliberately created false narrative by the Green Party in order to present the idea that it is indispensable to climate change. I have … totally focused on offshore wind and getting that out there. One of the changes I have made is to establish a clearing house for offshore wind. I brought industry in. You guys refused to do that for five years

before. The Minister has a specific initiative in terms of families who are homeless. The most effective way is to build more social housing. We are building more social housing than at any time since the 1970s on a consistent basis

lovely husband, Peter Duffy, the very best of luck. The night she retired epitomised what has been said across the House during this debate. The community came out in force to go to mass. Fr. Paul Prior held a beautiful ceremony for her and everybody came … debate. I reassure colleagues that the Government is completely committed to our post office network. Many issues have been raised across the House. I am conscious that the Minister, Deputy Calleary, was always very mindful, before he was Minister for Social Protection, to consider the additional services that

welcome the opportunity to address the House on a number of important inquiry processes that have been established or are in the process of being established by the State in the health sector, and to update Members on progress to date. I also want to put these updates … opportunity to update the Cabinet on the progress with both of these and it is important that I update the House. Both exercises are at an early stage and I will address them in turn, before moving on to the non-statutory inquiry into the historical licensing

children like this young boy. Facilities for vulnerable people are closed. In my constituency, we have a brand new dementia centre in Heather House. All it is waiting for is to be registered by HIQA. Everything is done. I have at least ten people who will … there and, again, these are vulnerable people. Will the Minister of State find out when Heather House will open? We will support his legislation but we flag that we have some concerns. The way the State treated wards of the State in the past was absolutely appalling

their support for progressing what is urgent and important legislation. I really appreciate the fact that support came from both sides of the House. A lot of different issues were touched on both tonight and last night, so I going to do my best to address as many … this year. It is due in 2028 but we are very committed to ensuring we are listening to feedback from Deputies in this House and who are on our Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters, but also, and most important, that we are listening to people who are impacted

murder of teenager Jina Mahsa Amini by so-called morality police in Iran. I brought Irish citizen Bernard Phelan to Leinster House to speak about his illegal and brutal incarceration by Iran in the so-called Satan's Block prison wing. We in Labour have no truck with … exactly Trump means when he says, "We haven't even started hitting them hard". Those are terrifying words. This is a chaotic White House, which is destabilising what was already a tinderbox in the Middle East, destroying innocent lives, disrupting the global economy and pushing the most vulnerable

stronger protection to tenants than the old system did and Deputy Bacik was the very person who alleged that we ignored the Housing Commission. The Housing Commission said that the rent protection zones, RPZs

deaf community. It is a special school, providing a very specialised service. It is a wonderful school and they need in-house Irish sign language, ISL, interpreters on staff. I met them yesterday and they recounted to me how they have to hire in interpretation services … small ones, because there has to be a relationship of trust and understanding and so on. They need two of these interpreters in-house. They cannot get clarity from the Department. Will the Taoiseach intervene for goodness' sake? This school needs this service, as I imagine another deaf

Across this House we are incredibly impatient and adamant that this committee at the Department of the Taoiseach must deliver for disabled people. Right across the country, every single day, many of us speak to people with disabilities, and families who have children with disabilities who are caught … getting access to education, housing adaptations, timely assessments or transport in their communities. There is a cost-of-living crisis as well. There is an incredible number of issues. This committee has to be more than procedural. It has to have real results

Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Taoiseach to provide an update on the work of the Cabinet offshore wind energy clearing house. [30526/26

Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage have considered the introduction of a visitor accommodation levy/hotel bed tax or similar levies for the Dublin area for the generation of additional revenue to support

review of the critical skills occupations list and ineligible occupations list; whether the review will take into consideration the availability of housing in addition to the needs of the labour market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30068/26

Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage have considered the introduction of a visitor accommodation levy, hotel bed tax or similar levies, nationally for the generation of additional revenue to support the growing

Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Housing will next meet. [30361/26

Wednesday 22 April 2026 from the Northern Secretary of State that he will pursue significant amendments to the Bill currently going through the House of Commons to give effect to the British-Irish Legacy Framework; the steps the Government will take to ensure there will be no deviation

Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2024 will be fully commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29567/26

Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the Dowth Hall Demesne and National Park will be open to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29571/26

Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the instruction to the NPWS to consider a suite of options for the control of cherry laurel; when he expects the NPWS to report back with a determination of the most appropriate

Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current status of the fire services Bill; will this Bill move to the next stages. [29688/26

Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department is engaging with local authorities with a view to giving rates relief to childcare facilities given these facilitates are now being required to pay commercial rates even though they are providing an essential

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm if he has received an application for the interim remediation scheme by an owners' management company of apartments and duplexes (details supplied); if so, the works that are planned and/or the works that

Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the new Shannon bye laws will require commercial operators to get a licence to operate a commercial activity on the waterway; and if there will be a fee to obtain this licence. [29762/26

Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if Waterways Ireland will review the waiting list for the Grand Canal Dock; and the number of persons that currently have a boat on the waterway and who applied to be on the waiting list

Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if Waterways Ireland will provide a break down on the amount spent on an annual basis for the past five years with PR and communication companies in preparing for appearing at Joint Oireachtas Committees. [29764/26

Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the rationale for linking rent increases in the first two years to CPI for new build, purpose-built student accommodation, with no 2% cap where the development commenced after 10 June 2025, as outlined

Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the financial support, assistance or grant aid that can be accessed via his Department or at local authority level funded by his Department, that persons can access in order to assist with discoveries of items

Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether an assessment has been carried out at national level of the impact of invasive plant species, including those affecting dune and coastal systems, on erosion and coastal protection; whether Dublin Bay and areas such

Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures currently in place to monitor, control and manage invasive species in coastal and dune habitats in Dublin Bay, including areas such as Dollymount Strand and Bull Island; the agencies responsible for carrying out this

Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the level of funding allocated in 2024, 2025 and 2026 for the management and control of invasive species in coastal areas, including Dublin Bay, by year and programme, in tabular form; and if he will make

Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the national policies, strategies or programmes in place to address the spread of invasive species in coastal and dune environments; the way these are coordinated with coastal protection and climate adaptation measures; and if he will

Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of families in emergency accommodation for more than 12 months who have exited emergency accommodation since September 2025, by local authority, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter

Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether management companies hold responsibility for drainage; where these responsibilities lie; and the relevant section of the relevant Act. [30232/26

Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the Local Authority Regional Homelessness Financial Reports for 2025 will be published on his Department's website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30242/26

Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of appeals lodged to date relating specifically to downgraded remediation options under the defective concrete blocks scheme; the number of such appeals in each county, , including a separate identification of Donegal; the number