Search the record

think swimming should be obligatory and mandatory for everyone in this House. It would take a lot of tension out of the House. It would be very therapeutic for all the Members. Táim an-sásta an-chuid oibre a dhéanamh chun níos mó tacaíocht a thabhairt

that regard. The Deputy made a point about planning. It is an issue on which we have been engaging with the Department of housing. Good planning does not just mean developing houses; it also means developing communities and sporting infrastructure. That is what we want

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 Joanna Byrne - To discuss funding for the breakfast club for St. Paul's Senior National School, Drogheda … repairs and a new school building in Dunboyne. Deputy Charles Ward - To discuss the administration of the defective concrete blocks scheme by the Housing Agency. Deputy Alan Kelly - To discuss the need for increased resources for An Garda Síochána in the mid-west. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan

attended the public consultation meeting. People in my constituency thought I was organising the meeting because there was no information sent to houses across the area. I asked Uisce Éireann how many leaflets were dropped and on what roads. It is still to get back to me. People … looking for it and there was no sign of it. My job is to represent north Dublin - the job of everyone in this House is to represent their constituencies – but we cannot do that if semi-State bodies or agencies are not giving us the key answers

Exemptions apply to those with dependent children, those previously in the care of Tusla or living independently and those in receipt of State housing supports such as the housing assistance payment, HAP. At the end of January 2026, 11,850 people were on reduced rates

morning when it is dark. People in these areas are suffering. There is also the 40d route. If the Government wants houses built, and we all want houses built, we must have the transport and infrastructure. Dublin West needs massive investment in public transport

circular and the recent bad handling by the Department of a reorganisation of SNAs. It has caused huge upset within and without this House. I pay tribute to Michelle Cotterell, who is the principal of Our Lady of Good Counsel Boys' National School in Johnstown in my constituency … that there is certainty in the longer term? The second point is perhaps a wider issue. I have put down questions in this House about what the cost would be of expanding the SNA provision and having a second adult in every classroom - a second pair of hands

Kanturk in north Cork. We are very lucky to have five or six sites in development at the moment, with a number of houses being developed right across the town. We have a number of other applications for planning permission which do not have a wastewater connection … That will allow for an increase in the population equivalent, PE, in the wastewater treatment plant, which would allow for ca. 230 more houses to be built. I bring this to the floor of the Dáil today in the hope that we could push it forward

would go through a list if they were on a notice to quit. We would ask whether they were on the housing list, how much time they had or whether they had any medical conditions. All Deputies have done this and asked the questions. At the very bottom … tenant in situ scheme. The second benefit was that the State would acquire a property, which it would then own for public housing. The fact is that this State, which is awash with money, turned its back on funding that scheme. When people come into my clinic, Deputy

take it down within an hour. There were well over 100 emails, with people offering whatever they could to get a house. There were about 50 phone calls, of which not all could be answered for obvious reasons. There was a huge number of people who are facing … there are solutions, and it is about Government investing properly. It is about ensuring there is a steady supply of affordable and social housing. I do not know how the Government can defend this in any way, shape or form

paying the price as a consequence. Across Dublin Fingal West, particularly in the rapidly growing towns of Rush and Lusk, thousands of houses have been built and young families and couples have moved in, yet the essential public infrastructure that is community childcare that should accompany that growth … about building State-led early education models but families in my constituency do not see that ambition reflected on the ground. They see housing developments completed before the childcare facilities are delivered. They see population growth without the matching public services. They see political spin without urgency. Early

Minister of State is very passionate about, AI and energy and AI and education. We are learning from people right across these Houses, and from civic society organisations, business, and academic experts. We are very keen to hear their views. People can email ai@oireachtas.ie. That is an open … will support us in that regard. Debates like this are critical, but it is important that the debate is not just within this House. We need more debates in the media, business organisations, trades unions and civic society about how we deal with the threats and the challenges

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 Michael Cahill - To discuss the national planning framework and the sustainable rural housing guidelines Deputy Shane Moynihan

comes to GP services. We need reform. It is not a siloed approach that is necessary. We need to see the Department of housing come in here. We need to see the involvement of the Department of Social Protection. We need to see an evidence-based approach whereby … when housing developments are being planned, it is not simply a childcare facility that is stipulated. What else does a community need? There are people in Kildare right now who are queuing up overnight to buy homes for €500,000 on the assumption that alongside the homes that

welcome the Minister of State to the House today. I thank the Social Democrats for raising this very important motion. The average GP to patient ratio in south Kildare - the area I represent - is 1: 3,163, the fourth highest in the country. Not a week goes … Department once again to ask for an extension of the KDOC service, as I have called for in this House before, to the town of Athy. GP services are so important for the social infrastructure of this country, particularly in Kildare South

health, we have a major health crisis, whether it is in mental health or ordinary physical health. I spoke last week about Perrott House in Skibbereen but I have received no reply yet from the Taoiseach. He said he would be back to me. Hopefully, that will happen … Perrott House is down to two patients. I was told I was scaremongering when I raised the same issue last year. It had 13 patients only a few years ago, but it is being closed by stealth. The HSE is trying to do it behind the scenes

schools. The Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act was enacted in 2012 to manage very meagre contributions from religious orders in the areas of housing, health and education. Let it not be forgotten that survivors had to fight and wait years between each step of progress and reparation. Survivors … days. Miriam Moriarty Owens, Mary Donovan, Mary Dunlevy Greene and Maurice Patton O'Connell protested and went on hunger strike outside Leinster House. That is what it took for them to be heard by Government. The demands of Miriam, Mary, Mary and Maurice for the State contributory pension

have had to protest for so long in this latest stage of seeking justice. Meetings with survivors who were protesting outside Leinster House last autumn should not have been postponed or delayed, particularly as we know that delays magnify hurt. I am glad the protests culminated … impact. I welcome the package of measures the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste have announced, to include financial assistance, prioritised access to social housing, trauma-informed healthcare and education supports. These measures are welcome but survivors tell me they are keen to get a timeline for when the services

welcome Mary, Miriam, Maurice and Mary to the House today, together with your family members and supporters. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to meet you this afternoon. I understand that days like today are particularly difficult for you and your families because hearing … Residential Institutions Redress Board, and funding supports provided by Caranua to over 6,000 survivors in important areas such as health, housing and education. In addition, the National Counselling Service continues to provide much-needed counselling and psychiatry services to survivors of childhood abuse. However

Moriarty Owens, Mary Dunlevy Greene, Mary Donovan and Maurice Patton O’Connell on a number of occasions, including during their time outside Leinster House, and I am truly conscious of the trauma they and other survivors have endured and continue to endure. As they are aware, the issues … struck by that sense of solidarity and generosity that drove Miriam, Mary, Maurice and Mary on. I think all in this House thank them for that. I welcome the apology the Taoiseach has made in the Dáil to survivors of institutional abuse and those who suffered abuse while

learn from. On 22 September last year, a number of brave, determined and committed survivors began their hunger strike outside Leinster House, including a courageous lady from my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny, Ms Mary Dunlevy Greene. When I met with the group of survivors while they were … have a criminal record and will not now be viewed as criminals by the State. A number of other issues, including housing and funeral costs, are also being addressed by the relevant Departments so that survivors can be provided for. Work is ongoing to deliver on commitments given

hunger strike outside this building for 51 days and nights in an attempt for justice. They slept on the streets outside this House in appalling conditions and weather. Their meagre possessions were stolen in what is supposed to be safe Dublin. They did it to represent other survivors … privilege of supporting them by raising their case in this House at the beginning of last November. During my contribution, I pleaded with the Taoiseach to go out, meet the hunger strikers and agree to their reasonable demands. The survivors have been deeply traumatised by the institutional abuse

year ending on 31 December 2026: Vote 37 - Social Protection and Vote 42 - Rural and Community Development. The Select Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage has completed its consideration of the following Revised Estimate for Public Services for the service of the year ending on 31 December … Vote 16 - Tailte Éireann; Vote 23 - An Coimisiún Toghcháin; Vote 34 - Housing, Local Government and Heritage; and Vote 39 - Uisce Éireann

necessary accommodation. I accept there were issues of State failure with regard to processing times, which we have constantly brought up in the House. However, the fact is that people saw a chance to make money, and they went out and did it. I will admit that some … delivering IPAS accommodation. That is a failure of the State, and the cost has been astronomical. I ask for sense and for the House to support Deputy Carthy's amendment

month period and may amend the cap by regulation following such review. (4) Regulations under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after they are made.”. I am surprised in respect of amendment No. 18. It would have been … opportunity and took full advantage. That money did not result in a better service or better accommodation for the people who are housed there. It certainly did not result in better value for the taxpayer. That money has gone straight into the pockets of those private providers

Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of appeals relating to downgraded remediation options that have been withdrawn to date; the number of such withdrawals in each month; the reason recorded in each case for withdrawal; whether the reason

Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applicants who, having initiated an appeal in respect of a downgraded remediation option, subsequently opted to pursue a technical review instead; whether such cases are included in, excluded from, or separately classified within

Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of appeals relating to downgraded remediation options determined to date by the appeals panels; the outcome in each case, including the number overturned resulting in an upgrade in remediation option; the number upheld

Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of appeals relating to downgraded remediation options currently awaiting determination by the appeals panels; the length of time each such appeal has been awaiting decision, categorised, by time bands; if he will confirm that

Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide details on all open EU infringement proceedings where the subject of the infringement relates to the functions of his Department; the reason the infringement proceedings were initiated; the procedural stage of the infringement proceedings

Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the possibility of a local authority purchasing a property (details supplied) under the tenant in situ scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30302/26

Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of funding being allocated under the tenant in situ scheme per local authority for 2026. [30303/26

Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the rationale for maintaining separate cost calculation methodologies for the defective concrete blocks grant scheme and SEAI energy upgrade grants; whether this separation explicitly excludes energy efficiency upgrades from the DCB scheme; and if he will

Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether the unit rates used in the defective concrete blocks scheme are aligned with 2007 Building Regulations or another baseline; the reason current building regulations standards are not applied in full; and if he will make

Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether there are plans to align the defective concrete blocks scheme with current energy efficiency standards in future revisions; and if discussions have taken place with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland in this regard

Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage given that the defective concrete blocks grant scheme applies unit rates aligned to 2007 Building Regulations, and further given that certain elements of construction such as double glazing to 2007 specifications are no longer commercially available

Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to review correspondence (details supplied). [30319/26

Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider proposing the extension of the mandatory retirement age for firefighters from 62 years-of-age to the State pension age of 66, in view of the enactment of the Employment (Restriction

Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will amend the Croí Cónaithe grant process so that applicants may draw down funds on the basis of a completion certificate issued by a qualified local engineer, rather than being required to submit

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the main policy achievements of his Department since 22 January 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30481/26

Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the estimated cost to provide for adult changing facilities in every Irish town with a population greater than 5,000. [30489/26

Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the derelict sites levy data will be published for 2025. [30537/26

Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount waived in the derelict sites levies in each of the past five years, in tabular form. [30538/26

Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he has held any meetings with the Minister for Finance on the new derelict sites tax; and the number of these meetings. [30539/26

Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of times the Southwest Regional Homeless Forum met in 2025 and to date in 2026; the dates of these meetings; and the number of attendees. [30540/26

Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether the full voids return allocation was drawn down in 2025; the date the full allocation was drawn down; and the number of homes that remained vacant at 31 December 2025. [30541/26

Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of homes that have had stock audits completed; whether he has seen preliminary results of these stock audits; and whether he intends to fund legacy issues identified in these audits. [30542/26

Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it is the current policy of his private office/Department to formally invite or notify all local Oireachtas members of constituency events at which Ministers are in attendance in the course of performing their ministerial duties

Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a list of all events across every constituency attended by the Minister in the course of his ministerial duties since 1 January 2026, where formal invitations/notifications to attend were not issued by his office

Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide the complete staffing WTE compliment for Tailte Éireann, by grade; if his attention has been drawn to a human resourcing issue at the body; the steps he will take with Tailte Éireann