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being originally from Goresbridge. I acknowledge Willie Mullins, Patrick Mullins and the whole team for everything they have done. It is magnificent. The programme for Government commits to investing additional capital in Uisce Éireann to support reaching our new housing targets. In addition, it states that the Government … town schemes, in particular, are completed as soon as possible. We need to support Uisce Éireann in the delivery of its key strategic projects in our cities and regions. Security of water supply is critical to delivering our national housing and economic priorities. We need to introduce statutory

constructive criticism for the utility to address. On the issue of capacity, again Jerry Grant made a very important distinction that the capital programme, which Uisce Éireann is currently finishing, was dealing with compliance and with getting our water system up to the standard it should have been … wastewater treatment plants if the Government has not provided money for them and has not ensured that they are in the capital programme. Everything cannot be funded, which I accept, but we need honesty in respect of all of these issues. On planning, work still needs

current developments, the National Transport Authority has instructed Transport Infrastructure Ireland to undertake a pre-feasibility analysis of the Luas to Poolbeg project. This analysis will determine the initial feasibility of the project from a passenger demand viewpoint, as stated in the national development plan … project sponsoring agency, and the NTA, as the day-to-day approving authority, will continue with the appraisal and planning of the Luas to Poolbeg project, while the development of the red line Luas extension to serve Poolbeg is currently one of the long-term proposals

more but there is a lot of activity being covered by individual Ministries. That is just on reflection. The committee will oversee programme for Government commitments in relation to infrastructure delivery and reflects the importance this Government is placing on the delivery of infrastructure as the key enabler … dedicated infrastructure division in the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. This new division will work with stakeholders on strategic project selection and prioritisation, aligned with national priorities and making maximum use of resources. It will develop a sustainable pipeline of projects to support delivery

overall capital allocations across Departments and for monitoring monthly expenditure at departmental level. The responsibility for the management and delivery of individual investment projects or sectoral policy strategies within the allocations initially rests with the individual sponsoring Department in each case. Each Minister is responsible for deciding … priority programmes and projects that will be delivered under their remit within the national development plan, NDP, and for setting out the timelines for delivery. As a result, expenditure is allocated and monitored on a departmental basis. The Government has committed €165 billion of funding for capital investment

such an important issue. Farm safety, health and well-being is a priority for this Government. There is a specific focus in the programme for Government on farmer mental health and well-being, recognising the unique challenges faced by the sector. I secured dedicated funding of €2.5 million … existing initiatives and to develop new initiatives for 2025. One example of such initiatives is the farmers' physical and mental health awareness programme On Feirm Ground 2, which my Department is cofunding along with the Health Service Executive and the Department of Health. This expanded programme is providing

thank Deputy Connolly for raising this important point. European Innovation Partnership projects, EIPs, are locally led innovative projects developed by operational groups acting collaboratively towards a common goal. They are a fantastic vehicle and one I used in my previous role as Minister of State. We use such … projects across a range of areas within the Department of agriculture. EIPs represent a really important funding model that bring together innovation actors, including farmers, advisers, researchers, businesses and NGOs, to work together to address local challenges through innovative solutions that can more easily be put into practice

welcome these statements today on youth diversion. As we know, the programme for Government commits us to investing strongly in preventive measures, including youth justice programmes, while strengthening our laws. We have to commit, and I am committed, to building stronger, safer communities in my constituency, namely Carlow … from a life of crime and giving them an opportunity to build a better future themselves is absolutely key to this. Youth diversion projects intervene and support young people in trouble, which can be the difference between a lifelong career in crime and the pursuit of a better

expansion of veterinary medicine education, having regard to competition, balanced regional provision and diversity of approaches in delivery. The HEA recommended the proposed programmes in Atlantic Technological University, ATU, and South East Technological University, SETU, be advanced. It is expected these programmes will have an annual intake … championships last year. Until that point, UCD was the sole provider of veterinary education in the State. The delivery of a veterinary medicine programme is complex. It involves specialist academic staff, appropriate facilities, laboratory equipment, curriculum development and accreditation is key as well. We can train vets

Roscommon ETB is being supported by SOLAS in developing its preliminary business case proposal under the FET college of the future major projects fund. The proposal put forward by Galway and Roscommon ETB relates to the development of a new state-of-the-art FET campus … place in early April. Following evaluation, business cases that meet the evaluation criteria will advance to the next stage of development: pre-tender, project design, planning and procurement strategy. The funding envelope referred to by the Deputy relates to part of my Department's overall capital NDP allocation

congratulate Deputy Clendennen on his election. The local enhancement programme is targeted towards enhancing facilities in disadvantaged communities identified in local economic and community plans. The programme seeks to provide small grants to a wide and diverse range of local community groups, to assist with the purchase … chair of the LCDC in his county, and being centrally leading in the administration of the LEP in Offaly, will recognise that 113 projects and 13 women's organisation to the tune of €186,553 were approved last year in Offaly. I thank Deputy Clendennen for his work

transparently; acknowledges that there have been numerous ongoing failures by Governments past and present to properly manage cost control on Government funded projects, such as: — the €808,000 Dáil printer scandal, where a printer was purchased but could not fit into the print room, leading to over … accountants, actuaries, tasked to address procurement and tendering processes to streamline and improve efficiency with implementation of timelines and goals for delivery of projects, with powers codified in legislation and authority similar to HIQA's inspection framework; — to conduct unannounced audits and inspections of public bodies, Non-Governmental

challenge the position of the Minister that the substance, let alone any of the detail, of the commission's report is in the programme for Government, but that is a discussion we continue to have. I welcome that the Minister met with the commission shortly after taking office … would need to be at least doubled to at least 20,000 units per year on average. None of that is in the programme for Government or the current draft of the NPF. Nor was it mentioned by either the Minister or the Minister of State

right care in the right place at the right time, there are robust systems and procedures to appraise, manage and deliver infrastructure projects required for the provision of health services. Projects are appraised by the national capital and property steering committee of the HSE. This is to ensure … feasibility of delivery. It also ensures alignment with the national service and capital plans. The national capital and property steering committee then recommends projects for inclusion in the capital investment programme. A prioritisation process is conducted to inform the annual capital plan. A review of the spatial plan

overall capital allocations across Departments and for monitoring monthly expenditure at departmental level. Responsibility for the management and delivery of individual investment projects or sectoral policy strategies, within the allocations agreed under the national development plan, NDP, rests with the individual sponsoring Department in each case. Each Minister … also responsible for deciding on the priority programmes and projects, which they can bring to Government. That will be delivered under their remit within the national development plan and for setting out the timelines for delivery. Expenditure is, therefore, allocated and monitored on a departmental basis. In budget

buildings, Garda properties, heritage properties, visitor centres and national monuments. The OPW also has responsibility for the funding and delivery of flood relief projects across the country and works with local authorities on the delivery of these schemes. The OPW endeavours to ensure best value for money outcomes … projects under its management. All contracts are subject to approval, monitoring and audit to ensure that value for money is being achieved throughout the procurement and delivery process. The OPW follows public procurement best practice in respect of the large spend under its remit. This includes

weeks into his new job, we find out about this extraordinary and alarming spend of nearly €7 million on a failed IT project at the Arts Council. This enormous waste of public money raises serious questions about governance and oversight of that body. It raises serious questions about … what oversight, if any, the Departments of arts and public expenditure had over such a major IT project that involved a significant spend but that resulted in nothing. It also raises questions about a cover-up by the previous Government, many of the members of which are serving

Government which the road safety strategy said would be to the forefront of our efforts in road safety. The safe routes to school programme aims to ensure that children can safely get to and from school while also making a difference to congestion on our streets, the health … children as well as helping achieve our emissions reductions targets. The programme aims to create suitable infrastructure to make walking, cycling and scooting a practical and safe choice for families. I expect the scheme continues to serve that aim and I welcome that the programme for Government commits

welcome the opportunity to speak on the programme for Government. The programme is a great working document for the next five years. The Government is deeply committed to doing its level best in a very workperson-like way to help all sectors of society. My brother, Deputy Danny … from both of the leading parties for the genuine commitment they gave, including long days and long nights, to put together a good programme. I believe it is a good programme for Government. There will be Exchequer returns that will be positive. Maybe for the first time

This programme for Government offers absolutely nothing new or different from what we have come to expect from Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil in coalition. It is almost a carbon copy of the programme for Government that was presented to us five years ago, a copy-and-paste … government would deliver 24-7 cardiac care in UHW. That promise, as yet unfulfilled, seems to have been quietly dropped as the new programme for Government contains no mention of cardiac care at UHW, let alone a commitment. Despite the fact that two Waterford TDs, as they took

faith in me. Their encouragement and insights have been invaluable and I pledge to work diligently to repay their trust. The recently published programme for Government sets forth an ambitious vision for our nation over the next five years. This comprehensive document, agreed on by our coalition, outlines … commitment to addressing the housing crisis. It is important to note that significant progress has already been made in this area and this programme for Government is a commitment to finish that crucial work. Between the last term and this coming term, the Government will have overseen

placing their trust in me. That trust is not something I take lightly and I will work every day to justify it. The programme for Government is not just a document, it is a statement of intent. It is a commitment to deliver for the people who sent … West, delivery means real action in improving their everyday lives, be it in transport, housing, education or childcare. The policies in this programme for Government will shape the Ireland we leave to the next generation, and we must get them right. For my part, I will work with

continue to represent them. I will do my very best to repay their trust. I welcome the opportunity to comment on the programme for Government as TD for Meath East and as my party's spokesperson in the Dáil on education and youth. The programme for Government does … look forward to the review but it does need increased investment before 2030. The plan for our public bus network in the programme for Government will give no one, especially those regular users of the 103, 105 and 109 services, confidence that services will improve, which they really

corridors in advance of the winter in 2025 to 2026. It is also looking at the identification and acceleration of specific, near-term projects that would improve resilience this year, and to progress projects that are already identified in this area under Price Review 6, PR6. That … effectively bringing forward any projects that we can, which are in the 2026-2030 ESB investment programme, to see which one of those can be brought forward into this year, and a review of the potential support available from other electricity network companies across Europe. Our crews have

breast density notification. I am taking this issue on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. Enhancing Ireland’s population screening programmes is a priority for the Minister. These programmes are a vital component of our health services. Dense breast tissue is common. Around half … know that mammography detects the majority of breast cancers, including in women with dense breasts. Consideration of any changes to Ireland’s screening programmes is facilitated through established evidence-driven protocols. The national screening advisory committee, NSAC, is the expert group that advises on any proposed changes

Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of people who have accessed the WorkAbility programme since it was established in December 2023; the benefits of the programme; if the programme is on target to support over 13,000 disabled people progress their

Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of a building project (details supplied); if she will provide an update on the project’s progress within her Department’s building programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49643/25

Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 2920 of 29 July 2025, to provide further details regarding the major equipment replacement programme and expansion programme underway at St Luke's Radiation Oncology Network (details supplied); the timeline for completion of the replacement project for linear accelerators

Minister for Defence his views on the recent article in a publication (details supplied) regarding the future of the multi-role vessel project; the project timelines; whether he is satisfied that the project can be progressed under the recent national development plan capital allocation; and if he will

Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Youth the expected timeline for the expansion of the Junior Certificate school programme demonstration library project as committed to in the Programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48092/25

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a detailed timeline for the completion of the Castlebar historic core reactivation initiative project and the Castlebar military barracks project; specifically, when the construction tender stage is expected to commence for these projects; the estimated completion date

Parliamentary Question No. 51 of 26 March 2025, if the review of processes by his Department relative to the Irish coast guard building programme has been completed; the outcome of the review process and the current position of all projects on the building programme; and if he will

Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Transport to provide details of the review of key programmes and projects in the transport sector in the context of the capital funding envelope; when a decision on a programme of delivery with this level of capital investment will be made

works undertaken during this period; the amount spent on preparatory works prior to the COVID-19 pandemic; the duration of the project and reasons for any delays or repeated works; the total projected expenditure for the full completion of the project.; and if he will make a statement

Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to clarify which environmental projects have been submitted by his department officials as part of the National Development Plan bidding process; the budget allocation for said projects; which of those projects are directly linked

Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Taoiseach to provide a list of all public private partnership projects under his remit, including project name, contract value, and start-end date since 2010; and to confirm whether any projects have been subject to cost overruns, renegotiation or early termination since

Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Taoiseach the details of the capital funding programmes or grants for which his Department or any body under his aegis has responsibility for which sporting organisations are eligible to apply; the details of any funding programme or grant that is currently open … date when a subsequent prospective funding programme or grant is scheduled to be opened for which a sporting organisation is eligible to apply for, in tabular form. [43175/25

Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Taoiseach the details of capital funding programmes or grants for which his Department or any body under his aegis has responsibility for which community organisations are eligible to apply; and the details of any funding programme or grant that is currently open … date of when a subsequent prospective funding programme or grant is scheduled to be opened that a community organisation is eligible to apply for. [43193/25

Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of the capital funding programmes or grants for which his Department or any body under his aegis has responsibility for which sporting organisations are eligible to apply; the details of any funding programme … grant that is currently open or the date when a subsequent prospective funding programme or grant is scheduled to be opened for which a sporting organisation is eligible to apply for, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43167/25

Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the details of capital funding programmes or grants for which his Department or any body under his aegis has responsibility for which community organisations are eligible to apply; the details of any funding programme … grant that is currently open or the date of when a subsequent prospective funding programme or grant is scheduled to be opened that a community organisation is eligible to apply for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43185/25

Environment further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 10 and 11 of 16 July 2025, to report on the 80 homes across two area based projects that have been contacted under the scheme; to outline where these projects are located and the reasons they were chosen; to outline the criteria … selection; to provide a project timeline for completion; to provide a breakdown of the funding allocated; to provide a breakdown of the pre-retrofit BER ratings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41749/25

Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the details of the capital funding programmes or grants which his Department or any body under his aegis has responsibility, for which sporting organisations are eligible to apply for; the details of any funding programme … grant that is currently open or the date when a subsequent prospective funding programme or grant is scheduled to be opened for which a sporting organisation is eligible to apply for, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43161/25

Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the details of capital funding programmes or grants which his Department or any body under his aegis has responsibility, for which community organisations are eligible to apply for; the details of any funding programme or grant … that is currently open or the date of when a subsequent prospective funding programme or grant is scheduled to be opened that a community organisation is eligible to apply for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43179/25

Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the details of the capital funding programmes or grants which his Department or any body under his aegis has responsibility for which sporting organisations are eligible to apply for; the details of any funding programme or grant that … currently open or the date when a subsequent prospective funding programme or grant is scheduled to be opened for which a sporting organisation is eligible to apply for, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43163/25

Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the details of capital funding programmes or grants which his Department or any body under his aegis has responsibility for which community organisations are eligible to apply for; the details of any funding programme or grant that … currently open or the date of when a subsequent prospective funding programme or grant is scheduled to be opened that a community organisation is eligible to apply for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43181/25

Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport the details of the capital funding programmes or grants which his Department or any body under his aegis has responsibility, for which sporting organisations are eligible to apply for; the details of any funding programme or grant that is currently … open or the date when a subsequent prospective funding programme or grant is scheduled to be opened for which a sporting organisation is eligible to apply for, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43176/25

Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Transport the details of capital funding programmes or grants which his Department or any body under his aegis has responsibility, for which community organisations are eligible to apply for; the details of any funding programme or grant that is currently open … date of when a subsequent prospective funding programme or grant is scheduled to be opened that a community organisation is eligible to apply for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43194/25

Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Finance the details of the capital funding programmes or grants which his Department or any body under his aegis has responsibility, for which sporting organisations are eligible to apply for; the details of any funding programme or grant that is currently … open or the date when a subsequent prospective funding programme or grant is scheduled to be opened for which a sporting organisation is eligible to apply for, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43166/25

Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Finance the details of capital funding programmes or grants which his Department or any body under his aegis has responsibility, for which community organisations are eligible to apply for; the details of any funding programme or grant that is currently open … date of when a subsequent prospective funding programme or grant is scheduled to be opened that a community organisation is eligible to apply for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43184/25

Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance the projected additional corporation tax yield in 2026 from the increase in the rate to 15% under Pillar Two of the OECD BEPs project; the cost of the proposed G7 side by side system will be; if any modelling … projections have been carried out by his Department on this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43804/25