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protection zone and a 10 km zone in place, as is procedure. At noon today, I announced the introduction of a housing order in consultation with my colleague in Northern Ireland, the Minister, Mr. Muir. That will take effect in Ireland from next Monday because we need … allow time for our flock owners and commercial operators to put housing in place. We will work across areas. We are aware of the challenges for Fota Island. We want Fota Wildlife Park to be able to continue to care for the animals in that space. I remind

many properties around the country and manages a huge portfolio of different properties. One that is closest to my heart is Castletown House, which has been a key amenity in the Leixlip-Celbridge area for a number of years, and has been a key focal point … lands in future. Costs have been incurred in that way since. Taking that, and the bike shed located at the back of Leinster House, we think about the OPW and the cost overruns we have had in individual areas. I am a member of the public accounts committee

Millions have been made from the misery of others. Meanwhile, communities are sidelined, ignored and left behind without the basic resources needed in housing, healthcare and local services. It goes without saying that upholding safety is paramount in any system that functions and commands people's trust … cowards and must face the full weight of the law. Yesterday, my colleague an Teachta Joanna Byrne shared on the floor of this House just how unsafe that particular IPAS accommodation had been prior to any arson attack. Those poor people were doubly failed. The sexual assault

safe. From what I have witnessed, this is not the case. I refer the Minister to the fact I outlined to the House yesterday, where one of those families in Drogheda had no way out of the burning building except via stairs that were ravaged with flames. When … reports for all IPAS accommodation in County Louth immediately. If he cannot do that, he must make a statement to this House to explain why. Following recent events, the people of this State, County Louth and indeed Drogheda need to be certain that those operating IPAS accommodation centres

cheap political right-wing populism; that is what it is. People are hurting. People are being devastated every day by the housing crisis. In my constituency, from Ballymun to Beaumont, I meet people who are really struggling. Ministers are dog-whistling in saying that all the immigrants … Government's failures. It is disgraceful that Ministers have turned and dog-whistled, and are blaming immigrants, because the real cause of the housing crisis is their failures. Why are they not calling out the Irish landlords who are evicting people into homelessness? Why are they not talking

necessary planning permission, causing division in communities such as that in Kilcock and, as referred to by Deputy Neville, that near Ryevale House in Leixlip. One area where we could go further is at the very start of the process at our borders. Across the EU, new border … system without clear rules is not fair to those seeking refuge, to those already living here and to the communities coping with stretched housing and services. We have heard arguments in this regard time and again throughout the country. Since the start of the year, over

means what he says. We need a reset on our public discourse on migration and that starts with all of us in this House and with our leaders in government. For a rationale debate, we need to make appeals to truth, not fears. For a calm debate … misrepresenting and facilitating the endless conveyer belt of online lies which too often end up in diluted form on the floor of this House. For an informed debate, we must speak only to facts. The Tánaiste bulldozed through each of these three last week. He did so purposefully

never heard that before. I have had people come to clinics to talk about the taxation of cars, medical cards and housing but I had never heard a group of people say they live in fear in the community that is their home. That is very worrying … week period, they should rightly be paying for that because every other person in this country, be they accommodated in emergency accommodation, social housing or any form of accommodation, pays a contribution that is appropriate and equal to what they are able to pay. There is a certain

Nearly €1 billion each year is being spent on accommodation for international protection applicants. Some of them, as was pointed out to the House, have an unusual relationship with CAB. Others have very unusual relationships with Fianna Fáil. This is while Irish citizens who built and paid into … within their own community. There is nobody talking about that. We must put Irish people first. We must protect our own citizens and house our own homeless before we try to impress the boys in Brussels. Charity should always begin at home when it comes to our citizens

measured remarks he has made in respect of how we deal with the international protection system and with migration. Like others in this House, I utterly condemn the cowardly and reprehensible behaviour we have seen in Citywest and Drogheda. I am glad to hear every Member call those … cultural life but it also presents new demands. Given the issue's complexity, the public expects that we, as its representatives in this House, will discuss challenges for the systems we use to manage migration. I fear we are falling disappointingly short of the public's expectations

Before we proceed to Leaders' Questions, I have a short announcement to make to the House. It is the first time since 1973 that a sitting TD has successfully contested a presidential election and it is the first time in the history of our Constitution that a sitting … President-elect Connolly is the first sitting TD since Erskine Childers in 1973 to be elected Uachtarán na hÉireann. On behalf of the House, I wish the President-elect every success in her new role as Uachtarán. Guím gach rath uirthi

many years, successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Governments have failed to invest in adequate grid infrastructure, which has resulted in constrained housing development, major outages during storms and high electricity prices. Without a grid built for the 21st century, we will continue to see housing targets being

mismanagement by successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Governments have left us in the mess we are in now, with the crises in housing, education and health among a slew of others. Our grid infrastructure is the energy giver to our economy. It is the lifeblood … mistakes of the past. We need proper transparent planning and full accountability on the delivery of grid infrastructure to ensure we are achieving housing targets and meeting our renewable energy ambition. These are the critical projects that we need immediately to ensure our future. Instead, however, the Government

provide the legal and financial framework for upgrading and reinforcing Ireland’s electricity network to support the roll-out of generation, new housing, electric vehicles and climate adaptation works, particularly to ensure resilience against storms and other severe weather events. We have seen the huge damage that storms … about this previously. There are ways of going about it, such as carve-outs and EU rules, that I have outlined in this House previously. The ESB is in a somewhat unique position given it is a State asset and a former monopoly provider. Under section

other people. The people who are a lot more important in this debate are not the people in this House in suits, with all due respect; it is the people who had to go out at night, working to clear the lines and trying to restore power … will be affected. I thank everybody. This is not an us-and-them situation; this is all of the people inside of this House. All we want is safety, power going to homes, heat going to homes, the continuity of supply and being fair to the people

budget day ahead of time, considering the demands. I am a member of the infrastructure committee, which will meet tomorrow with the housing bodies and the large developers in Kildare, Ballymore and Glenveagh. Their representatives will come to the committee meeting. I know one of the key issues … focus as well. I have met many developers, no more than other Deputies, and I understand the sorts of issues they face. When houses have been built across north Kildare and elsewhere, we have not been quick enough to get the electricity supply in. That

their members are dealing with at this time relate to the infrastructural deficits we still see. It is not a major shock that housing is a particular issue. We all understand the societal impact of that but, as well as the huge impact on families and individuals … also know there is a huge impact on businesses and on our future growth. As we discuss almost every week in this House, without seeing any major plan in terms of delivery, a particular issue is that we have an energy grid that is not fit for purpose

Deputies will be aware that there have been many discussions on school transport here, at the committee on education and in the Upper House. We are committed to ensuring a further expansion of services in the years to come. In budget 2026, there is an extra €69 million … form part of a coherent, evidence-based strategy to make education genuinely affordable for all. For that reason, I am asking the House to decline to give this Bill a Second Reading, but I do so while affirming my Department’s total commitment to tackling back to school

Minister again thanks Deputies O'Rourke, Clarke and Ó Laoghaire for bringing forward this Bill and for giving the House an opportunity to debate an issue that affects many families in the country. The Deputies' concern for affordability in education is both genuine and shared across this Chamber … measures together form a coherent, joined-up strategy to make education genuinely affordable for all. For that reason, while I respectfully ask the House to decline to give this Bill a Second Stage reading, I do so with a firm commitment that this Government will continue

been indicated, the operation of infrastructure that has been developed in Limerick and has to date been funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Limerick City and County Council is unfortunately outside the scope of the grant aid scheme administered by the Department … continued operation of the CCTV system in Limerick need to be again considered by Limerick City and County Council and the Department of housing to ensure the funding arrangements for the CCTV system in Limerick city are placed on a sustainable footing. The Deputy has made some valid

thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. I am responding on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Browne, and the Minister of State, Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan. The NPWS is committed to strengthening its engagement with all stakeholders and, accordingly, has established … committees and are active in myriad stakeholder engagements, including with the NARGC. The Minister of State welcomes the opportunity to confirm to the House the Government’s continuing commitment to nature, the countryside, and the broader biodiversity agenda. Members will be aware that, in the context of budget

Indeed, I encourage everyone to read the article written in her.ie by Kat O’Connor about her generation being forced to accept a housing crisis. She is 31 and has reached a point of hopelessness when it comes to owning a home in Ireland. A total … excluded and we can see that. We can see what happened in Citywest, which was absolutely disgraceful. I call on politicians in this House to be careful with their language. Unfortunately, we saw it yesterday. There was no leadership but rather the fanning of flames of hate

Dáil, that is, my Forty-first Amendment of the Constitution (Reduction of Voting Age to Sixteen Years) Bill 2025. It is before the House currently. In the UK, we will see young people aged 16 and upwards given the opportunity to vote in their next general election … have a Bill before this House. I would urge the Government, again, to bring that before us to continue to move it forward. It will require a referendum and a national conversation about youth participation and about young people's voices, opinions and, ultimately, right to engage

politics is in the ascendancy in the country. Their politics is the establishment in this country. For at least the last decade, this House and this country have become a cold house for diversity of thought. There has been an oppressive uniformity in the political system that

welcome the opportunity to address the House today on the vital issue of men’s health, and in particular, men’s mental health. This is not just a health issue; it is a societal issue, a family issue and a personal issue. It affects every community in Ireland … strengthen collaboration with employers, sports organisations and community groups to promote mental well-being in every setting and for everyone. Everyone in this House and beyond has a role to play in changing the conversation about men's mental health. We need to challenge outdated notions of masculinity

Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether all works must be completed for the payment of a Croí Cónaithe grant, even if the full grant amount has been spent; and the criteria for the payment of the grant. [18875/26

Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total anticipated costs associated with his foreign travel for St Patrick's Day; the delegation size; and if a breakdown can be provided on these costs including on accommodation and flights. [18895/26

Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the action he will take to address the unaffordability and the viability gap of cost rental; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19020/26

Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to consider increasing RAS contribution limits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19021/26

Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the legislation to underpin the apartment defect remediation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19027/26

Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 1242 of 8 September 2026, the position regarding the contents of the formal response that issued to the local authority; the contents of their response; the funds, by heading, that have

Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if Clara fire station, County Offaly will be included in the new priority fire service infrastructural projects 2026-2030, given the inadequacy of the existing very old building which is not fit for purpose

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding a pathfinder project under the interim remediation scheme for fire safety defects in apartments and duplexes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19070/26

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he can outline the scope of the pathfinder project under the interim remediation scheme for fire safety defects in apartments and duplexes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19071/26

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding a timeline for the completion of the pathfinder project under the interim remediation scheme for fire safety defects in apartments and duplexes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the pathfinder project (details supplied) has a confirmed budget, the way this was ratified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19073/26

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding any pathfinder projects planned under the interim remediation scheme for fire safety defects in apartments and duplexes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19074/26

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the full rollout of the interim remediation scheme for fire safety defects in apartments and duplexes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19075/26

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way remediation works are classified and deemed to be included in the interim remediation scheme for fire safety defects in apartments and duplexes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19076/26

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an estimate as to the total cost of completing the full interim remediation scheme for fire safety defects in apartments and duplexes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19077/26

Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the fire safety standards that apply to electronic access control or key card door systems in multi-unit residential developments to ensure that residents can exit safely during a power outage or other emergency; whether such

Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in light of the ongoing homelessness crisis and the Government's decision to restrict the tenant-in-situ scheme; the specific alternative mechanism put in place at the time of the restriction to prevent tenants

Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in light of the ongoing homelessness crisis and the Government's decision to restrict the tenant-in-situ scheme, the number of households that would previously have qualified under the tenant-in-situ scheme that

Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in light of the ongoing homelessness crisis and the Government's decision to restrict the tenant-in-situ scheme, the evidence-based assessment, risk analysis or modelling carried out by the Department prior

Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in light of the ongoing homelessness crisis and the Government's decision to restrict the tenant-in-situ scheme, the projected additional number of households expected to enter homelessness in 2026 as a direct consequence

Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if an application for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19320/26

Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social homes delivered in every county in each of the past five years, in tabular form. [19323/26

Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average annual cost to the State per household placed in emergency accommodation, including hotels, B and Bs and family hubs in the years 2020 to 2025 inclusive, in tabular from; and if he will

Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average capital cost per dwelling acquired under the tenant-in-situ scheme, including purchase price, legal fees and refurbishment costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19337/26

Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the estimated cost to the Exchequer over a five-year period of supporting a household in emergency accommodation compared with the cost of acquiring a property under the tenant-in-situ scheme for that household