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mental health conditions. We also know that it disproportionately affects adolescents and women. While some people benefit from more intensive treatment through day programmes or inpatient care, research shows the most effective treatment setting is in the community, and this has been the area of focus for recent … people with an eating disorder are being treated in the community. Enhancements for specialist mental health services such as the national clinical programme for eating disorders is a key priority for myself as Minister of State, the Government as a whole and the HSE. Dedicated investment in eating

Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following: "acknowledges that: — Housing for All - a New Housing Plan for Ireland, sets out an ambitious multi-annual programme that seeks to deliver more than 300,000 new homes between 2022 and 2030; — since Housing for All was published in September 2021, almost … required; and — the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, is continuing to deliver accelerated funding schemes across the affordable and social programmes which have the potential to unlock delivery of schemes in good locations, while enabling additional supply, with over 60 per cent of active approved projects

propose to take Questions Nos. 20 to 23, inclusive, together. Our new programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, commits to delivering for all people and all regions across our shared island over the next five years. The Government is committed to the unity of the Irish people … sets of relationships recognised in the Good Friday Agreement to unlock the full potential of our island. We have set out in the programme for Government significant new commitments and an ambitious agenda for building our shared island, which will be delivered on a whole-of-Government basis

propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 77 together. The programme for Government sets out the clear ambition to prioritise the delivery of transformative, critical and growth-enhancing infrastructure over the next five years by delivering projects as early as possible and within budget. Extra emphasis has been … staff in the commercial skills academy, who have expertise in engineering and professional development. The requirement for additional analytical, technical, procurement and project management expertise within the division will be scoped out with a view to using this expertise to support all of the national development plan delivery

even have footpaths. I welcomed the Safe Routes to School initiative launched in 2021, but the speed of the roll-out of these programmes is far too slow. In 2021, three schools in Wicklow were part of phase 1 of the initiative. They were only connected … Considering those projects really consisted of putting up bollards, changing the colours of the road markings and putting up signage, it seems a very long delay for a simple project that is so important for the safety of our children. We have over 100 schools in Wicklow

Personal responsibility is important when it comes to road safety but it is important for us as Oireachtas Members to feed back local projects we are being lobbied on by constituents, officials from local authorities and campaign groups who believe that investments are necessary in road safety improvements … very heavily, and rightly so, by the chief executives of the local authorities in counties Waterford, Kilkenny and Tipperary. Phase 2 of that project, as I understand it, has been funded but funding is also necessary for phases 3 and 4. This will allow for design, the statutory

speak on this matter this evening and the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, for his attendance. I appreciate it. The DART+ West project was touted as the first of the projects of the broader DART+ programmes that would be delivered. It is a much-needed rail line improvement … important project for north Kildare in that it would provide a sustainable and enhanced rail service for users. The project between Hazelhatch and Heuston is expected to increase hourly traffic from 5,000 to 20,000 commuters alone. Kildare commuters have the second longest commute in the State

reassert this Government’s commitment to addressing the housing crisis by implementing Housing for All and the suite of measures outlined in the programme for Government. Housing for All is a multi-annual plan to accelerate and increase the delivery of new homes. Since its publication in September … confirm they were rolled out to all local authorities several years ago and are a central part of the current social housing programme, which has resulted in the highest level of delivery of new social housing build for many decades. The motion further calls for a "single stage

propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together. The Programme for Government 2025 - Securing Ireland's Future was approved by the Government on 23 January 2025. We will be working to establish an office in my Department to ensure the full implementation of the programme for Government … over the lifetime of the Government. The programme sets out policy and legislative proposals for the full term of this Government across a number of priority areas, namely, growing our economy; delivery and reform; accelerating housing supply; protecting our environment; investing in our future; a caring society; thriving

welcome the programme for Government commitment to establishing a building standard regulatory authority to undertake a planned review of the defective concrete blocks scheme and to expand the scheme to other counties. However, the programme for Government does not go far enough in committing to a full … redress scheme for the families affected by the defective concrete crisis. I am extremely disappointed that the new programme for Government completely missed the opportunity to include genuine science-based facts. We continue to implement the current scheme, which does not and has never worked. The Government claims

respond to the legitimate questions of its Members, irrespective of whether they are Opposition or Government TDs. We are discussing the programme for Government. The programme's content in respect of justice, home affairs and migration is very ambitious. Overall, it reflects the fundamental need … Home affairs relates to the fact that we have to ensure that our national security is well protected. As set out in the programme for Government, I intend to bring the National Cyber Security Centre and the new national security authority under the remit of my Department

really pleased to have an opportunity to speak on the programme for Government that I was pleased to negotiate with colleagues over the last number of weeks and months and one that sets out our priorities as a Government over the next five years. It is built … strong economy and a fair society and central to that is our education system. We have set out very clearly in the programme for Government that education is at the heart of all our ambitions as a country. Excellent and innovative education and training are essential to delivering

retail and as Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications with special responsibility for the circular economy. The programme for Government lays out an ambitious roadmap for the coming years. I am deeply committed to ensuring its successful delivery, with a particular focus … economy. These businesses are the lifeblood of our towns, villages and rural communities. From local retailers to family run enterprises, the programme for Government aims to provide targeted support to businesses of all sizes to ensure they continue to thrive. As Minister of State with responsibility for small

When I consider the programme for Government we are now asked to speak about, the image that comes to mind is from the plinth in the early stages of the Dáil when a number of members of the Government, who are now established as members of the Government … reasons. Humility demands of us that we also acknowledge that those bad days are very rarely ours. That is the job of the programme for Government, and those of us in opposition who believe in something different, to advance and recognise. One such bad day occurred

make statements in the House on the programme for Government, I am acutely aware of the people throughout the State who have been failed since the Government took office. We know this has not happened today or yesterday. It has been happening for years … businesses need help now. Will the Government introduce a scheme to support businesses impacted by the storm? These businesses need to know. The programme for Government commits to publishing and implementing a new digital strategy to fully realise the economic potential of the digital and AI revolution

grateful for the opportunity to speak on the programme for Government. I am a new, young TD and I am eager to get to work and deliver for my constituency and this great country, but I am very disappointed with the length of time it has taken … produce this programme for Government and form a Government. The Dáil has sat only five of the past 70 days since my election on 29 November. The culture of breaks and holidays in this House needs to end. This House needs to show the urgency that the Government

will serve for the next five years. While we take reasonable time to move towards agreement on the composition and, more importantly, the programme of the next Government, we have a Government in place which is capable of reacting quickly if challenging events materialise. Our constitutional arrangements remain … today certain core priorities which are defining our approach to discussions on Government formation. The new Government must be founded on a clear programme of action as well as clear principles about how it will work. Respect and good faith in dealings with each other, agreement to focus

have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation, while 12 school projects due to go to tender or construction in 2026 and 2027 were included in the national development plan, NDP, implementation plan. There are currently … school projects under construction in Kildare, including large-scale, extension, modular or climate pathfinder projects. The current status of all projects continues to be set out under the tenth item on the Department’s website under building works for the construction, extension and refurbishment of schools. This

taking this on behalf of the Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton. The additional capacity being delivered as part of this project will assist in meeting both mainstream demographic pressures in the area and a significant requirement for additional special class provision to meet continued growth … demand. This project is allowing for expansion of both mainstream and SEN classes in a high-growth area. As part of the NDP implementation plan for the education and youth sector, a first tranche of projects to progress to tender or construction during 2026 and 2027 was published

policy on this. She knows she did not get a mandate for this from the voters, nor is it in the programme for Government. What is in the programme for Government is a reform of the triple lock. What most of us in opposition have been proposing through … mechanism and through motions of assent in the General Assembly. Why has the Government shifted from its own election manifestos and its own programme for Government? I would relish a debate on the triple lock in terms of reform. It would be very interesting

figure stuck in my head when the Minister referred to the will of the State to confront these drug gangs. The DRIVE programme was referenced, which is run by the Department of Health. That programme was funded last year to €280,000, with an increase in funding … announced in September. Just under €350,000 went into that programme from the State. The DRIVE programme stats show that over 1,100 people made representations seeking help from DRIVE in 2025. Effectively, this equates to just over €3 per person per family seeking help and solace

agree about the systematic approach. This is what we have tried to do with SÍOL, to align it with the CLÁR programme in rural areas so that there is consistency to it. We will be making funding announcements. They are small, but Deputies McAuliffe and Ó Snodaigh will … relevance and the support of SÍOL on the ground in their areas. This programme was set up quite quickly during 2026. We are going to stand back from it in the coming weeks ahead of 2027 and learn the lessons from it. It is not going

With issues of community safety, it is important that parents, children and carers can come to places like this. They provide creative play programmes, well-being programmes for children, family fun days and the Finglas fathers and toddler group. They are vital services. The issue the people … Minister of State is well aware, there are a number of different funding streams. People are constantly trying to make a number of programmes work, but they do not have enough funding to ensure that they can provide the service to the extent they need to. Indeed, they

groundwork has been done bar the actual groundwork. Back in 2023 when I was a member of Galway County Council, the project for the redevelopment of the Athenry town square, for Cross Street and North Gate Street in Athenry, received Part VIII planning approval. Following that, the Government … growing frustration in Athenry that all of this money has been allocated and is sitting there and we have not yet seen the project come to life. I have to compliment the regeneration team in Galway County Council for many of the projects it has delivered over

electricity lines from Dublin Connolly to Malahide and eventually to Drogheda as the overhead infrastructure is rolled out under the DART+ coastal north project, diesel or hydrogenated vegetable oil, and battery around Belfast. The train sets can be converted to fully electric traction in the future … enter passenger service in 2030, which are the Enterprise trains, after a period of testing and commissioning. As part of the DART+ programme, three fleet orders have been placed under the DART+ fleet project. These orders comprise of 285 battery-electric and electric carriages. The battery-electric carriages

Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the progress on the project for the Norman Heritage Village in Granard; the progress to date; the timeframe for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45594/26

total funding allocated to the large-scale sport infrastructure fund, LSSIF, to date; to provide a breakdown of funding awarded to each individual project, the amounts that have been drawn down or are in the process of being drawn down; the details of projects that have

Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on the forthcoming round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme, including the anticipated budget allocation; the administrative resources within his Department dedicated to the scheme; the types of projects he intends to prioritise under

Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport the number and value of road safety improvement projects approved for County Kildare under specific road improvement and safety funding programmes in each of the past five years; the locations concerned; and if he will make a statement

Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a list of all capital projects to include road, public transport, active travel, energy and environmental infrastructure projects delivered under the remit of his Departments, and bodies under their aegis (including the NTA, TII, Iarnród Éireann

Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the flood relief projects currently planned, under development or under construction in County Kildare; the stage each project has reached; the estimated completion dates; and if he will make a statement

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the commencement date for construction works for the Rochfortbridge data centre; the expected phasing of the project; and the projected timeline for completion of each phase and full operation of the development. [44519/26

Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on a school project (details supplied) approved in November 2024, but yet to progress; when the project will progress; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44198/26

Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport the overall projected cost in current terms for the electrical grid assessment and grid upgrades to specifically facilitate the rollout of the publicised DART+ South-West Project; the amount of that funding which is currently accessible; the length

asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Tallaght/Clondalkin to city centre core bus corridors with BusConnects; the cost of the project; the funding so far provided to the NTA to deliver the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42562/26

Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Transport for an update on Dart+ Southwest; the cost of the project; the funding so far provided to the NTA to deliver the project; when will it be delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42563/26

Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Transport the number of applications received and approved under the Active Travel Programme in County Kildare in 2025 and 2026; and the projects currently awaiting funding decisions. [43750/26

Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason the online portal for the Summer Provision Programme has closed earlier than usual this year; if parents who missed the new deadline will be able to make an application for the Summer Provision Programme

Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the application window for the Summer Programme 2026 was open for a very limited time between 6 and 15 May, whereas the application window last year was open for a much longer period; her views that … many students will not benefit from the programme this year, as a result of schools and parents not being aware of this new small application window; will she reopen the portal for applications for those who missed out due to not being made aware of the new application

Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason the application window for the Summer Programme 2026 was open for a very limited period between 6th and 15th of May, whereas the application window last year was open for a much longer period … appreciates that many students will not benefit from the programme this year as a result schools and parents not being aware of this new small application window; if she will reopen the platform for applications for those who missed out due to not being made aware

Education and Youth to confirm that a pupil (details supplied) who missed the deadline for applying for the 2026 home-based summer programme to support the education or care needs of students with complex needs by one day will be allowed to participate within the programme

Youth if she will review the pension entitlements of current mainstream teachers who previously worked in qualified teaching roles under the School Completion Programme (SCP) between 2003 and 2014; if her Department will allow these teachers to retrospectively purchase these uncredited years of public service under the terms … Programme for Competitiveness and Work (PCW) Agreement at historical rates rather than the cost-prohibitive commercial "years short" calculations currently being offered; if she will urgently address the severe financial and medical distress this anomaly is causing to affected staff; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide an update on the permanent school building project for a school (details supplied) which is currently operating across two split sites in Heron's Wood and for which a permanent site was identified … January 2023 and subsequently purchased in January, but which does not appear on the list of projects prioritised to proceed in 2026 or 2027; when construction is expected to commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43479/26

Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide an update on the school building project for a school (details supplied) the all-Irish second-level school in Cork city centre; the current stage of the project; the expected timeline

benefits and legacy that will be delivered to the country from hosting the Women's Champions League Final in Dublin in 2029; the projected cost to the State; and the financial and social benefits that will come from the project. [44098/26

Sport the benefits and legacy that will be delivered to the country from hosting the Ryder Cup in Ireland in 2027; the projected cost to the State; the financial and social benefits that will come from the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter

address the level of supports that should be provided to older people by local authorities in line with the Age Friendly Counties Programme and in the context of the Programme for Government identifying a social supports for approved housing bodies. [41466/26

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection if he accepts that where a State-funded programme operates on a permanent and ongoing basis within schools, but significant numbers of workers engaged in delivering that programme are employed on insecure, term-time, or seasonal arrangements vulnerable

Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether the forthcoming National Migration and Integration Strategy will contain quantitative projections or forecasts of additional housing demand arising from projected migration scenarios over the lifetime of the Strategy; and if not, why not. [43645/26

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when she intends to evaluate the eligibility of the ECCE programme, as outlined in the Programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42603/26