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cost-rental homes, 343 will be social homes, and 170 will be affordable purchase homes, giving a 40:40:20 tenure mix. The project commenced on site last March, and work is being undertaken by Glenveagh developments. Considerable experience and resources are being deployed by the developer … project, with the appointment of an assigned certifier, project architects, structural engineers, fire safety consultants, access consultants and other specialist technical advisers. All building works of this nature are subject to the requirements of the building control regulations and regulations made under the Building Control Acts

will touch on a couple of them. Standardised templates were referenced. They have been in place since 2022 for all social housing projects. Reference was made to the single-stage approval process. We are committed in the programme for Government to reducing red tape and streamlining the approval … whole-of-government approach to address this significant issue. The motion calls for the Government to expand the tenant in situ acquisitions programme. Before coming to the Chamber, I listened to some of the contributions Deputies made in relation to the programme. As Members know, it was introduced

welcome the establishment of the Cabinet committee on infrastructure. I will highlight a couple of key projects in my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny. The first is the Kilkenny northern ring road extension, completion of which is of vital strategic importance to Kilkenny. It will help to reduce congestion … city centre and improve traffic safety and convenience. Lots of projects are ongoing in Kilkenny city and the completion of the ring road is vital to these progressing. I ask that this project be included in the updated NDP and fast-tracked accordingly for the development

will speak about the education section of the programme for Government and particularly educational buildings and facilities. I had a look at the previous programme for Government from which this one has virtually been cut and pasted. I will reference two schools in my constituency. One is Coolmine … electricity system is not able to take it. They have applied for planning permission but there is a hold-up. The programme for Government speaks about educational facilities and how children should be educated in first-class and world-class facilities. It is time for this

knees. However, it is also a town that has massive and unharnessed potential. It needs to be key objective of this programme for Government to improve things in the Arklow area. The wastewater treatment plant there has just come to completion. What we need … biggest affordable and social housing delivery programme in the history of Arklow and in the surrounding villages of Rathdrum and south Wicklow. This morning, just across the county boundary in my hometown of Gorey - which is also in the Dublin commuter belt - we had the opening

move: Tuesday's business shall be: - Motion re Ministerial Rota for Parliamentary Questions (without debate) - Statements on Programme for Government (resumed) (to adjourn after 2 hours) Tuesday's private members' business shall be the Motion re Government Response to Storm Éowyn, selected by Sinn Féin. Wednesday's business … shall be: - Statements on Programme for Government (resumed) (not to exceed 1 hr 32 mins) - Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of an opt-in to the negotiating mandate on an EU-UK Youth Experience Scheme (to conclude within 54 mins) - Ministers and Secretaries and Ministerial, Parliamentary

programme for Government is pretty thin gruel when you sit down and look at it. There are commitments to "examine", "consider", "evaluate" and "assess". Where the people of Ireland would have hoped for a significant radical shift in some areas of policy to resolve the challenges we face … particularly in housing and health, they were met with a programme for Government that resembled nothing so much as a question mark rather than definite statements. One particular area over which there may be something of a question - I hope the Government can offer some reassurance

Despite the Taoiseach repeatedly stating that climate change is the existential crisis of our time, anyone who reads the programme for Government would not get the sense there is urgency on the part of or a grasp by the Government of the scale of the problem we face … would have to be a climate action plan that set out all the actions needed to meet the 51%. Unfortunately, even though the programme for Government states that the Government will set out those actions, the programme's other aspects do not give that indication at all. Indeed

Presidency. My Department is currently taking forward initial work, in consultation with other Departments, to develop our Presidency priorities and policy programme. This will be developed against the backdrop of the EU strategic agenda for 2024 to 2029 and the range of legislative initiatives proposed by the European … Commission, including those set out in its work programme, which is expected to be published shortly. Of course, this work will also be shaped by our own priorities with regard to the EU. We are consulting other EU member states and the EU institutions as the process

Government at the start of this new mandate to work with Galway City Council and Galway County Council on those infrastructure projects and the list they provided to Deputy Connolly. I understand when it comes to things like the flood defence scheme, Corrib go Cósta, the funding … announcement of a scheme or a planned scheme to the delivery on the ground. That is why, as we negotiated our new programme for Government, we have placed a very strong emphasis on infrastructural delivery. We will see a very significant uplift, Deputy, in capital spending. That

were not met, we have no faith that these ones will be. I mentioned climate earlier in the context of Storm Éowyn. The programme is equally woolly in this regard. We are talking about meeting our 2030 targets but not about how we are going … breast cancer screenings. There are many other issues in the area of health but I am going to skip them because this programme is a scattergun document, and while we could pick flaws everywhere, I want to get to different areas. On education, the population at primary level

more general point and then two points in respect of my new brief in the Department of Foreign Affairs. In relation to the programme for Government, it is my clear belief that this is an ambitious programme for Government brought together by three entities - two political parties … travelling abroad and, crucially, the reputation of this country abroad, are maintained to the highest possible level. We see this laced throughout the programme for Government, specifically in references from page 132 on in relation to Ireland's place in the world. We are an outward-looking country

about how we will face the threat of Trump's dangerous tariff plans. There is only lukewarm prospects, at best, in the programme for achieving the necessary passage of the vital occupied territories Bill that we have all united on. In short, the programme for Government … constituency deals were done with, or sidebar commitments made to, the "Lowry lads". Those deals do not appear in the text of this programme. Let us be clear, in that many people were deeply uncomfortable, given his history, about the involvement of Deputy Lowry in the negotiation

sudden, I am transported back to 2020. The Tánaiste spoke of a balanced programme. I have to say what is manifest and obvious: you have got the gender balance wrong. You are very male. Some of you are pale but you are very, very male. In politics … that off as a united Opposition, and thank goodness for that. This is a Government built on stroke politics as seen in its programme for Government. This is where things get interesting and where the lofty rhetoric really gets tested, because what is noteworthy is the lack

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit. He can rattle off all the different projects around Dublin and around the country nationally but there is a problem here. This project was started 25 years ago. None of the other projects are hanging around that long. It is absolutely inexcusable … shameful. We need to get a move on and somebody needs to light a fire under the officials in Athlone to get this project under way once

Narrow Water Bridge sail up through Dundalk Bay and into Carlingford Lough. I thank the Taoiseach for his commitment and making sure this project happened for us in County Louth. I will turn to another historic project, namely, the very first all-Ireland university in Dundalk … region and indeed the country. There is a proposal in the shared island unit for funding to push forward this project. Will the Taoiseach update me on that proposal so we can continue to make history on shared island projects in County Louth

sorted. I hope for a speedy decision on the remaining one before the end of the year and that we can get that project moving. We have been talking about it for nearly two decades in various guises. It has had its ups and downs, refusals, quashings … coming to the end of the judicial review process. I hope, with a continued strong economy, we can look at projects like this. This is obviously about making Galway a more attractive place to invest, especially in the west of the city, and also improving the quality

Government remains fully committed to expanding this work, and budget 2027 provides an additional €300,000 in recurring funding, doubling investment in the programme and supporting its continued expansion across the country. One of the most disturbing aspects of organised crime is the exploitation of children and young … million in the recent budget, bringing the total funding to over €50 million. This includes funding the nationwide network of 92 youth diversion projects and four specialised youth diversion projects around the country, including two further targeted youth diversion projects. These services have practical interventions for young people

acknowledge that many projects have come through, and they are all very worthwhile and worthy projects, but some of the approved projects have been sitting there since 2018, with nine construction projects approved under the 2018 round yet to commence. The Minister of State stands here today talking

objective from a Government point of view is to make sure all of these projects move forward. We are in constant communication with all of the applicants from the 2020 round as well as the 2024 round to make sure they push on and are dealt with. From … developments in the national sports campus such as the velodrome and badminton centre and the cricket ground. We will provide for every project as quickly as they can move, as we have done up to now. We want to see them all move. We do not want

think he had potential. The programme for Government committed to “examine the introduction of a Culture Card for 16 and 17-year-olds to access theatre, music and art events”. The delivery of a youth culture card was always subject to budget allocation, and while budget … provided funding for the roll-out of the programme, the Department will continue to explore the development of a culture card for our young people, in line with the programme for Government commitment. Our overarching aim is to support increased participation in cultural life among young people

working to provide support. Again, I thank Deputy Ó Snodaigh for taking the question this morning. The social inclusion and community activation programme, SICAP, is our primary social inclusion programme. Its core aim is to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality. The Minister and I secured … supports in budget 2027. Just less than €65 million of that allocation is for SICAP, providing greater long-term funding stability for the programme and enabling the continuation of important work across the country. The final estimated allocation for each area will be confirmed in the Revised Estimates

thank Deputy Ó Snodaigh, who is playing a super-sub role today in terms of all the questions. The LEADER programme is funded as an intervention under CAP. Therefore, the development of EU regulations relating to the post-2027 CAP and the new national and regional partnership plan … prioritisation of LEADER in Ireland. We have consistently emphasised the importance of a ring-fenced allocation for LEADER to ensure the post-2027 programme can continue its vital role. I acknowledge that the proposed consolidation of the main EU funding programmes within a single national and regional partnership

Council will take its decision and it is to be hoped it is a positive one in respect of the LEADER project. In terms of the funding of such projects into the future, and given that Ireland holds the Presidency, we hope for a more favourable outcome … certain of where funding is coming from and cannot live precariously year to year, especially if they are planning to roll out other projects. They need to invest and consider future plans, and cannot do that if each year they are not sure whether the funding is coming

thank the Minister for that reaffirmation of the aims and targets for the SÍOL programme. I am reassured. I know that CLÁR is coming to a point of decision in relation to bigger projects. My community in Ballygar, County Galway, has developed a €2.4 million sports park … funding from CLÁR to develop the sensory garden and I hope the Minister will take note of that. In addition, there are tremendous projects in places like Termonbarry and Castlerea, at the swimming pool, which the Minister knows well, and, of course, Ballinasloe Rugby Football Club, which

Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the progress made regarding the commitment in the Programme for Government to plan the development of State-led facilities in tandem with the school building programme, including Irish medium naíonraí; and if she will make a statement

supported living housing units planned for adults with intellectual disabilities in County Mayo for each of the years 2026 to 2028; the specific projects in development, including those being advanced in partnership with Approved Housing Bodies and the HSE; the projected timelines for delivery; and if she will

Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide a list of AI pilot projects which have taken place in her Department within the past three months; the expenditure associated with those projects; and whether they are still ongoing, in tabular form. [25789/26

Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health the current status of the proposed oncology development at University Hospital Kerry; the stage the project is at within the capital approval process; the projected timeline for progression through design, planning and construction; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Health the priority being given to projects to support sufferers of lymphoedema within the HSE; whether consideration will be given to support free compression leggings every three months as is recommended and accelerated delivery of programmes to help drainage

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the current project timetable for the fire safety works required to Daisy Unit, Heather House Community Nursing Unit; the date on which the works commenced; the current stage of completion; any interim milestones set; and the reason the works … projected to continue until on or before the end of September 2026. [24699/26

Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Health to provide a list of AI pilot projects which have taken place in her Department within the past three months; the expenditure associated with those projects; and whether they are still ongoing, in tabular form. [25798/26

Minister for Health the unit within her Department that has responsibility for matters relating to the delivery of the children’s influenza vaccination programme in schools; to outline the governance and coordination arrangements in place between her Department and the HSE in respect of this programme; to provide

Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Health the projected healthcare needs of the population over the next ten, 20 and 30 years based on current demographic trends; the modelling used for such projections; the way in which these measures are informing capital planning and service delivery

tutors in GRETB and the closure of 150 classes, will he confirm the extent of the reduction in budgets for ESOL and other programmes in adult education across the country; and to confirm the number of tutors jobs projected to be lost across all ETBs as a result

Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress being made on the delivery of student accommodation under the €100 million Short-Term Activation Programme announced in 2022; the number of these projects that have commenced; and if all of the allocated funding been drawn down. [24551/26

adult education tutors in the Galway Roscommon ETB, to confirm the extent of the reduction in budgets for ESOL and other programmes in adult education across the country; and the number of tutor jobs projected to be lost across all ETBs. [24665/26

Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide a list of AI pilot projects which have taken place in his Department within the past three months; the expenditure associated with those projects; and whether they are still ongoing

Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to provide a list of AI pilot projects which have taken place in his Department within the past three months; the expenditure associated with those projects; and whether they are still ongoing, in tabular

Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the total investment in Offaly projects since the introduction of the LEADER programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22906/26

Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the amount of funding Louth has received through programmes such as the Community Enhancement Programme, LEADER, or the town and village renewal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22540/26

Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide a list of all the School Completion Programme clusters in the country, outlining total population of school children within each cluster and the number of WTE coordinators and WTE project workers assigned

Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average length of time it took SHIP construction projects to complete the four-stage approval process for those projects that were delivered in 2025; and the breakdown of the average length of time

Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether every school on the school therapists pilot project will automatically transfer to the education therapy support programme; whether these will retain existing staff on transfer; and whether these staff will reapply for their roles through the NCSE

Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether every school on the school therapists pilot project will automatically transfer to the Education Therapy Support Programme; whether they will retain existing staff on transfer; and whether these staff will reapply for their roles through the NCSE

Dublin Road and Collier's Lane, Portlaoise, and the Borris Road to Dublin Road Urban Distributor Road; the total funding sought for these projects; the timeline for a decision on these applications; and when it is anticipated that funding will be approved and construction can commence, given that … these projects have been identified as critical infrastructure to enable the delivery of housing in Portlaoise and have been approved since 2009. [22997/26

Migration whether the Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2024 and associated Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022 as mentioned in the Spring 2026 Government Legislation Programme will be prioritised in the next Government Legislation Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23034/26

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether the Mid-Term Review of the Forestry Programme 2023–2027 identified any failure to meet afforestation targets since the programme commenced in September 2023; and if so, the corrective measures being implemented. [22685/26

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being introduced under the Forestry Programme 2023-2027 to diversify species composition in new afforestation projects to improve climate resilience. [22709/26

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which the forestry programme aligns with the EU Nature Restoration Regulation; and whether the Department has assessed the programme’s contribution to biodiversity targets. [23119/26