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enabling a co-ordinated and dynamic response to domestic and cross-border terrorist threats. Enactment of this Bill is a commitment in the programme for Government, and supports the broader programme commitment to strengthen national security. Ireland has comprehensive counterterrorism laws, found in the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences … directive on combating terrorism, we will be a position to adopt subsequent EU counterterrorism measures. This includes partaking in a programme of modernisation occurring at Eurojust, the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation, which co-ordinates investigations and information exchange on cross-border crime across Europe

thank the Minister of State for being here. He is very much aware of the "RTÉ Investigates" programme and the work that was done by Aoife Hegarty and her team. It was an example of quality public service broadcasting. I know the Minister of State, like … getting older and we are all living longer. Over the next 20 years, the population aged between 65-84 is projected to increase by 65% and the population of those aged 85 and over will double. The fact that life expectancy in Ireland is now hitting 83 years

believe we should do better and we should be proactive about it. The Taoiseach talks a lot about the shared island project. Let us share and extend democracy on the island. We have had Presidents Robinson, McAleese and Higgins. They have done great work and outreach to both … meeting again. Hopefully its role expands and I welcome that that is happening. We saw a setback yesterday with the A5 motorway project. Unfortunately, that has been held up again. Hopefully, it will get started and that can be done. It is important for Tyrone, Derry and indeed

further €2.9 million for the protection and renewal of the road network and we are investing €1 billion in new national road projects over the coming decade. I also say regarding the NDP review that it is up to all local authorities to work with … Department to ensure projects get consideration. I hear the Deputy on sustainability and the issue of traffic gridlock and road safety, but the programme for Government contains a commitment to increase funding for new roads as part of the NDP review, as I have said. That is about

watchful eye and ensure it continues. Many people on the other side of the constituency will hope for the delivery of the metro project with the same urgency. It is a far more complex and detailed project but one that has been promised for some time. The review … national development plan is happening in the next couple of weeks. Those two key projects in my constituency are really important, along with the BusConnects projects. The core bus corridors are the quickest and easiest ways to deliver better public transport in our areas. The network design

will provide for the use of biometric technologies, including facial recognition technology; to investigate certain drug offences; and to roll out a support programme to break the link between gangs and the children they recruit. Earlier this year, the Minister of State, Deputy Niall Collins, and the Department … Justice launched a new merged and expanded youth diversion project in Rathkeale and west Limerick, along with the opening of two new projects in nearby east Clare and north Tipperary. We will achieve the target set out in the youth justice strategy of full national coverage of youth

uptake rates increase again, working with clinicians and the HSE. We have given a commitment to extend the catch-up programme. In direct answer to the Deputy's question on whether it is going ahead: we put it in the programme for Government, and it is going ahead … anybody in some part of the Civil Service who thinks they know better, I assure them that we intend to deliver on the programme for Government commitment. I passionately believe in this, as I know Deputy O'Gorman does too. I did not know this question was coming

raise not only the awful deteriorating disease that is Duchenne muscular dystrophy, but also the need for an approach to an early access programme along the lines of what is in Belgium, the UK and the US. In my constituency, there are two very unique and special boys … that access to medication, brings into focus our role as legislators to ensure we keep the pressure on to enable an early access programme. The tragedy is knowing about - to which Deputy Seán Crowe alluded earlier - and having access to givinostat on the island. How do we ensure

also set out what the Government is doing in providing funding to local authorities to assist them. Under the planned maintenance and voids programme, €31 million is available this year. Under the energy efficiency retrofit programme, €90 million is available. Under the disabled persons grants, a further … million is available. Within the regeneration programme, I mentioned €50 million being provided. This funding is expected to provide for upgrade works to more than 6,200 local authority homes this year. The Department is working with the local authority sector, through the Local Government Management Agency, LGMA

Fine Gael, so we are still waiting for the metro. The expected deadline for delivery is 2035. Dr. Sean Sweeney, who is the project director, says it might not even be delivered by then. This is one of the core public transport projects that the State and this … guaranteed timelines for delivery of the metro. We are now looking at the rail system potentially costing 20% more than its projected budget of €9.5 billion. How much longer will it go on? How many more delays will add more costs? We need to get the metro delivered

public transport simply is not an option. That is why, in the previous Government, the Green Party prioritised the Connecting Ireland rural bus programme. We know that Local Link bus services are a key lifeline in many communities, particularly for those who simply … reward commuters and make it as attractive as possible for them to make that move. I welcome Deputy Canney's outlining of the project prioritisation strategy for the all-Ireland strategic rail review. I know we had to cancel statements on it today, but I hope we will

responsible for biodiversity should lead on this in conjunction with the Ministers for agriculture and climate. We are engaged in a range of projects across the country. This will have to be done on cross-departmental basis. The climate and biodiversity dimensions have to be central to this … together to devise a plan to deal with this issue. We have seen plans on other issues - whether it was the Corncrake LIFE project or the white-tailed eagles - in respect of which we engaged with stakeholders and which were - I will not say floundering - in difficulty early

additional social, affordable and cost-rental homes in the period 2025 to 2027 and €265 million to allow for a significant programme of acquisitions in 2025 for priority categories of need. The capital provision for 2025 is supplemented by a further €1.65 billion in current funding to address … quickly, for more people to build on the increases we see in the quarter 1 delivery figures so far this year. The new programme for Government aims to ramp up supply further and deliver 300,000 new homes between now and the end of 2030. The Government continues

taxing vacant and derelict properties, are half measures by the Government and not serious. I wish to raise the issue of social housing projects, almost 180 of which are in Ballymun and Whitehall in my constituency. Some 500 social homes were ready to be built, with … areas of the country that needed them most, but at the last minute, the Minister for housing pulled the funding from these projects. Some 500 social homes were pulled overnight. How can a Government justify cutting funding for social housing in the middle of an emergency

regulation and red tape. What I would like to focus on is the need to secure multi-annual funding for utilities and major projects. I am referring to water services, our national grid and some other areas. It was said was that tough, brave and exceptional decisions were … State, we will have a proper structure of multi-annual funding? We see local councils with a three-year rolling capital programme. Why can we not set out a five-year rolling capital programme for infrastructural projects such as water and the grid? I am digressing slightly

propose to take Questions Nos. 17 to 24, inclusive, together. The Programme for Government 2025, Securing Ireland's Future, sets out a number of commitments relating to national security and defence, and work to give effect to these is well under way. The establishment of a ministerial council … national security is a key commitment in the programme for Government and it will function to enhance central co-ordination on strategic national security matters. I chaired the first meeting of the new council on 21 May 2025. The council received a detailed, up-to-date briefing

forward planning and delivery unit within the Department has been expanded, with the allocation of additional staff in its pursuit of an ambitious programme of work. For the first time, the programme for Government commits to providing capital investment to build or purchase State-owned early learning … childcare facilities to create additional capacity in areas where unmet need exists. The programme for Government also sets out the ambition to work with schools to host before- and after-school childcare in school buildings, as well as planning the development of State-led early learning and childcare

even better and to build on the fantastic work that is already happening there. As the Deputy will be aware, the programme for Government includes a commitment to expand opportunities for students to attend Gaelscoileanna and Gaelcholáistí. I believe the project to deliver the new 600-pupil building … school supports this commitment. As I said, I recently visited the school and saw first hand the importance of this planned building project. I know there have been many challenges along the way to get even to the point at which we are now, including the requirement

Department of the Taoiseach. We continue to work together to look at ways in which we can support the most vulnerable. The DEIS programme is key to that. It is not just the new DEIS plan but also the DEIS plus scheme we have committed … programme for Government. Work is well under way in that regard. It is about ensuring we do everything possible to support those most acutely at risk, such as those suffering from intergenerational trauma and children who are not at school. As well as building on the DEIS plan

thank Deputy O'Shea for raising this important issue for his constituents. The N20 is a strategically important route. The proposed project aims to enhance regional accessibility, to improve the network, to connect the cities of Cork and Limerick, and to improve connections to west Cork and Kerry … will really help to allow balanced regional growth and development. The N20-M20 Cork-Limerick project will provide much better connectivity between Ireland's second and third largest cities, as well as other towns along the route including Buttevant, Croom, Charleville, Mallow and Blarney. As the Deputy said

afforded the highest quality of care and the services that they need. What we saw, though, in the revelations in the "RTÉ Investigates" programme was appalling, showing shocking abuse and serious failures and neglect. I can only imagine how upsetting it was for the families of the people … were revealed to them in that programme, for others who had family members resident in those homes and, indeed, for anybody who had a relation in a nursing home to see such abuse and mistreatment. What we saw was vulnerable people left without basic care as the homes

thank the Deputy again for outlining the facts. The challenge we have, particularly in respect of the AIM programme, which has been very successful for a good number of families, is that when there is a closing-off date, there is always a challenge therein … forward looking at how we can expand the AIM programme, in the evaluation of it that was announced last year, because of its success, it is important we are mindful that we are making meaningful change. It is not a case of just making the change for change

through voluntary housing agencies, then through the Department of housing and finally through the Department of public expenditure. I am dealing with one project with 217 apartments for which the process started in September last year. It has gone through Clúid, the housing agency, through the Department … have to make sure taxpayers are getting value for money, but can we put a process in place that can expedite approvals for projects like this? This is 217 apartments. It is a project in the Taoiseach's constituency, but a number of other projects in a similar

good for SMEs and good for business. The shared island initiative has been able to bring that about, apart from all the other projects we have funded. Sixteen research projects have now been published by the Economic and Social Research Institute, which makes for a transparent piece … engage with the Deputy and to fill him in on the details of that. The shared island unit funded an earlier enterprise project between Donegal and Derry. That also took some time to get together, but the local authorities have identified it as an issue of concern

better? This Government is the latest Government to get housing and homelessness utterly wrong. The 2011 Fine Gael and Labour Party programme for Government committed to ending homelessness. It failed. The 2016 confidence and supply programme for Government committed to ending homelessness. It failed. The language … Fine Gael-Fianna Fáil-Green Party programme for Government changed from eradicating to reducing homelessness and it still failed. Now the 2025 programme for Government talks about supporting people in homelessness. We have gone from an ambition of eradication to support. When did we give

William Aird asked the Minister for Social Protection the steps his Department is taking to increase participation in the Activation and Family Support Programme, the Community Employment Programme, and other training and reskilling initiatives; the number of persons who have been assisted into employment to date

Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health the current status of Beaumont Hospital’s emergency department planned redevelopment; if the project remains a priority item under the HSE Capital Plan; the expected timeline for completion of each phase of the project; and if she will make

further to reports of proposed emergency planning powers for critical national infrastructure, the specific statutory provisions under consideration; the criteria by which a project would qualify; the proposed oversight and reporting arrangements to the Houses of the Oireachtas; the independent environmental and cost-benefit appraisal that would still … required; if a sunset clause and post-project review mechanism will apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60764/25

Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding being provided for wastewater projects under the National Development Project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60175/25

Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will ensure that the experience and data emerging from projects such as the Safe Harbour Project are systematically captured and integrated into CUAN's national policy planning, rather than remaining as isolated localised evidence

Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if there are dedicated mental health programmes or outreach services targeting the Traveller community; and the way in which these programmes are evaluated for effectiveness. [60591/25

Science the number of first-year intake places approved by his Department in the past three academic years for undergraduate psychology-related programmes, including honours bachelor degrees in psychology, conversion courses and so on, across higher education institutions; the number of graduates for the same period; the number … places for postgraduate professional psychology training; and the number of graduates from psychology programmes in each of those years. [60548/25

Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on a project (details supplied) for an ASD class; the reason for the delays; if the project will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60264/25

Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on a new school building project (details supplied); if she is aware that planning permission was granted for these schools in November 2020; the reason for the delays in bringing this project to construction

Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason the proposed Gaelcholáiste project has still not gone to tender despite repeated assurances that it would do so by the end of Q3 2025; if the project remains on track for commencement of construction

Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her attention has been drawn to youth programmes in disadvantaged areas, such as the Ballinfoile Youth Activities Project in Galway, that wish to expand their capacity to engage with more children, but are limited by a lack

primary drivers of the €12 million overrun for Ireland House Tokyo, including the impact of rising construction costs in Tokyo, changes in project scope, design modifications, or unforeseen site conditions; and his views on the project’s value for money for Irish taxpayers, particularly those in export-driven

Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline all pilot infrastructure projects, by local authority, underway at the Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland office in relation to private home EV charging; the funding provided in respect of each pilot project; and if he will make

Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport if an independent feasibility study will be funded for the Metro south west project, as per the Programme for Government. [58802/25

Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the projected carbon savings from the National Development Plans transport projects; whether modal share targets for public transport are on track; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59017/25

Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the work being undertaken to deliver the Programme for Government commitment to increase dedicated Irish-medium teacher training programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57964/25

Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the progress on school building projects and the projected completion dates for schools in Dublin mid-west (details supplied). [58038/25

Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Youth in view of the success of the Youthreach Programme since its inception, and having regard to the fact that a small number of students at senior primary and lower second level cannot have their particular needs … conventional school settings, whether she sees the need for the establishment of a junior Youthreach programme; the strategies her Department have for meeting the needs of such pupils in circumstances where their inability to settle in school gives rise to huge levels of anxiety on the part

Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Youth to outline her views in relation to having a small schools pilot project, which operates as clusters with one administrator working on behalf of the pilot project, that could include 3-6 small schools and teachers could continue

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on a large scale project being delivered under the School Capital Programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58734/25

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on a large scale project being delivered under the School Capital Programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58735/25

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on a large scale project being delivered under the School Capital Programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58736/25

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on a large scale project being delivered under the School Capital Programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58737/25

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on a large scale project being delivered under the School Capital Programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58738/25

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on an SEN repurposing project being delivered under the School Capital Programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58739/25