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home in 2025, and have only funded the return of 1,900 homes this year; — the periodic opening of the Voids Programme, and the restriction on local authorities claiming reimbursement, leaves public homes vacant for months even when only minor works are needed; — over 250,000 maintenance requests … boarded-up homes cannot be repaired. Does the Minister know why? It is because he and his Government closed the voids return programme, meaning that local authorities do not have the money to renovate those houses. If someone hands back the keys of their house today, it will

approach. This will require the completion of stock condition surveys by all local authorities and the subsequent development of strategic and informed work programmes in response. My Department will support these work programmes by ensuring that the funding available under the various stock improvement programmes is aligned with … this approach. In consecutive years, my Department has ring-fenced €5 million for planned maintenance under the planned maintenance of voids programme. This has been doubled to €10 million for 2025. I hope to increase it further in future years. This funding has supported the implementation

stock management and maintenance is crucial in this regard to ensure that local authorities can maximise the funding available from relevant stock improvement programmes by only completing the measures applicable with the housing standards for rented housing regulations when a property becomes vacant. Providing cyclical maintenance over … place and is further supported by the housing delivery co-ordination office. Some €90 million is available for the energy efficiency retrofit programme, which is an increase of almost 40% since the programme was implemented in 2021. Some €50 million is available in 2025 for a regeneration programme

lifetime of the asset. Identifying opportunities to minimise the impact of the cost on energy consumers is a key workstream of this project. GNI is now progressing the project through the relevant planning and regulatory structures. Given the risk we seek to address, all options to accelerate delivery … project are being pursued. The final cost to deliver the strategic gas emergency reserve and cost recovery model are being assessed as we progress the project through the detailed design phase, and every effort will be made to minimise the cost to consumers. The final investment decision will

look at renewable energy, there is the 80% target to 2030. That is a significant target, even the EPA projection is that we will be at 68% of our energy. Let us be frank about it: the offshore projects have been delayed, probably by another 18 months, because … decisions. I am not criticising it. That is just a reality. We cannot ignore that. There is still a commitment to deliver those projects. We have got to see the offshore renewable electricity support scheme, ORESS, 1 projects delivered and in construction. We will have another auction relating

project should have been delivered by 2030 and now it will not be. The revised date is 2031. We need the interconnector. Work has started in the North subject to challenge there too. Work should start in the South too. There are lessons to be learned. Engagement … grid, if we want a stronger grid and if we want to reduce energy prices for customers on the island of Ireland, this project is needed. The reviews have stated clearly that undergrounding is not an option. It is fully consented in the North and the South

thank the Deputy for raising this very important issue. We were all shocked and appalled by what we saw on the "RTÉ Investigates" programme last week. I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the matter. I especially recognise how incredibly difficult it has been for the residents … arrangements in place ensures that staff are equipped to deliver person-centred care to residents. The distressing footage aired during the "RTÉ Investigates" programme highlighted serious issues of non-compliance within these facilities. The welfare of residents and their families remains a paramount concern for me. Action

unacceptable in the wider context of value for money and value for the taxpayer. Following his commitment to learn from the bike shelter project, the chairman wanted independent assurance on the practice relating to capital projects under €500,000. In addition, he widened the scope of external review … recommendations and management response. The audit report makes a number of recommendations about control measures that will enhance capital expenditure practice for these projects. The OPW has internally accepted the implementation of the recommendations in the report. The new guidance approval and oversight of smaller capital projects

very significant interest in this review because every area is ambitious for investment and development. I could speak about a number of projects in my area, including the Kilmoon Cross to Rath roundabout road project, but I specifically want to raise the issue of Navan rail. This … excellent project on the basis of all the measurements that matter. It will transform County Meath economically, socially and environmentally because it will take thousands of cars off the roads. I welcome this project, which has been invested in and funded up to the planning phase

thank the Deputies for raising those issues. I am not going to get into the distribution of different projects or priorities today. I will say, however, that one of the areas of emphasis in the review of the national development plan is transport infrastructure. I am engaging with … Minister, Deputy O'Brien, on that. The focus is to identify what projects can be delivered. I know there is a great deal of interest in Meath in the particular project Deputy O'Rourke referenced. There are many projects in other parts of the country that are critically

meeting of the Oireachtas media committee yesterday, RTÉ executives revealed yet more wasted spending at the State broadcaster. An IT project, specifically a channel management system, went over budget by nearly €1 million. This comes just weeks after we learned, for the first time, about a €3.6 million … writedown for another botched IT project. That is nearly €5 million either overspent or wasted on IT projects alone. These are only the projects we know about because RTÉ did not volunteer this information. The revelation that €900,000 was overspent on a channel management system only came

congestion is calculated on the basis of lost productive time due to increased travel times. In Galway, the cost of congestion is projected to rise to €106.9 million by 2040. On a per capita basis, this equates to €806 - second only to Dublin, which is projected … transport planning, it is well understood that increased supply will be met with increased demand, known as induced demand. The modelling incorporates projects outlined in the Galway transport strategy published in 2016. The Deputy mentioned some of them. The report further concludes that the planned infrastructure developments will

piers, harbours and slipways they own. As the Deputy knows, as part of the annual fishery harbour centre and coastal infrastructure development programme, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine provides funding to assist coastal local authorities in carrying out small-scale projects for the development … this year's scheme. On 21 May, the Minister of State announced the allocation of funding of €4.33 million for 57 local authority projects across 11 coastal local authorities. All five Kerry County Council projects submitted under the scheme were approved. Nearly €94,000 was allocated for Kenmare

objectives regarding public sector construction procurement reform. The CWMF suite of contracts contain clear requirements with respect to performance and delivery, whereas the project-specific aspects such as scope, design and technical specifications are matters for the contracting authority to determine. The CWMF also provides a suite … guidance material covering all aspects of project delivery. Other contracts, such as the NEC, might be used on larger infrastructure projects. An applicant's eligibility to participate in public procurement competitions must be determined in a manner that meets the principles of transparency, non-discrimination and mutual recognition

Some examples of the types of projects being supported through that funding include the national student counselling database implementation project. This facilitates the identification of trends in the mental health needs of students attending student counselling services. It measures and monitors what trends are coming through from access … review of the national student mental health and suicide prevention framework. A lot of actions are being taken and a lot of good projects are under way. These are meaningful and impactful for the individual students, as well as for the host institutions. Ultimately, the institutions retain autonomy

good discussion on this and many other matters. I admired the fine quadrangle and had the opportunity to inspect some of the research projects around the campus as well. It was a really worthwhile visit to see the really good work being done there. Regarding student accommodation provision … working on and I will publish it this summer. The intention is to have a standard design akin to the second level school programme. The second tool is the use of enhanced supply and demand data to inform planning and investment decisions, so we can see the different

absolutely united in the spirit of getting this project progressed. Again, I would push the case in this instance based on the financial implications and the history of the project. There is no doubt of the intention in the programme for Government, where the intention is to communicate … delivery of a purpose-built college for Dunboyne College. I am just asking for the honouring of the single-phase delivery of the project

target to reach 16% over the lifetime of the national access plan. In further education, 14,825 learners enrolled in FET programmes in 2023 reported having at least one type of disability. This figure constitutes 6.8% of all learners enrolled in that year. A range of existing supports … programmes are in place for learners with disabilities. The fund for students with a disability is provided across higher education and post-leaving certificate programmes, with an annual allocation of over €15 million. Many other supports fall within the scope of the fund, including assistive technology, non-medical

Within my Department, the social inclusion and community activation programme, SICAP, is the primary social inclusion programme. It aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality in Ireland through supporting communities and individuals using community development approaches, engagement and collaboration. I thank and commend our SICAP … youth groups, arts and crafts, games, sports, etc. and, in particular, preventative early school leaving initiatives, youth-focused active citizenship and leadership programmes and mental health and well-being programmes. Targeted supports are provided in many SICAP areas for particular groups of young people in specific areas. Collaboration

have heard the Deputy's case and I note the project from his question. We have to ensure these projects are done properly. The documents have only been with us since 14 March and there will be engagement on the viability of the project. The core aspect about … Athenry, €1.7 million in Tully Cross, Connemara, €1.19 million in Portumna Vision 2030 and €4.2 million in Loughrea. There is considerable commitment to projects in County Galway and that commitment will continue

across the country. Paying for uniforms is still an enormous cost for parents. I welcome the roll-out of the hot meals school programme. I have seen it at first hand. It operated in the school I taught in. I welcome that. It is appropriate and fitting. However … floor of the Dáil the other day. This needs to be focused on. I appreciate the fact that the leaving certificate applied programme and the LCVP are being taken up by far more students. That is absolutely to be welcomed. I did the LCVP myself

systematic injustice. I spent almost three decades working in youth work and education, as well as in teacher education and the school completion programme. I thank the Minister for mentioning school completion so many times in her speech today. I know that my colleagues will be absolutely delighted … approach education in a policy that operates to support and protect them. What I find frustrating is the fact that we see pilot projects here and there, some of which are brilliant, but they are underfunded, under-resourced and often cut short. I get frustrated when

also very confusing. In one part the Minister of State said it is a private matter between a potential investor and the project concerned and that, essentially, he has nothing to do with the administration of it. In another part, he said the immigrant investor programme was first … service that the Government is unable to, or will not, provide to ensure those charities, which applied in good faith for this programme under the auspices of the Government, get the money they are due. I understand the Minister of State cannot speak about specific charities or applicants

thank the Minister of State for his reply. He is absolutely correct it is an incredible and exciting project for the school community in Breifne College. I commend the acting principal, Breege Reilly, and all her staff on their commitment and hard work in the best interests … achieve the best possible integration of all students, and that work has been very successful. The school has a varied and important programme of extracurricular activities for students, including various sporting disciplines, drama and art. I reiterate the importance the school has placed for many years on what

undue penalty on family carers and further diminishes the caring allowance. We must reform the carer's allowance. I note that in the programme for Government, there is a commitment to continue to increase the income disregards for the carer's allowance in each budget "with a view … electorate because Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are on record as committing to abolishing the means test. The wording in the programme for Government is a weak commitment to family carers and is one they will not buy. I ask that the Government once again makes a commitment

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. [58740/25

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. [58741/25

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on an SEN repurposing project for a school (details supplied) being delivered under the School Capital Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58755/25

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on an SEN repurposing project for a school (details supplied) being delivered under the School Capital Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58756/25

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on an SEN repurposing project for a school (details supplied) being delivered under the School Capital Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58757/25

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on an additional accommodation project under the School Capital Programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58761/25

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on an additional accommodation project under the School Capital Programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58762/25

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on an additional accommodation project under the School Capital Programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58763/25

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on an additional accommodation project under the School Capital Programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58764/25

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on an additional accommodation project under the School Capital Programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58765/25

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on an additional accommodation project under the School Capital Programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58766/25

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on an additional accommodation project under the School Capital Programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58767/25

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on an additional accommodation project under the School Capital Programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58768/25

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on an additional accommodation project under the School Capital Programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58769/25

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on an additional accommodation project under the School Capital Programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58770/25

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on an additional accommodation project under the School Capital Programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58771/25

wellbeing in view of the Cass Review (England) (details supplied); and the steps being taken to ensure that parents are fully informed of programme content, that it is implemented with parental oversight, and that all school programmes, healthcare practices, and curriculum materials are balanced, evidence-based

Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of all school building and extension projects approved for Meath under the school building programme, including timelines for planning, tender and construction stages. [60071/25

National Children's Hospital; the way in which this expenditure compares with the original amount budgeted for this aspect of the project; the amount she anticipates remains to be spent in the process of completing this aspect of the project; the breakdown of any such estimated forthcoming expenditure

Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health when spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) will be included as part of the national newborn screening programme heelprick test, following the Government’s decision in November 2023 to include SMA in the programme, the reasons for the delay in implementation

Donoghue asked the Minister for Health the reason spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has not yet been implemented in the national newborn heelprick screening programme, despite the decision announced in November 2023 to include SMA in that programme; if she will confirm the timeline for its implementation

further to Parliamentary Question No. 312 of 9 October 2025, if her attention has been drawn to Coimisiún na Meán’s published Work Programme 2025 (details supplied) which is in contradiction to the previous response, there is no reference to including the regulation of infant and follow … formula advertising in the work programme; if she will review same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57539/25

Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm the revised delivery timeline for the DART+ coastal north project; if he will clarify whether the project has been further delayed to Q2 2027; the reasons for any such delay; and if he will make

financial allocation in Budget 2026 for the advancement of the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney road scheme; when the next phase of this project will commence; the estimated final completion date for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57264/25

Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether there is any restriction on a school seeking external funding for a building project; whether a school is permitted to seek private/corporate funding or sponsorship to progress a building project that has not been funded by the Department