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More than 9,000 children with disabilities now have access to the ECCE scheme and broader early learning childcare services. The Equal Start programme supports children facing disadvantage through 770 priority services nationwide and core funding has increased. The two employment regulation orders introduced … were breakthroughs as regards boosting wages, but we need to do more in that area. For the first time, the programme for Government commits to the public model of childcare and a strong foundation was put in place over the past five years. There is an existing funding

citizens. Through such initiatives as the local biodiversity action fund, the town centre first scheme and green infrastructure planning, we are supporting practical projects that restore nature while improving people's lives. These projects are not abstract. They mean cleaner rivers, safer flood plains, thriving pollinator populations … showing off all their showcases and the very best of Ireland's natural heritage through guided walks, hands-on workshops and citizen science projects. There is so much going on. As I said, there are 350 events this year. That is absolutely brilliant and to be welcomed. Events

working for our children, families and communities, and to the ability to access services and the way in which we are delivering capital projects. A key to success in this regard for the Government would be to really ramp up the community childcare facilities. I used to work … centres to get to a place where we might be considering a universal approach to family resource centre delivery in terms of capital projects. Specifically on disability, I have experience of working as a social care worker in the St. John of God services in Celbridge, County Kildare

remains committed to delivering real and tangible solutions to enhance services to better support children with disabilities. This is clearly reflected in the programme for Government, as is our commitment to address the challenge of growing waiting lists for assessment of need. I am under no illusion about … assessment will bolster or enhance applications for other Government services and supports. This will require some Departments to review their schemes and programmes to ensure they are not inadvertently encouraging people to seek an assessment of need where one is not warranted. It should not be the case

continuation of Ireland's nitrates derogation beyond the 1 January 2026. Those two things are connected. Ireland implements a robust action programme of measures under our nitrates action plan. As part of the additional measures introduced under the interim review of the fifth nitrates action programme, with effect … water quality review. The measure becomes applicable from 1 December as it had to comply within the timeframe of the current nitrates action programme, which concludes at the end of 2025, so it was the latest point at which it could be brought in to count

issue approvals and, indeed, make payments to AHBs and local authorities. Only this week, a number of applications for new-build social housing projects were approved and approval letters issued. Since the beginning of the year, the Department has released funding of over €1.1 billion for the social … affordable housing build programmes to local authorities and approved housing bodies, and payments continue to be issued. It is important to note that developers and AHBs can begin their conversations with local authorities regarding projects significantly ahead of lodging a formal application to my Department. There will always

scheme. Both Cork City Council and Cork County Council continue to work proactively with all delivery partners, with Cork City Council having a programme in place to deliver 465 affordable purchase homes with affordable housing fund support by 2026, of which 260 homes have already been delivered. Building … delivery partners to further the development of the affordable housing delivery pipeline for 2025 and beyond and to ensure that affordable housing programme responds effectively to the affordable housing needs identified at a local level. Under the programme for Government, the Government committed to introduce a new starter

range of initiatives have already been put in place to support modern methods of construction. These include the accelerated delivery programme to deliver over 1,500 modern methods of construction dwellings through local authorities, led by my Department. In addition and building on this experience, Wexford County Council … currently tendering a 3D pilot project of 22 social housing units utilising off-site three dimensional construction methods which are essentially what are referred to as modular units. The recent programme for Government contains a further range of initiatives to support MMC, including modular housing. These initiatives include

more is under way to address our overall forestry targets and approach. To outline some of that progress, we have a new forestry programme from 2023 to 2027, approved by the previous Government on 6 September 2023, which the Deputy was part of, with funding of €1.3 billion … programme provides unprecedented incentives to encourage the planting of trees as well as a range of measures to support owners of existing forests to manage their forest sustainably, forest creation measures, including native woodland expansion, and planting of small native tree areas. We have a comprehensive package

farm incomes. Over a seven-year period, the funding is almost €1.2 billion higher - an increase of nearly 30% - than in the previous programme, and since the start of 2023 my Department has paid out over €3.7 billion on CAP schemes. The Pillar 1 direct payment schemes … environmental sustainability of livestock farming, for example, the €250 million in annual support for areas of natural constraint, ANCs, the suckler carbon efficiency programme, a sheep improvement scheme and a dairy beef welfare scheme. There are investment supports available for all types of farms through targeted agriculture modernisation

Government has outlined key strategic investment priorities for public water and wastewater capacity through the national development plan. These include the water supply project I described, which will provide essential capacity to support the water supply needs of up to 50% of our population. Similarly, the greater Dublin … drainage project will protect public health, safeguard our environment and facilitate growth in the greater Dublin area to 2050. Currently, 40% of the nation's wastewater is treated, as the Deputy said, at Ringsend. This over-reliance on one location is not sustainable and is a barrier

work. It is important to highlight the vital role of youth work in equipping young people with essential transversal skills. The skills summary project is an innovative tool that recognises youth work as an educational process. The project supports many young people, most notably those who are furthest … from mainstream education. It promotes inclusion and readiness for work and is already being used across youth services, employability projects and volunteering organisations, offering a scalable youth-focused way to make transversal skills visible and valued, filling the gap between youth work and economic opportunity

under construction at Merlin Park and plans for the new elective hospital are progressing. Due to the scale and complexity of these projects, a programmatic approach is necessary to ensure the continued delivery of care on the congested hospital campus. We could not deliver it all at once … site, so that master plan to move around is important. A UHG capital programme oversight board has developed an integrated, strategic master plan for UHG by way of a campus development control plan, DCP. That master-planning process, informed by population health needs and regional clinical demand will

funding for new roads. That is significant. There is always more to do. We have the plan of work programme. The Deputy might ask the engineers in Kerry what they are referring to when they say tender documents have not been submitted because a project … have not cut any projects. In fact, we must prioritise projects. Much of the work in respect of the allocations for this year was concluded late last year. We are looking at schemes and the key will be what can be delivered. We will certainly be looking

huge competing asks within that plan. Of course, the three Ministers here will be putting forward our best foot in terms of projects within transport, be it roads, public transport or whatever. It is important the Deputies understand that we will be putting in plenty of projects that … Department and the officials have been working on. There is a huge ask within the Department of Transport for funding for capital projects but the capital projects are to enhance our services. If you take Ceannt station in Galway, what is happening in Kent station in Cork

airport since 2019. In 2019, 1.72 million passengers travelled to Shannon Airport. In 2024, the figure was 2.1 million. We are projecting a further increase this year. The Government does not, and I say this respectfully, direct airlines as to where they go; the airlines choose where they … fight for that business too. We can support the airport through our investment in it. We will be bringing forward a regional airport programme for 2026-2030. The Shannon Airport Group in particular has put forward some specific asks in that regard, which we will consider. I expect

Burke, from 1 June. He has already had a number of engagements with key tourism stakeholders across a range of priority areas. The programme for Government sets out a clear commitment to growing Ireland's tourism industry. Through support for Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, we want … published by the previous Government last November. I understand that the Minister has asked officials to consider how commitments in the new programme for Government align with the policy framework and to prioritise the finalisation of a new tourism policy which reflects the programme and other Government priorities

priority areas and the Government recognises the central importance of the tourism sector to Ireland's economy. In addition, I note that the programme for Government provides that the Government will work with Fáilte Ireland to develop a balanced regional spread of tourism throughout the country, promoting … ancient destination experience development plan, DEDP, which includes Meath, provides a destination-wide tourism development focus, harnessing existing plans and examining new projects to create a world-class destination with "ancient" as the core development theme. A key project in the ancient DEDP for delivery

last ten years. I know the FAI had it and is leasing it back to the local soccer club, but that is a project that could come under the large-scale projects scheme. There were two very good projects in Cork in 2024, one at Castleview soccer club … other where Cork County Council has been working with the athletic club in Mallow. There was €3 million in funding between those two projects, which are very significant. However, Cork only got €3 million out of the €173 million total for the entire country. Glanmire is an area

opposite to the Administration's agenda. We saw how fabricated the whole casus belli was when we heard Karoline Leavitt single out a programme here in Ireland, supposedly funded by the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, as a "DEI musical", as if it funded actors … malnourished children from May. The charity has said that will put those children in mortal danger. In Senegal, the biggest anti-malaria project has closed. It distributed bed nets and medication to tens of thousands of people. In Yemen, 220,000 displaced people will lose access to critical

process. Ignoring them is simply not an option. The Government must commit to working and engaging with families, communities and community-based drug projects. I have visited projects right across Dublin, including Frontline Make Change in Bluebell, Ballyfermot Star, and SAOL in Dublin’s north inner city … have had round-table discussions with projects, academics and community representatives, including on drug-related intimidation. They feel abandoned by consecutive Governments. I refer in particular to services for women. Projects speak with one voice and seek an input into the decision-making. What will the Minister

progress. The European Union, whose membership has supported a remarkable economic and social transformation in Ireland, is, at its heart, a peace project. It was founded on the simple but powerful idea that countries can achieve more by working together, solving problems collectively and improving the lives … departure of the UK. Separately, the Irish Government, together with the EU and the UK, has provided €1.1 billion through the PEACEPLUS programme to support peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland and the Border counties. This builds on the legacy of the PEACE and INTERREG programmes. It reflects

within the European Union has coincided with our transformation into a vibrant, open, knowledge-based society. As an active contributor to the European project, we have seized opportunities to connect, to grow and to assert our voice in our island nation. Our values align very well with those … human rights and solidarity - and we bring our own distinctive perspective in shaping them. Europe has been particularly important to our young people. Programmes such as Erasmus have expanded their horizons, encouraged cultural exchange and opened the doors to educational opportunity right across the continent. Every year, thousands

increase in the number of children more broadly who benefit from this scheme; extended support for graduate-led provision outside the ECCE programme; and greater stability and sustainability in the sector, with a minimum core funding allocation of €14,000 now in place. There is greater operational … working conditions for educators and practitioners and a lack of supply of places in certain areas and for certain cohorts. In the new programme for Government, we have set out a pathway to address these challenges. In addition to planned reforms to the funding model and increases

benefit of doing this project will be to improve the congestion issues faced by road users by increasing capacity on the existing route and identifying opportunities for bus priority measures. This will allow for more reliable and safer journeys for commuters and vulnerable road users. It aims … reduce the frequency and severity of collisions along this route. The proposed project will improve connectivity between Dublin Port and Rosslare Europort, allowing efficient and greater access to international markets from Ireland. In addition, the project may include the provision of improved active transport facilities and opportunities

Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on a local school building project (details supplied); the reason for the ongoing delays in realising this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56983/25

Parliamentary Question No. 482 of 14 October 2025, if she will provide a breakdown of the capital funding for youth affairs under Project Ireland 2040, where €7.55 billion will be invested in the education and youth sector over the period 2026 to 2030; if she will provide … annual breakdown of funding going to youth affairs under Project Ireland 2040; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57193/25

Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the progress of the new voids programme, as promised in the Programme for Government 2025, to improve the turnaround of vacant social housing units and if AHBs are now being provided with

Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of approvals issued under the Afghan Admissions Programme; the number of persons that have arrived in Ireland to-date in 2025 under the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter

Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of a rehabilitation programme based at DCU involving the use of exoskeleton technology to support individuals with mobility impairments; and if she will engage with the programme lead (details supplied) to explore potential funding options

Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department is considering extending the Human Capital Initiative Programme; if not, if replacement programmes are being developed in lieu of an extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55835/25

Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will outline the new RAPID programme announced in budget 2026; and when he expects the programme to be operational by. [55400/25

Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the total funding available for the CLÁR programme in 2026, the funding available for each measure under the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55960/25

will apply; the measures in place, to ensure a fair distribution of funds; the date on which applications will open and close; if projects which were previously unsuccessful will be allowed re-submit, such as the Dunshaughlin courthouse and town centre project in County Meath

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration pursuant to the commitment in the Programme for Government and answers he gave in Dail Éireann the formal confirmation that has been given to the European Commission that Ireland intends … respect to membership of the EPPO; when was such an intention communicated to the EU in line with the commitment contained in the Programme for Government. [56382/25

Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the reason funding to the LEADER programme has been cut year-on-year in the 2024, 2025 and 2026 Budgets; which aspects of the programme will be affected by these cuts

million to fund projects/programmes that support climate mitigation and renewable energy development” will be allocated, as per Budget 2026; which projects specifically it will fund; how much will be allocated to each specific project, and in total, for 2026, in tabular form; under which subheads it will appear

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the new school building project (details supplied); the actions she will take to progress this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55637/25

Budget 2026 commitment (details supplied) that ‘80 school buildings will progress to construction across 2026 & 2027 as part of 2-year rolling programme and progression of 300 school building projects currently in construction’, if she will provide a list of those schools, and the type and stage

Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department reviews SEEP funding requests by Cork City Council on a project-by-project basis and allocates individually, or whether an overall allocation is provided. [56031/25

Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport if the N17 Collooney to Knock road project is included in the National Development Plan 2026-2035; if phases 3 and 4 of the project will be completed by the end of 2027; and if he will make a statement

Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Transport the current status of the N/M20 Cork to Limerick project, including the project phase now underway; the key upcoming milestones; the indicative timelines to statutory planning, procurement and construction; and if he will make a statement

Transport if upgrades to Waterford- Limerick rail line have been included in the funding allocation from Budget 2026; if not, the reason the project has been excluded; when this project will receive a full budget allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55476/25

Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth the capital programmes that may be available to youth projects (details supplied), to expand their operations. [55201/25

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reforms that are being considered to streamline planning and consenting processes for critical water infrastructure projects, such as the Greater Dublin Drainage Project, which are essential to enabling housing delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter

Department has evaluated the development of a development consent order system similar to the system available in England in order that major infrastructure projects can avoid the need to secure consent for different features of the project under different regimes; and if he will make a statement

Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she is aware of a rehabilitation programme based at DCU involving the use of exoskeleton technology to support individuals with mobility impairments; and if she will engage with the programme lead (details supplied) to explore potential

Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date in advancing a project (details supplied); when this project will proceed to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54511/25

Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the projections that have been carried out by his Department regarding the number of Ukrainians likely to come to Ireland as a result of the decision by Ukrainian authorities to scrap the ban on males aged … years leaving the country; the number of these projections estimated to arrive in the State between now and the end of 2025 as a result of this change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54507/25

John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the capital delivery programme for fire stations in County Cork, including details of projects currently under construction, those at design or planning stage, and the expected timelines