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planning in the greater Dublin area and the development of the Luas red line extension to serve Poolbeg is currently one of the projects they are giving real consideration to. Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, is the sponsoring agency for the proposed Luas to Poolbeg project … approving authority. I understand the NTA recently instructed TII to undertake a pre-feasibility analysis of the Luas to Poolbeg project. We are cognisant that an increased demand for travel from Poolbeg to the city will need to be catered for in coming years. The Deputy is quite

community facilities upfront is not available to them. The Government needs to try to fix that. Equally, I recall visiting a couple of projects a few years ago in our area and URDF funding where Dublin communities were effectively locked out of this funding. It was not available … Dublin communities. The only way we could do a particular project at the time seemed to be through the sports capital programme - which, by the way, is very welcome and it is vital that we keep those sports capital grant calls coming - or an active travel programme

maximise the usage of existing capacity in schools and, in tandem with this, to manage the progression of the existing pipeline of projects within available budgets and in line with the Government’s infrastructure guidelines. The Department can identify opportunities to transform existing schools as part of energy … retrofit projects, and the Department’s pathfinder programme has been developing effective solutions in this regard, as we plan for a future wider roll out. The plan for working this through at national scale will be informed by the outcome of an energy and condition survey

planning model is in development, which will be central to the Minister’s plans to achieve the policy goals set out in the programme for Government to build an affordable, high-quality, accessible early childhood education and care system, with State-led facilities adding capacity. The Government continues … provides stability to services and reduces the risk associated with opening a new service or expanding an already existing service. For the current programme year, the allocation for core funding allows for a 6% increase in capacity. Additional funding was secured in budget 2025 to facilitate a further

welcome the opportunity to speak on this matter. This is a priority area in the programme for Government. I see at home how important youth diversion projects are. The newest one just started in east Clare in the past fortnight. This is the first time that the Minister … good man leading the youth diversion area. It is important that we broaden the service even more. I note that is in the programme for Government. It generally tends to locate in big towns but we have seen in recent years that the problems young people face

good, but what are we doing to engage with these young people? The Minister of State mentioned a youth diversion programme that is in two locations so far. That is great but it needs to be in every constituency in Dublin and probably every constituency in the State … What he mentioned is only a drop in the ocean. Last year, I visited the Solas Project in Dublin 8. I accompanied its workers on outreach as they engaged with young people who are involved in crime or in danger of becoming involved in crime. Their motto

seen in the community where I live the difference it makes when there is a good community garda and a good youth diversion project, and what it achieves in respect of the trust and relationship between the young people in an area, a community garda and a youth … diversion project. Unfortunately, the pressure Garda numbers are under means this will be significantly undermined. We have a situation that was reported recently where two stations, Carrigaline and Douglas, that previously had independent Garda units will have to merge those units. These are two areas with more than

community centres and building relationships. That will not be addressed with public order policing alone. Far from it. Sport was the original diversion programme. Sport has been for many young people a space where they build their confidence, find their mentors - the one or two good adults … about all the young people getting to feel included and, within that inclusion, building their confidence and sense of place. Sports clubs, youth programmes and community safety groups do this work every single day, often with no recognition or resourcing from the State. It should also be pointed

circumstances in which young people can thrive and achieve their potential in communities. When I was a youth justice worker in Newbridge Youth Project, the CAN project in County Kildare, with Adele, Ciara and Olivia, we genuinely did life-changing work. It changed our lives as youth workers … changed young people's lives. I can personally guarantee that if every community had a professional youth project or a youth justice project, we would see the outcomes for a generation of young people change overnight. A study done many years ago put an economic cost on that

Like my colleague, I was a youth worker for many years and worked on the school completion programme. Anyone who has worked with young people knows just how amazing they are, how hopeful they are and how clear they are in their vision for the future. They love … ensure that everything is in place. A good starting point would be restoring funding for youth services, Garda youth diversion projects, school completion programmes and other services like them. Funding is being restored but only to pre-austerity levels while the cost of everything has gone up. Everybody

particular facility in terms of the details of it because I am not informed on it. It would be unfair to the project. However, I take the Deputy's point that phase 2 will now follow and will undoubtedly provide important services. I think her suggestion is that … whole thing at once, if I understand her correctly. That is a natural, intuitive argument to make. I have seen elsewhere that sometimes projects can be overly ambitious - I am not making any comment on this particular project but am speaking in a general sense - and have

fully agree and share the Deputy's ambition for Maynooth. For that reason, I immediately made inquiries about progressing that project when I took office. A total of 116 student beds will come on stream this year in Maynooth. The university will be first to come … that programme. I am also meeting the university president, Professor Eeva Leinonen, tomorrow. I will be visiting Maynooth for an event tomorrow, which the Deputy may also be attending, where I will meet the president. I have met her a number of times already and have engaged with

Department has funded 26 town regeneration officers in local authorities. Their job is to drive the delivery of the town centre first programme, which entails a suite of supports for which we have allocated €4.5 million to regenerate town centres through a bottom-up approach. It will allow … town centre first plans, the establishment and development of town teams in smaller towns across the country and looking at that project development measure, which I referred to, as to the pipeline. Within County Kerry, town and village renewal has funded the purchase and regeneration of the Sisters

very positive development for communities across Ireland. They provide a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment where people can share skills, work on meaningful projects and connect with their communities. I am absolutely committed to supporting the work of men's sheds. The programme for Government includes a commitment … sheds. My Department currently provides a range of supports which are available to men's sheds. These include the €7 million local enhancement programme 2025, which allowed men's sheds to apply for running costs, as well as small capital works for their facilities; the SICAP

where I live. I do not know whether the Minister of State is familiar with Dublin 8 but there are five large regeneration projects in the area currently ongoing under Dublin City Council. There is a high level of drug dealing and related antisocial behaviour. There are high … centre that burned down almost four years ago has still not been rebuilt. Quite frankly, if I said the pace at which the project is proceeding is slow, that would be an exaggeration. Youth workers, the Garda youth diversion project and many other projects to help young people

this Dáil. I went to the Security Council just months after Russia had invaded Ukraine. That is the reality we face. The programme for Government commits to reforming the triple lock legislation, while also ensuring that amendments to the legislation are in keeping with our values and policy … European Union that the Social Democrats have put out this week are worthy of Nigel Farage. The European Union is the greatest peace project in the history of the world. The statement by the Deputies opposite in the last few days about war-mongering and all of that

Next Monday will see the launch of a new men's mental health programme in Baltinglass, County Wicklow. This is the Headsup programme. Headsup is an evidence-based mental health education and training programme for men who are finding life stressful, have issues with unemployment, feel isolated … died by suicide, 80% of those were men, which is 359. Will the Minister of State outline what measures contained in the programme for Government would support and complement the important work that begins next week in west Wicklow

diaspora. He mentioned Australia in particular. Only last week I was in Australia as part of the Government's St. Patrick's Day programme and had the opportunity to meet many descendants of people from that time, Irish people over there. The Deputy is right that many … that. It will have a positive impact. It was interesting to hear from Deputy Ward that 20 years ago he worked on this project under a different guise. I commend him on his work and his interest in this project over the past 20 years. He shows

tenant in situ acquisitions programme has been a key measure in the prevention of homelessness since its introduction in 2023. Therefore, Government has agreed funding to continue the programme for 2025. My Department has notified local authorities on the extension of the programme, and a circular setting … This information, and the details for requesting a review on decisions made, may be available from individual local authorities. My Department publishes comprehensive programme-level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity by local authorities and approved housing bodies in each local authority. Comprehensive data

under the HAP and RAS schemes. Such acquisitions have been an important measure in preventing homelessness. The Government therefore agreed to continue the programme in 2025. My Department has notified local authorities about the extension of the programme. A circular setting out the arrangements will issue shortly … tenant in situ, elderly and disabled persons and people exiting homelessness can benefit in an equitable manner from the second-hand acquisitions programme. Under revised arrangements for 2025, local authorities will receive a capital funding allocation for the acquisition of homes for priority categories, namely, tenant in situ

back from the world. The cessation of USAID around the world makes that clear. It could be the death sentence for millions as programmes combatting HIV, climate change and malnutrition run out of money. Even programmes monitoring outbreaks of diseases such as ebola have been … civilians have been the target of the most dreadful war crimes. Such situations only deteriorate further in the absence of dedicated aid programmes and Sudan is only one such conflict. Irish Aid does fantastic work but Ireland is a small player when it comes to the overall amount

opportunity for young carers to be recognised in this State. There is an obligation now on the Department of Education to provide dedicated programmes of supports specific to the needs of carers. Right now in this country, neither the Department of Education nor the Department of children have … dedicated support programmes for young carers in Ireland. We need to see the implementation, as this motion calls for, of bespoke programmes in schools to recognise and support the needs and circumstances of young carers. What is most important in education, and the Minister knows this, is that

test for the carer's allowance is something they would like to see removed. I was part of the team which negotiated the programme for Government and I am satisfied that it sets out a timeline which commits to significantly further increasing the income disregards for a carer … family carers through Care Alliance Ireland by means of an online support group. Increase funding for the carers guarantee will also support the programme for Government commitment to increase support for carers by providing new training opportunities to support them in their caring role. We know from research

lack of facilities in that regard. Laois County Council has indicated a new fire station for Rathdowney to be its number one priority project for the fire services capital programme 2026 to 2030, which I think the Deputy will accept is good news. The council has secured … retaining a central location close to the retained crews' living and working environments. My Department will be identifying new priority fire service infrastructural projects for 2026 to 2030 in the coming months. Officials from my Department will work closely with county councils to progress their identified priority infrastructural

many children who cannot access swimming facilities on an ongoing basis. We know all the health and wellbeing benefits that this kind of project can bring to people with disabilities, the elderly and everybody in the community. There are specific challenges for the swimming pool committee in Loughrea … accessing funding to get a project like this up and running. Significant funding is needed for the initial stages of project development. As it stands, the LSSIF requires a huge contribution from the local authority and it does not assist with project development. That is a particular challenge

Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider conducting an audit to date of a public project's (details supplied) financial, physical, social, and economic aspects following the closure of multiple organisations tasked with delivering the project and the previous publication

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the rollout of the hot school meals programme; the percentage of schools in the Dún Laoghaire constituency that have this programme in place; in cases where there are delays, the work that is ongoing to expedite

Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the projected installation timeline under the all-island sports club EV charging programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50950/25

completed; if so, the outcome; if a preferred contractor has been formally appointed; if not, when this expected will take place; if the project remains on schedule to commence construction in Q1 and Q2 2026, as previously stated by her school visit … public or written notice will be issued regarding the appointment of the successful contractor and confirmation of the project timeline. [50619/25

Education and Youth when she expects the tender process to begin for the construction of a school (details supplied); to confirm that the project remains on schedule to commence construction in Q1/Q2 of 2026, as confirmed by the Minister in May 2025; if her Department will issue … public notice regarding the appointment of a successful contractor; if she will provide a preliminary project outline; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50714/25

Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health the timeline for the NSAC work to consider the further expansion of the cancer screening programmes; when the BreastCheck and BowelScreen programmes will be extended to the over 70s; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50653/25

Bacik asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the progress to roll out restorative justice service provision as promised in the Programme for Government; his plans to provide year-on-year additional funding to ensure all counties have community-based restorative justice programmes; his plans

asked the Minister for Health if a decision was made by her Department or the HSE to halt expansion and/or enhancement of immunisation programmes in 2024 and 2025; the reasons for such a decision; the plans to expand or enhance immunisation programmes in 2026; if a related budgetary

report and timeline on the delivery of a new primary care centre at a location (details supplied) which was listed as a priority project in the capital programme two years ago; if the preferred option as expressed by the GPs concerned for the primary care centre

Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if his Department has received EU funding for capital works projects under the remit of his Department, in 2024 and to date in 2025; and the projects which received EU funding, in tabular form. [50382/25

Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence for an update on the Programme for Government commitment to a nationwide programme for transition year and third level students, with a view to achieving the target of 11,500 personnel and better representation of women

Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the regional airports programme; if there will be a consultation on the programme; if not, the reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49554/25

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the projections made regarding the sustainability of the State pension system given demographic trends as of September 2025; the funding gap projected over the next decade; and the reforms or measures being considered to ensure long-term security

Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of the next generation ticketing project; the profile of expenditure over the lifetime of the project; whether this is provided for in the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48244/25

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport the projected timeline for commencement and completion of the proposed light rail system for Cork city; and if the project is guaranteed funding under the National Development Plan allocations 2026–2035. [48384/25

Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the flood relief projects currently funded by OPW and that are currently undergoing construction; and when each of those projects will be completed, in tabular form. [48436/25

Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the new school building project (details supplied); if her Department has approved the pre-tender report submitted by the design team; the expected date for the project to go to tender; and the anticipated

Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of staff on the School Completion Programme payroll, including coordinators, project workers and sessional staff; and the number who are full-time and part-time, in tabular form. [48813/25

Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth the projected cost for public service status of School Completion Programme staff. [48815/25

Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the Castlebar historic core reactivation initiative project and the Castlebar military barracks project in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48917/25

Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the location of each young parent support programme; the catchment for each of these young parent support programmes, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49245/25

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if consideration will be given to supporting and funding further QQI-certified training programmes specifically designed for members of the deaf community, given that a charity (details supplied) has successfully trained the first two deaf individuals in Ireland … through the City and Guilds programme, and continues to provide essential training such as manual handling, fire training, circular economy and first aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49146/25

provide a breakdown of LEADER funding allocations, commitments and payments for counties Carlow and Kilkenny, respectively, covering the 2014 to 2020 transitional programme and the 2023 to 2027 programme from 2020 to 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form (details supplied). [48777/25

asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the annual CEP/CSF allocations to Carlow LCDC and Kilkenny LCDC and the project-level awards listing recipient, project purpose, amount approved, amount paid, and municipal district with annual totals by county, by year from 2020 to date

Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the breakdown of all Exchequer funding provided to the Poolbeg Waste to Energy Project; and the proportion this was of the total cost of the project in each of the years since its inception to date, in tabular