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strategy in parallel with the delivery of many of the 21 actions currently in place that I outlined earlier. The delivery and commencement programme this year will be an important step forward in that regard and will ultimately be key to the long-term success of this sector … have a very ambitious renewable energy programme and hydrogen is a key component of that. A number of key Government stakeholders are involved, including the Departments of transport and enterprise. They are all playing their part in trying to bring forward the best possible programme to ensure that

helpful to outline what is available. There are a number of grants available, through the local authorities, under the Department’s rural water programme to support householders in carrying out improvement works to their private water supplies. The amount of grant funding available to households is as follows … maximum grant of €1,000. There are also nine individual funding measures under the most recent cycle of the multi-annual water programme, which covers the period 2024-26. Each funding measure is directed at a specific activity - for example, source protection, water treatment, network improvements

public have to have trust that a bus will show up when it says it will show up. We have seen the BusConnects programme being rolled out across Dublin and, in particular, I will talk about north Wicklow over recent weeks. This programme has been talked about … when it was rolled out, the provider was not ready for it. GoAhead Ireland was contracted to provide a service under the BusConnects programme, and it was clear that it did not have enough staff or capacity to actually roll this programme out. We had an incredible situation

have in our climate. AI-powered automation is expected to increase by up to 20% by 2030, and the global AI market is projected to grow to €1.7 trillion by 2030. Ireland, due to our climate, is ideal for data centres. What are we going … going to throw away another potential to benefit the Irish people? It is absolutely appalling. I am happy to see that in the programme for Government there is an important restriction and it is stated that we want on-site renewable energy. I was not too delighted yesterday

Monaghan, as well as counties Tyrone, Fermanagh and Armagh, as they do not have the critical mass of a major population. The programme for Government refers to developing the full potential of the Dublin-Belfast economic corridor. I think that will develop itself. We need to prioritise resources … less-developed areas and I sincerely hope we will do so. The programme for Government also refers to mandating each Government Department to come forward with projects. That is worthwhile, but I am glad the potential and role of local authorities is also recognised in that document

Second Stage in the last Dáil before its dissolution. I also welcome the fact that on page 95 of the programme for Government we have stated that this is a priority for us and that the passage of the Bill is essential in modernising our mental health services … intended on coming in here today, when I had written this contribution, seeking an update on the Government's spring legislative programme. I see the Minister of State has managed to do work on that from her seat here in the Chamber today. I welcome that the Bill

working with my officials to ensure it is delivered as quickly as possible. As I outlined during a recent debate on the new programme for Government, over the entirety of my time as a public representative, I have always been interested in special education. As a public representative … needs to be done. We are examining the need for therapists in special schools. There is a commitment in that regard in the programme for Government and we will work to ensure it is implemented. It is important that there are educational therapy supports in special schools. Building

across Cork county are protected from significant flood risk by completed flood relief schemes. Through the catchment flood risk assessment and management, CFRAM, programme, the largest study of flood risk was completed by the Office of Public Works in 2018. It is not possible to progress … plans simultaneously, due to the limited availability of the required professional and specialised engineering skills. However, the Government is committed to funding these projects through the €1.3 billion available under the national development plan. Since 2018, and working with local authorities, the OPW has trebled

State, with damages and losses avoided estimated to be in the region of €2 billion. In 2018, to facilitate the development of a programme of works, the OPW completed a strategic study called the national catchment flood risk assessment and management, CFRAM, programme. The CFRAM programme resulted … partnership with local authorities, to treble the number of schemes at design, planning and construction to some 100. The CFRAM programme did not propose structural flood risk management options to Tallow as it was considered to have a low level of flood risk. The OPW is aware that

consequence-free zone. It simply cannot. These issues are, quite frankly, absolutely alarming. People can make mistakes in terms of the delivery of projects. That is one thing, but it is very different when you just ignore the public spending code and the various approval processes. There … when the new public accounts committee is established, it will look at this. Looking at the table of the companies involved in this project, at least 20 are listed. It is spreadsheet after spreadsheet. People made significant amounts of money and profited from this

much focus on a one-size-fits-all approach rather than locally informed solutions. Unfortunately, there is nothing really new in the programme for Government in addition to what has already been proposed. Many of the commitments were made during the lifetime of the previous Government … programme for Government is devoid of detail and timelines. The recent speed limit reductions have thrown a spotlight on road safety and, while there is no doubt that speed is a factor in road deaths and collisions and we must take the necessary steps to get people

This was eventually topped up with moneys left over. Cork County Council has requested €800,000 to keep the momentum behind the project because it is to go to approval stage by March 2025, I hope. However, council officials have told me that unless the council receives … project will be stopped. That is just the way it is. With regard to road safety, the main street of Mallow is like a car park. People are constantly parked there and it is backed up constantly. The Mallow relief road will be the project to solve

will be aware, for the past several years, the Department of Defence has been collaborating with Kildare County Council on the Curragh consultancy project, seeking to develop a suitable future management method and to highlight the importance and significance of the plains. The project came to completion … dedicated agency responsible for the Curragh or to assign responsibility for the site to an existing agency with the necessary expertise. Throughout the project, both the Department of Defence and Kildare County Council remained cognisant of the need to have in place a means of ensuring the conservation

date. The need for a new primary care centre in Gorey was identified as part of the overall primary care centre development programme and had progressed under the operational lease model. However, the selected provider encountered difficulties regarding viability of the project and, following engagement to attempt … included, one being in Lismore, in my area. I have met the new regional executive officer of that area, Martina Queally, regarding capital projects in the south-east area. She has a new team in place. An analysis has been done of every single project and how each

need for a new primary care centre in Gorey was identified as part of the overall development programme and had progressed. The Deputy mentioned HSE incompetence, but the selected provider encountered difficulties regarding viability of the project. More than one project was involved; I know that … undertaking to deliver these primary care centres. In fairness, as regards the fact that the selected provider encountered difficulties regarding viability of this project and others, it was back to the drawing board and it had to be retendered before Christmas. I was as frustrated as the Deputy

question I am about to put before him. The site on Oscar Traynor Road is incredibly important in the overall Housing For All programme and the overall programme of State construction of public housing on public land. There are more than 800 houses, comprising cost-rental, affordable purchase … issues are there and ensure we can continue construction on the site. The other angle is that many people did not support this project and voted against it when it came before the council. They have deliberately misconstrued the very heavily subsidised prices on the site

Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following: acknowledges that: - Housing for All - A new Housing Plan for Ireland, sets out an ambitious multi-annual programme that seeks to deliver more than 300,000 new homes between 2022 and 2030; - while the policy aim is to reach, if not exceed … homes over the next six years, are an ambitious and credible pathway to achieving these objectives; - the measures committed to in the Programme for Government, including a new housing plan building on the successes of Housing for All - A new Housing Plan for Ireland, will help us meet

level of micromanagement by the officials in the Custom House on everything down to where the windows and skirting boards of public housing projects go is actually one of the greatest causes of delay. Along with others, we have been calling for the last Government and the previous … only possible if we exclude all the Part V units, all the turnkeys and all the design and builds. The actual number of projects of the 8,000 to 9,000 social homes delivered last year that used that process is minuscule because of course

chur i gcrích. Like me, I know the Taoiseach was extremely enthused by the prospect for delivery of the measures contained in the programme for Government. My question relates to the steps being taken to establish a programme for Government office in his Department; how we will monitor … necessary needs to focus on delivery of the much-needed policies in that programme for Government; if the office will decide on the indicators that will be used to monitor delivery; and if he will consider having an annual report on the delivery of the programme for Government

These questions are about the programme for Government specifically. Right throughout that programme, there are very clear commitments to investing in Ireland's artificial intelligence strategy and in digitalisation. I welcome the fact that the Taoiseach attended the global AI summit hosted by President Macron recently. The Department … Irish economy and developing a campaign on AI adoption for SMEs. The fact that there is such a commitment within the programme for Government is very welcome but I am concerned that Ireland may be falling behind. In terms of the commitments in the programme for Government

programme for Government continues the failed policies of its predecessor. It lacks ambition and is deliberately vague with no costings or timelines. It means the continuation of the housing and homelessness crisis, the cost-of-living crisis, hospital overcrowding, long health waiting lists, a broken disability service … called pay and numbers strategy. Everybody agrees the housing and homelessness crisis is the most fundamental issue facing this country. This programme continues the failed policies of the previous Government. There is no new urgency, no emergency measures, no reset of housing policy as recommended by the Housing

programme for Government, I listened with interest to the Taoiseach, Deputy Micheál Martin, saying the reason we would not go into Government with Independent Ireland was our climate plan. I am amazed that he went into Government with Independents who had no policies put in place. That … rate. I am not very clear about the 13% VAT rate going to 9% but it is part of the programme for Government. I asked the Taoiseach last week when that will happen and if it will be straight away. I have not got a straight answer

áthas orm an deis seo a fháil labhairt ar an gclár Rialtais inniu. Whether we agree or disagree with the contents of the programme for Government, the fact remains that we need a programme for Government that truly addresses the chronic level of need that exists across … having on housing. We cannot be afraid to have that conversation. Regarding some of the supports for Uisce Éireann to deliver strategic water projects crucial for housing development, that too is welcome. However, I have expressed major concerns around the proposed pipeline from Parteen Weir to Dublin

south Tipperary. After a long time arguing about it, getting rid of the horrible means test is included, albeit over the five year programme. I welcome this. There are also so many other projects. What we really need to do is get accountability and stop the runaway projects … need a new ambulance space for south Tipperary as the one we have is chronic. There are many aspects of the programme that I welcome and support and I look forward to the change. I am quite pleased that the Government has taken Michael Ring's advice

contributions from me and my colleagues, Deputies Wall and Kenny, over the next 15 minutes. We are having statements on the programme for Government. What I will be speaking to is what is not in the programme for Government, but what was promised … should have been resolved. Promises were made to these workers by parties of government - by Fianna Fáil – that this would be in the programme for Government. What they promised was not even the solution, which is a supplementary pension; what they were promised was that a commission would

Department previously with responsibility for youth, has done on the viability of integrated youth hubs as a model for delivering youth services and programmes rather than assorted grant schemes and service programmes. [42965/25

Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the major project for a school (details supplied); when works will commence and be completed; the reason for the continued delay; if this project will be prioritised given the extremely lengthy delay already

Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the major project for a junior and national school (details supplied); and a timeframe for the project’s completion. [43561/25

Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the major project for a school (details supplied); the reason for the continued delay; a timeframe for the project’s completion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43562/25

Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current status of the building project at a school (details supplied), including progress through the design or tender stages and projected completion date. [44164/25

Dolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to report on the achievements of the State-backed National Digital Research Centre (NDRC) programme in supporting early-stage startups; the financial returns realised to date from public investment, referencing successful exits; the details of the way in which … activity; the statistics on the number of companies supported, the scale of private follow-on investment attracted, and the regional impact of the programme; and his views on the performance to date and on plans to continue and expand this highly successful innovation model under his Department

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when a decision will be made on funding allocations for the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2024-2026 under measure A5 – Extensions and new schemes; if a decision has been made on a project (details supplied); and if he will make

Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the biodiversity cross-Border projects that have been identified by his Department as part of the National Development Plan review 2025; the timeline for the completion of said projects; and if he will make a statement

supply information in relation to a tender document notification (details supplied); to outline the original estimate provided by his Department for this infrastructure project; the estimated final tender approved for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42363/25

Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide a detailed report on the Immigrant Investor Programme; the number of applications received by the Department since the programme’s inception; a list of all approved applications, with the date of approval, the relevant

Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the capital projects which are at appraisal stage, by region and service division, in tabular form; the year in which each business case was submitted; and the estimated funding requirement for the project. [41261/25

Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the projects she intends to spend the €9.25 billion available to her Department under the revised national development plan; to outline the allocations she intends to make to each project; and if she will make a statement on the matter

sufficient to deliver the new maternity hospital, four elective hospitals, 3,000 hospital beds, and extensive digitalisation in addition to maintenance and minor projects; the basis on which €9.2 billion was chosen for health; the division of that €9.2 billion across programmes; how she intends to ensure equitable

Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the amount provided for major projects, by project, as part of revised NDP allocations. [43765/25

Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to putting in place a three year programme for shingles vaccination to be made available to people over 65 and/or immunocompromised people, given that the shingles vaccine is currently not available on a national immunisation … programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44144/25

Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if consideration would be given to the putting in place of a targeted shingles vaccination programme to be made available to people over 65 and/or immunocompromised people, in view that 13 countries in Europe have funded shingles vaccination programmes

asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for information about the working group established in response to the Programme for Government commitment to advance the research infrastructure requirements of the higher education sector, specifically about the programme for research in third-level institutions

Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reasons that the undergraduate psychology degree programme (PC414) at Carlow College is not currently included in the Free Fees Initiative and is not eligible for SUSI grants or funding, despite being equivalent … psychology degrees offered by other institutions that do qualify under both schemes; if he will consider the inclusion of this programme given the urgent national shortage of qualified psychologists across the education, healthcare and social care sectors, which continues to have wide-reaching impacts on service provision

Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the capital works projects within his Department that were funded by the EU in the years of 2024 and to-date in 2025; and the amount of funding received per project, in tabular

Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the details of the projects that were awarded funding in 2024 and to date in 2025 in Wicklow from the community development fund; to provide a breakdown of these projects, in tabular form

Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on her plans to address the projected population growth in Portmarnock; the projected impact this will have on school places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39781/25

Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide an update on the progress of the €5 million pilot programme of counselling and well-being and mental health supports for the academic years 2024-25; to provide a breakdown of the progress in Cork … particular; if there are plans to expand the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40008/25

Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide an update on school building projects in Dublin mid-west (details supplied) and their projected completion dates. [40006/25

Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 296 of 12 June 2025, if he will clarify that c.€350 million is the projected cost of the renters' tax credit in 2025; to outline the allocation in the projection for 2026 to cover the cost of claims

Digitalisation to clarify which Department or agency holds overall responsibility for the monitoring, governance, and financial oversight of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects across the State; and if he will provide a list of all Departments, bodies or agencies currently involved in PPP project delivery or management. [40402/25