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within Fianna Fáil. Fine Gael is supposed to be arguing with Fianna Fáil that it is interested in doing it. Look at the housing plan. I look at all the housing plans and listen to all the predictions from Sinn Féin, the Labour Party, the Social Democrats, Fianna … explained that in detail and there is no better person to do so. The infrastructure is not there, so we cannot deliver the houses. The Labour Party has promised 1 million houses. I do not what Sinn Féin or the Government has promised but none of those promises

will work tirelessly at it. I assure Members that one of the fundamental obligations I have is to be answerable to this House and to respond to the legitimate questions of its Members, irrespective of whether they are Opposition or Government TDs. We are discussing the programme … challenges when it comes to getting more numbers into An Garda Síochána. I would appreciate the support of all Members of the House in trying to encourage people to consider applying for membership of the force. There is a recruitment campaign on at present. Some Deputies have been

Government failed to take a serious emergency response to this storm, just like it failed to take an emergency response to the housing crisis. It is important to highlight that it was not just in rural areas that people lost their electricity. People in Glasnevin and Santry … resilient when these emergency storms happen. One area is the roll-out of renewable energy on an individual basis for a house or apartment block on a block-by-block basis. We know that there are ways in which solar energy and solar panels can be supported

which was instead 29,000. In fact, what has collapsed is the credibility of the Tánaiste and Taoiseach when it comes to housing matters. Their record speaks for itself. Every single month, we see house prices, rents and homelessness rising on their watch. Worse than that … playing politics. I am holding him to account for, in my view, misleading the public. I put it to him earlier that the Housing Commission, the Government's own Housing Commission that is independent of all of us, clearly set out the failures and what needs

have said already, housing is the number one issue. It was not, in any shape or form, a deliberate attempt to mislead people. I have quoted those who early in the year and mid-year were predicting close to 40,000, such as EY-Euroconstruct, Deutsche Bank … Cairn Homes. Others, by the way, in other years the Deputy identified, underestimated the number of houses that were subsequently built. That is something Deputy O'Callaghan has not spoken of. We exceeded our targets in 2022 and in 2023, which the Deputy dismissed at the time

tragic loss of his life. I also send my condolences to the family that Deputy Conway-Walsh has just informed the House of. My own county of Kildare did not escape the hardship and destruction of the storm. Indeed, I have spent time in recent days with … number of days. In the run-up to the storm, we saw some great examples of community spirit as other Members of this House have already said, with local bus companies in my area offering lifts to older people and with neighbours looking after one another

this first opportunity since my elevation to the Cabinet, I thank everyone in the House for their good wishes. I look forward to working with everybody on all sides of both Houses of the Oireachtas to deliver for our crucial agriculture, marine, food and drink sector, which … well as structural damage to some tunnels. Glasshouses have been impacted, with loss of panes of glass and structural damage to the house and fixed structures within the house. There has been some level of structural damage to mushroom tunnels, as well as to those structures with plastic

freezing fog warning in Dublin but we had no red warning for Munster. There were people trapped in their houses for three, four or five days. There was no power or heating in their houses and they could not light a fire because there are no chimneys … these houses as a result of the new planning regulations. In our community, we had the tragic death of Joe Noonan, God rest his soul. There would have been more deaths if it were not for the efforts of the local people, backed up by the county council

previous Government. It lacks ambition. It is deliberately vague and has no costings and no timelines. That means a continuation of the housing and homelessness crisis, the cost-of-living crisis, hospital overcrowding, huge health waiting lists, a broken disability service and the health recruitment embargo, known … numbers". The housing and homelessness crisis is the most fundamental issue facing this country. This programme continues the failed policies of its predecessor. There is no new urgency, no emergency measures, no reset of housing policy as recommended by the Housing Commission, and the commitment to hold

this debate. Legal recognition is really important, but so too is healthcare. We have had several debates on this issue in the House. The gender healthcare system in this State is broken beyond repair. A new model of care has been developed, but people who are intersex … plan. The Government is sitting here today and is saying to Deputy Coppinger and those of us on this side of the House to trust it and it will come forward with a plan. I do not believe anybody believes that. I do not believe a single person

hold a referendum on marriage equality, which as well know passed by a landslide. Many of the civil rights passed in this House were because of the Labour Party and it is something we are very proud to say. At the end of 2025, the Labour Party used … intersex community about the proposals it contains. They are incredibly happy to see their concerns and important issues are being debated in this House. Such aims will make a massive difference to their lives, which are currently exceedingly difficult day in and day out for them and their

resourcing at an unprecedented scale. I mean, 80% of every house built in this country now has State backing, one way or the other. Some €9 billion has been provided in the budget. Of that €9 billion, €3 billion is to deliver 12,000 new social homes … budget 2027 allocation. The total Exchequer funding available in 2027 for housing is approximately €7.7 billion, comprising approximately €5 billion in capital and €2 billion in current. The investment in the LDA is additional and will complement that. Lending from the Housing Finance Agency will bring the total

were admitted by the Garda Commissioner to the Stack family in 2019, and my formal apology on behalf of the Government in this House today relates to those failings. They are: a failure to keep a map made of the crime scene; a failure to keep a motorbike … Garda Síochána is independent in its functions, and it is not for me as Taoiseach or for any other Member of this House to insert themselves into any criminal investigation. However, it is plainly and utterly unacceptable that material that was potentially of evidential value to the investigation

Taoiseach's full, unreserved apology to the Stack family this afternoon. I welcome Sheila, Austin, Oliver and Kieran to the House. Our thoughts are also with the wider Stack family and Brian's Prison Service colleagues. Brian Stack was chief prison officer at Portlaoise Prison. In March … killing of Brian Stack. Today shows that the legacy of the Troubles is a question for this State too. Last night, the House of Commons passed the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill by 330 votes to 178, and it now goes to the House of Lords. The Government

move: “That the Bill be now read a Second Time.” I am pleased to present the Bill to the House today. At the outset, I want to again acknowledge the members of our Defence Forces and thank them for the work they do in keeping us safe … thank them for their significant contribution to peacekeeping missions for many decades. I have set out in recent weeks, both in this House and in the Seanad just last week, why the changes contained in this Bill are necessary, but it is important to do so again today

promise that the triple lock would stay - a UN mandate, a Government decision and the adoption and approval of this House. That promise won the vote of subsequent referendums afterwards. I know because I canvassed for them at the time and that was the deal, the deal this … Government is trying to break tonight. In 2013, the Taoiseach told this House that the triple lock was at the core of Irish neutrality. The Fianna Fáil 2020 manifesto committed itself to keeping it. The reality is that nobody has voted or given a mandate for this legislative

where Ireland sends its peacekeepers. Sinn Féin, ironically, would allow Britain more say than our Parliament over where we deploy our peacekeepers. This House is elected by the people of Ireland. The Irish Government is elected by Members of this House and ultimately the Opposition does not trust … people. If you believe in Irish democracy, you should have the confidence to allow democratic decisions to be made here in this House by Members sent here by the people. Let me reassure everyone again. When it comes to deploying peacekeepers or Irish troops, any deployment will still

establishment of the Eurojust case management system, a copy of which was laid before Dáil Éireann on 21st September, 2026. I ask the House to approve Ireland's participation in three important EU justice and security measures. I am seeking that we approve them under Article … Protocol No. 21 on the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The three European measures I am seeking the House's permission to opt in to are: a directive from 2017, No. 541 on combating terrorism; a regulation from 2023, No. 2131 on digital information exchange

which hundreds and thousands of new homes are being built for families. It is important that infrastructure keeps up with this rapid housing growth and one particular area is public transport. Congestion is now a feature of life for people in Lucan, Clondalkin, Adamstown and Clonburris. This … important that we bring forward the funding for DART+ South West as a priority, to enable the building of new houses and to enable a quality of life, and, in the interim period, to fund the bus services that are needed to connect people in Adamstown and Clonburris

will talk to the Minister in respect of this. I am glad Deputy Kerrane has welcomed the significant housing that is happening now in Roscommon in Monksland. She also mentioned Ballinasloe. Affordable housing is a key issue for people, particularly those above the social housing income thresholds … respect of the issues the Deputy has raised. The optimal position is that we have community services going hand-in-hand with housing developments

economy? Deputy Boyd Barrett talks with great ambition about encompassing diversity and the rest of it on a regular basis in this House, but he forgets about the fact that 95 languages are spoken in Apple every day on the northside of Cork city. That is something … which was mentioned earlier, is the shingles vaccine. That is very welcome. I remember on one of my first days in this House I mentioned that in a Leaders' Question, and I am delighted to see that somebody listened to me on that side of the House. Every

devastating consequences of allowing criminal gangs to establish a foothold in communities; — drug dealers must not be allowed to exercise control over streets, housing estates or neighbourhoods, and no community should be abandoned to organised criminality; and — recognises that while drug-related intimidation affects all communities, its impact … drug-related intimidation, supporting families, building community resilience and creating safer neighbourhoods; — strengthen accountability across Government, requiring the Ministers responsible for Justice, Health, Housing, Children and Community Development to deliver a coordinated response, with annual reporting to the Oireachtas on Garda enforcement, victim protection, community investment and progress

children are being targeted by drug gangs. Elderly people should not have to look over their shoulder because criminals believe they own a housing estate, a street or an entire community. Unfortunately, that is what is happening. The message from this House must be absolutely clear: we will … surrender our towns, villages and housing estates to drug gangs or thugs. We need more gardaí, tougher enforcement, stronger victim supports and real consequences for those who prey on vulnerable families. Fine words are no substitute for action and, of course, the basics have to be in place

thank Sinn Féin for tabling the motion today. I have listened to the debate in this House and to Members' sincerity and informed contributions. As the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, and other Deputies stated, we are seeing a united approach to these egregious crimes being committed across … these crimes. In our own constituency, Deputy Ó Snodaigh and I have seen people who have been the victims of mistaken identity whose houses were petrol-bombed. We had three instances of petrol-bombing in Dublin South-Central in the past four weeks. The Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan

programme reflect this. For example, the town centre first policy is a is a joint initiative between my Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The aim of the policy is to regenerate and enhance the social and economic revival of towns and villages … development measure. The closing date for applications is 22 January 2027. The town centre first approach complements other national policies, including the national housing strategy, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, as well as the national planning framework, all of which have the aim of tackling vacancy and dereliction, achieving

Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide details of the current cost of constructing 18 social housing units at Kilbride Lodge, Bray, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63783/25

Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures, in place to make Uisce Éireann more accountable to the Houses of the Oireachtas as well as to elected representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63842/25

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the projected annual housing delivery for Cork city and Cork county under the new national plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities; and the expected output for each year to 2030. [63857/25

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has identified any infrastructure gaps in Blarney, Glanmire, Ballyvolane or Blackpool that may delay local delivery under the new housing plan; and if so, to list them. [63859/25

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the expected annual and cumulative delivery for each region, including Cork city and Cork county, under the new strategy Delivering Homes, Building Communities; the number of homes allocated to social housing, affordable purchase, and private

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of homes delivered in each year from 2021 to 2024 under Housing for All; the gap between those results and the original annual targets; and how this delivery record informed

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of housing units currently delayed due to planning appeals, water-connection issues, environmental assessments, or inter-agency approvals; the average duration of delays; and the actions being taken within the next 12 months

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether the current water, wastewater, road, and public-transport infrastructure in Cork city and Cork county is sufficient to support the housing targets set for the region under Delivering Homes, Building Communities. [63879/25

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of housing units currently delayed at the planning stage across local authorities; the average processing time for applications and appeals; and the actions planned within the next 12 months to reduce these timelines

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of housing projects delayed due to environmental assessments, Natura requirements, or related approvals; and the steps being taken to ensure timely completion of these assessments while meeting statutory obligations. [63890/25

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the issues that have arisen between planning authorities, Uisce Éireann, the National Transport Authority, and other statutory bodies that have delayed housing delivery in the past three years; and the mechanisms being introduced under Delivering

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of housing schemes marked as stalled or inactive nationally; the number of homes affected; and the expected timeline for reactivation of these schemes under Delivering Homes, Building Communities. [63892/25

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the Infrastructure First projects approved for Cork city and Cork county in 2023, 2024, and 2025; the funding allocated; and the expected impact on unlocking housing delivery in each location. [63895/25

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current average house price and average monthly rent in Cork city and Cork county; the change in these figures in the past 12 months; and how he expects the new strategy to impact these

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the impact of Delivering Homes, Building Communities on middle-income households who do not qualify for social housing and who cannot afford current market prices; and the specific supports planned for this cohort. [63905/25

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of vacant and derelict homes recorded in Cork city and Cork county; the number activated for reuse in the past two years; and the expected contribution of vacancy and dereliction measures to Cork … housing delivery to 2030. [63909/25

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of brownfield sites identified for housing nationally; the expected annual delivery from these sites to 2030; and the measures planned to accelerate activation of brownfield land. [63911/25

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the brownfield sites identified in Cork city and Cork county that are suitable for housing; the number of units expected from each site; and the planned timeline for commencement. [63912/25

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the housing outputs achieved to date under the Town-Centre First policy; the number of new homes delivered in town centres in 2023 and 2024; and the expected annual delivery to 2030. [63913/25

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the projected number of homes expected to return to use as a result of the vacant homes tax; the number of properties currently subject to the tax; and how these projections informed Government housing targets

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the impact labour shortages are having on the cost of delivering social, affordable, and cost-rental housing; the cost assumptions used in Delivering Homes, Building Communities; and the measures planned to stabilise costs. [63922/25

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of construction workers recruited from abroad in the past two years; the number expected to be required to meet the 2030 housing targets; and the supports planned to increase international recruitment where necessary

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of small and medium-sized construction firms currently active in residential building; their expected contribution to housing output to 2030; and the supports being provided to expand their capacity. [63925/25

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the labour cost inflation assumptions used in Delivering Homes, Building Communities; the expected annual labour cost increases to 2030; and how these assumptions affect projected housing costs. [63927/25

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the annual targets to 2030 for the delivery of housing designed for older people, including age-friendly, supported, and right-sizing units; and the expected delivery for Cork city and Cork county. [63940/25