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society alike. When proposals come forward to develop this land, we cannot treat it as just another site. This is not simply about housing supply or zoning decisions. It is about moral responsibility and memory and whether we have truly learned anything from our past. More than … should, most importantly, be conscious of the pain and suffering of survivors. We in the Labour Party have urged the Minister for housing to use powers under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act to protect places like Bessborough from development, yet he has failed

Deputy Foley, also met with the group. What is happening at the moment is there is a siloed approach to understanding the overall housing needs of adults with intellectual disability. It is not just about what we might traditionally call residential places; there must be a much more … holistic approach. In some instances, people are being sent to local authorities to apply for housing in the ordinary way. That is not good enough. With any application for housing from someone with an intellectual disability, there is a continuum. Some will need some levels of support

Around the world, including here in Ireland, we have seen customers face higher prices for transport and home heating fuel. I know the House will share my concern at the immense human cost of this conflict and my desire to see an immediate de-escalation of the conflict … cent, 20 cent and 3 cent, respectively. These measures were passed by financial resolution last night, with near unanimous support from across the House. I will not labour the point, but I thought it was opposition for opposition’s sake when Sinn Féin opposed the reduction in excise

tasked with determining whether the bombing could reasonably have been prevented by British state authorities. I have on many occasions discussed in this House the importance of the need to address the legacy of the enormous impact of Troubles-related violence and the legitimate needs and expectations … unmet need for openness and accountability relating to the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings, something called for by multiple resolutions in this House. It is deeply regrettable that the full Denton report has not yet been published. Survivors and families have waited far too long. This House

join with other colleagues across the House in acknowledging the great work of all healthcare workers, including medical, nursing and administrative staff and others throughout the health service. They do fantastic work. This year will mark the 13th anniversary of the launch of Ireland’s first national cancer … into the future. Many of the points that have been raised will be brought back to the Minister. All of us in the House share that goal and are working to ensure the very best outcomes for patients and their families. However, the Government is opposing the motion

will always work constructively with colleagues on housing. I acknowledge the Labour Party has brought forward constructive proposals in relation to housing in this Dáil and the previous Dáil. I have a different perspective in terms of the Government's position on housing. In our rental reforms Bill … largest number of social homes built, if not ever, certainly in our lifetime. That is part of the record of this Government. Housing remains an emergency and remains the number one domestic priority for Government

that we all have as public representatives, which is the protection of children. The motion is not coming out of nowhere. Across the House, even in my own constituency, we have heard the continuous warnings and about the years of pressure on the system, with reports and families … quickly enough when a child is at risk? I want to raise a specific case I have raised in this House three times. I would love for the Minister of State to take it on board. It relates to Tusla but it also relates to children, the State

justice and opportunity and ensure that women and girls enjoy their lives free from discrimination, fear and violence. When we look at the Houses of the Oireachtas, over 25% of this House is made up of women, but that is only 44 out of 174 TDs. We have … everyday life; in the school canteen, in the factory break room, or even in the common areas of Leinster House. People naturally gather in groups shaped by their experiences and often their gender. The conversations at those tables are often different - not better or worse, but different

first time I have addressed the House since the passing of my best friend and the person who got me involved in politics, I hope the House will allow me to say of Ellie: ar dheis Dé go raibh h-anam. Of the woman who wanted … even though she had stage 4 cancer, I want to say: Ellie, thank you for believing in me and getting me into this House. I will keep you close to my heart. Condolences to Justin, Sean, DJ, Richard and Kate. I appreciate that leeway from the Minister

Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the action he proposes to take to address the growing housing deficit given that Government never met their targets for social and affordable housing delivery under Housing for All; if he will revise the targets contained

unaffordability of cost rentals. As the Deputy is aware, the cost-rental scheme was introduced by this Government under the previous housing plan and is continued and expanded in the new plan. It is designed to address the affordability challenge in the rental sector and to provide secure … incredibly popular and are providing a much needed, secure and affordable element in the rental sector. Let us be clear that cost-rental housing did not exist in this country five years ago. From a standing start in 2021 to now, because of the action of this Government

That is not exactly what the Tánaiste said. He said, "the Minister for housing has said he will issue a direction to all local authorities to make sure that issue is rectified." It should have taken the Minister two seconds rather than two minutes to answer. Either … seemed there was a little bit of slippage there as regards the normal rules on allocation applying. I know exactly how houses are allocated, as does the Minister. I have used the example of a woman in my own constituency and I am going to use it again

wonderful place that needs capital investment. I take seriously the point about Longford being an area where we want to see more housing supply. I hope the decisions we have taken over the past number of days, particularly on developer-led approaches to water infrastructure, will speed … delivery of housing in rural and regional Ireland, including County Longford. I take the point that as we increase our housing supply and population, we will need to see an increase in our health and social services as well. Therefore, the issue of the delivery of primary care

view of the world, we need private investment to build private homes and apartments in this country. It cannot just be about State housing. We are spending more money than most European countries in relation to putting direct Exchequer funding into housing. I am proud that … doing that and prioritising housing, but we also need private investment. The Housing Commission is clear in relation to this point. I certainly view the point made by the Deputy the other way around, in that I definitely do not think the taxpayer should be picking

commend her on that. I also thank Deputy Gannon for continuing the push to support an issue to move forward in the House, and for his continuous work in this matter. The Bill is ultimately about something very simple. It is about second chances. We all recognise that … follow a person for many years. After a sentence is served, it can affect a person's ability to get a job, find housing or access education. In many cases these barriers make it much harder for someone to move forward and contribute positively to society, which contradicts

enhance their recommender systems, which is preferable to the unknown risk of switching off those recommender systems. I, like every Deputy in the House, have a shared desire to improve online safety, in particular for children and young people; I say that as a father myself. I mentioned … domiciled in Ireland should go before an Oireachtas committee and should co-operate with Oireachtas committees. I said that previously in the House and outside it as well. The Government is engaging with the European Commission with regard to including this type of feature as a prohibited practice

just kept quiet and then we are here today looking back years ago. It begs a question about the use of this House and the committee system to allow people to come forward under some form of protection to explain what has happened to them and receive … answered in the context of an inquiry, it will then be all for nothing. I have seen too many inquiries in this House run into the sand simply because there was some form of legal action against it. They never get a chance to really

critical. I will make one additional point. We are now about to zone a lot of additional land across the country for housing, as is necessary to meet housing need. However, we must also invest in communities. Over many years, we have seen examples where we built houses … with a golden opportunity and I ask the Minister of State to ensure we take that opportunity and build communities as well as housing

Waterford alone, beyond the 37 children formally recorded, there are another 66 children placed on an emergency basis in vacant council houses with their families. These are houses which are not ready or fit for allocation. They are not secure tenancies or allocated. They have no stability … will return to the locks having been changed and their belongings and whole life in black plastic bags out in front of the house. Just this week, I met grown siblings who were raising their respective young families in their parents' house. There are three generations under

types of door in this country. In the health service and mental health service, there is a revolving door. When it comes to housing and homelessness, there is a shut door. It is an absolute disaster. I mention the tenant in situ scheme. It is the one thing … declaration commits the Government to working towards ending homelessness by 2030. That is only around the corner. We had an alternative housing plan. Our housing expert, Deputy Ó Broin, has given the Government solutions, not ideas, but solutions, and we want to work with the Government

here. I am not taking it out on the Minister of State but it is absolutely disgraceful that the Minister for housing is not here for the first statements on homelessness. Reading through the Minister of State's statement, I can call it nothing other than sanitised spin … high. What are the levels? There were 16,734 individuals homeless in December. The Government goes on about the success of housing policy and, reading this statement, you would think the Government is absolutely solving the issue of homelessness. What is the reality? The figures are there

know that while everyone feels the pressure of the housing crisis, there are particular groups who face the most brutal aspects of it. The crisis really has seeped into the life of every Irish person, but some people feel it worse than others. Those individuals are more likely … elderly and children. Today, however, I want to talk about one particular group that faces massive barriers when it comes to accessing housing or living with the risk of homelessness. I refer to one-parent families. Since becoming a TD, time and again I have heard the stories

return of the Midleton to Youghal railway. As a TD for the constituency of Cork East, I want to report to the House and to the Minister that the overwhelming view of constituents in my area is their desire to see further expansion of the east Cork rail … villages of Mogeely and Killeagh. The east Cork area is one of the fastest-growing regions of the country in terms of new housing stock and visible population growth. Unfortunately, this is causing issues with traffic congestion. It is no news to the House that I have been

aware that GP training places have increased over the years but, as my colleagues said in the House, it has not matched the population increase. I come from a constituency that has a huge deficit of GP services, especially in rapidly growing strategic development zones, SDZs, areas like … assistance for the modern age. I am talking about buildings they can actually move into. Historically, the GP was in a house. They lived in the house with their family, and had a separate area where they built up their practice. If they had to move out later

talking to SNAs in the special schools and special classes I have been to right across the country, including St. Michael's House Special National School Baldoyle, which I visited yesterday, I thank them sincerely for the work they do. There is uniformity across the place in that … happening in schools. We know the need that is manifesting itself and how we are going to meet it. I assure the House that Government knows and is working on it tooth and nail. In the context of all of the correspondence, the negotiations and everything that

Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of registered derelict or vacant housing properties in Dublin Rathdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53386/25

Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is satisfied that local authorities are responding positively to the National Planning Framework and are complying with the objectives of the Revised National Planning Framework; if he will provide an update … progress made on housing and infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53569/25

Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department will examine measures to support the continued availability of rental accommodation to households in receipt of the housing assistance payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53827/25

Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding being provided for social housing under Budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53824/25

Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on if social housing applicants should be able to move their application from one local authority to another on personal or compassionate grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53634/25

Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to put affordability central to housing policy; his plans to ensure the majority of new homes are genuinely affordable i.e. below current market prices and rents; and if he will make a statement

Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the means by which he will ensure that any party reform or planning policy does not simply favour large developers at the expense of local communities, quality standards and affordability, given that the Central Bank … publicly stated that planning rules, not financial constraints, are now the principal barrier to increasing housing supply; and if he will publish the full impact assessment before enacting those reforms. [53947/25

Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason he believes he can credibly claim that its housing strategy is working when homelessness and emergency accommodation figures, particularly among children, are at a record high; and the specific trigger points and corrective mechanisms

Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason responsibility for regeneration of Dolphin House, Dublin 8, transferred from Dublin City Council to the Land Development Agency; and if he can reassure the community that commitments entered into by the local authority

Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total expenditure in 2024 on social and affordable housing funded through SHIP, CALF, CAS, AHF, CREL, AHB borrowing and LDA expenditure, in tabular form. [54052/25

Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) who has applied for housing support under the cost rental tenant-in-situ scheme; if he will provide an update on the status of this

Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current status of Government plans to introduce minimum building energy rating standards in the private rental sector from this year, as committed to in Housing for All, noting that the Economic and Social Research

Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the Government's new housing plan will be published. [54175/25

Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the plans to amend the status of a HAP tenant as having their housing needs met when they are in receipt of HAP. [54176/25

Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on Government spending on the long-term housing scheme from the start of scheme to now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52957/25

Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the prohibitions that exist preventing local authorities selling Part V, social housing acquisitions and other social homes purchased from the private market under the tenant purchase scheme; and to list each prohibition and provide

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has calculated the proportion of households by income decile that are priced out of purchasing the average three-bed semi-detached house nationally and in each region, given a website's (details

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current ratio of average house price to average disposable household income in each county; the comparable figures in 2015 and 2020; and his Department's assessment of trends in affordability. [53110/25

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the actions his Department is taking to address regional disparities in house price inflation, including rises of over 8% in Connacht-Ulster and 7.2% outside Dublin, as reported in the latest website (details supplied) survey

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide the data he has available on the number of households that were rendered ineligible for social housing due to an uplift to the working families payment in January 2025. [53167/25

Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the social housing income thresholds will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53169/25

Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of times the income eligibility thresholds for social housing have been increased nationally in the past 15 years; the years in which those increases occurred; the increased that occurred; and if he will

Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a homeowner whose appeal under the enhanced defective concrete blocks scheme is unsuccessful may subsequently apply for a full technical review of their application by the Housing Agency; under what legislative or administrative basis such

Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline the current proposals by Cork City Council, Cork County Council and approved housing bodies for the provision of cost-rental homes for 2025 and 2026; and if he will make a statement

Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage given the lack of pace in zoning additional land for housing, the reason Sligo County Council has been left waiting for the finalisation of the draft Ministerial Order dated 8 November 2024, thus leaving the council