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example from one constituent in Kildare South. It states: We applied for the Assessment of Need in May 2023, we were advised that an assessment would be completed no later than November 2023, as per the legal requirements. However, this did not happen and I went through … vital services like speech and language, occupational therapy and physiotherapy must all be properly resourced. Children must have access to special schools and school places in their local community. Families need certainty from the Government that their child can access an assessment of need and the services they

simply does not care. It seems like every day is a fight for these families. Every day they have to fight for various services for their child. If it is not an assessment, it is the therapies. If it is not the therapies, it is a school place … comply with its legal obligations to the assessment-of-need process under the Disability Act 2005. It must have a clear and immediate action plan that gets to grips with the growing waiting lists. The workforce challenges must be addressed. Vital services, such as speech and language therapy

Energy Costs and Security of Supply; — Insurance Costs; — Planning and Infrastructural Delivery; and — Water Services and Wastewater; — there are a number of remaining meetings scheduled for Q1 2026, and these will focus on legal costs and regulation, reporting and compliance; — the Forum is in the process of drafting … Government in July 2025. This represents the largest single investment in the country's electricity network in the history of the State. A record capital allocation of €640 million has been provided for SEAI’s residential and community energy upgrade schemes this year. A further record allocation

under the appeals panel, led by a senior counsel and with experts from the legal and engineering professions appointed by the Minister under a clear and transparent process managed by the Public Appointments Service. The appeals system is an independent statutory function under the 2022 legislation … begun to issue the terminations to appellants and has accelerated its work in recent weeks. Section 39 of the Act states that: Where it is considers it necessary for the purpose of ensuring fair procedures in the consideration of an appeal, the Appeal Board may require a party

additional needs. To be honest, the situation got worse and worse between 2001 and my election in 2020. Access to therapeutic supports and services has deteriorated to such an extent that children in Dublin 15 are waiting over 72 months for an assessment of need. That … need a review to report to ensure it is sorted out. In fact, the Government, as the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Moynihan, knows, has a legal requirement to carry out these assessments but this Government and previous Governments have consistently broken the law. I welcome the work

psychiatric facility because they may have been using either a legal or illegal substance, and at the very moment they were in crisis or seeking to deal with their addiction, they found that both services, addiction and mental health, were often citing their other diagnosis as a barrier … somebody into a service and there is opportunity to make good progress, it should not be missed." The idea of catching somebody as they are falling is really important. I watched the debate on this in the Seanad very closely. The Minister of State was very strong

staff for the prison and probation services next year. There is also an allocation of €123 million - up €27 million - to allow for full restoration of criminal legal aid fees in 2026 in conjunction with systemic reform of the criminal legal aid system. Specifically in respect … Also, with regard to the Courts Service, I have secured increased funding of €10.7 million. This will allow for the appointment of 20 additional judges. I am also pleased that I have been able to provide increased funding for the Free Legal Advice Centres of 50% on last

also a concern for me. The public bodies tasked with the implementation of the Act, such as the Legal Aid Board, the National Advocacy Service and the Decision Support Service remain both understaffed and under-resourced. It was not just Oireachtas Members who were denied the opportunity … session with the Minister of State on 28 January, which its representatives attended without being provided advance information on the heads of the Bill. This was circulated to them days afterwards, when their opportunity to query the Bill with the Minister of State had passed. Disabled Women Ireland

attention to that. The report sets out six clear costings in its policy recommendations, namely, stronger national leadership, better legal protections, increasing resources for homeless services, and a targeted strategy for expanding age-friendly housing. In fairness to it, that is not a radical ask. They are basic … Mallow is not the only one in homeless services, living at a homeless hub at the moment. This is not being treated as a priority by the Government. We seem to have a problem in this State where we look at elderly people and think it is someone

with the Mental Health Commission, as the regulator of mental health services, and the HSE, as the main provider of mental health services in the State. The Department also consulted widely with other stakeholders, such as Mental Health Reform and its various member organisations, professional representative groups such

State in education appropriate to their need with the therapeutic supports necessary to make their situation comfortable. It is well past time for the Government to finally act on the assessment of need crisis. What is happening in our health and disability services is not a minor administrative … delay. It is a systematic failure and a breach of legal obligations. It is a betrayal of the children and families impacted. Under the Disability Act 2005 every child is legally entitled to have their assessment of need completed within six months of their application. That

replace the Marine Casualty Investigation Board, MCIB, the briefing document stated that the main focus of the Bill was to provide the MAIU with the necessary framework to ensure it can, in its organisation, legal structure and as decision-maker, operate independently of any party whose interest could … dissolution of the previous MCIB was in Part 4, and the offshore service vehicles were then dealt with in Part 5. While we welcome the intent repeated again by the Minister of State, unfortunately, the Government ultimately has failed to produce legislation that is fit for purpose. Despite

they political, legal, diplomatic or humanitarian, in response to this dreadful conflict. Next week will mark one year since Ireland, in tandem with Norway and Spain, recognised the State of Palestine. The decision was about keeping the hope for a peaceful two-state solution alive and about … state solution is the only way forward for Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side. Since then, Ireland has consistently raised our voice in pursuit of the two-state solution. In September 2024, we joined the global alliance for the implementation of the two-state solution during

look away from the situation, and that includes Ireland. We are not overstating the influence of Ireland. We are not an enormous state but we use what leverage we have. This is one of those pieces. The fact that this legislation was being debated here put the matter … goods. The sanctions and bans on goods and services imposed on Russia after the appalling and illegal invasion of Ukraine were undertaken on that same basis. If the public policy exemption for goods and services in the instance of Russia can be used, why is it only applicable

stop someone receiving State funds years after killing someone, particularly the mother of their child? A number of attempts have been made to find out if James Kilroy, who murdered Valerie French, is still being paid by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS. My information is that … journalist asked the NPWS and was told it was the subject of legal correspondence. Three freedom of information requests by somebody else have failed to elicit a clear answer. The first response said they could not answer a personal question. The second said that they could not clarify

legislation to implement water charges was contained in the Water Services Act 2014, which was repealed by the Water Services Act 2017. Therefore, there is no legal basis for the provision of water charges. They are the facts. Furthermore, within the Bill tabled by Deputy Ó Broin

rights and to promote the adoption of human-centric, trustworthy Al. As with all EU regulations, the Al Act has direct legal effect across all member states. It aims to harmonise rules for Al systems across the EU, creating a single market and ensuring a consistent approach … corner of the economy and society, from healthcare and financial services to the delivery of public services and much more. Al has brought remarkable benefits. It is accelerating scientific discovery, improving outcomes in medicine, expanding access to services and generating significant economic opportunity. Our national digital

programme for Government that every child in this State deserved timely assessment, timely intervention and the right support to thrive. The Minister of State is just into her new remit. I congratulate her and wish her the best of luck. One of my predecessors sat there … island, including in my constituency, for their children's legal entitlement under the Disability Act. Parents should not have to become full-time advocates just to secure the basics. Therapists should not be left trying to deliver services in the system. I want to acknowledge and thank FUSS

quickly and support them to settle in well and contribute positively to society. Equally, if someone does not have the legal right to remain here, the State must act promptly and deport them. This is how rules-based systems work in any functioning democracy. I acknowledge the work … more than stepped up. In return, they are asking for something very reasonable, which is for the State to step up too. They want clear communication, proper planning and services that keep pace with population growth - joined-up policy. They know better than any of us what

international law. Caithfear cloí leis an dlí idirnáisiúnta. The Government's stated support for an occupied territories Bill is based on the ICJ ruling on the occupied territories, which made no distinction between goods and services. Previously in reply to Deputy Cairns, the Taoiseach raised policy issues with … entitled to, but the Tánaiste has consistently insisted there are no policy differences between the Government and the Opposition, merely legal differences. Yesterday in the Dáil the Taoiseach said the feedback he was getting was that it was "not just implementable". Aside from the fact this was unlikely

encourage the Minister of State to accept the amendments to it. Being from County Mayo and rural Ireland, and Storm Éowyn was mentioned by Deputy Doherty, I see at first hand the importance of a Bill such this and the Bill having a legal standing for businesses' acceptance … cash. I commend the post offices on the Trojan work they did when they did not have services from Eir and others and still did their very best to provide cash for people. This is also vitally important for elderly people living in rural Ireland who want

analysis. It stated: For SMEs in particular, the requirement under the e-Evidence Package for authorities to nominate an addressee as a single point of contact for law enforcement authorities seeking to access electronic evidence will make it easier and more affordable for service providers to authenticate production … update on] - Consideration of the impact of penalties based on size and financial situation - No requirement for service providers to collect, compile and report data to Member States or the Commission However, none of that is an assurance efforts will be made to ensure a minimal administrative burden

Deputy Foley, repeatedly and I am glad to get the opportunity to raise it here this morning. The Minister of State will be aware of the new service being established for guardians ad litem, GALs, a system that will regulate them. That is welcome and GALs have … that there will be no guaranteed legal representation for the GAL in court proceedings. GALs are not legal experts. They will be in courtrooms where Tusla will have legal representation and where the parents, if they are there, will have legal representation. The GAL has the most important

used to support the delivery of a wide range of projects in cities and regions to ensure the delivery of the additional water services capacity required for new housing. Investment in transport will also be critical to unlocking housing. Up to €3.5 billion will be invested in transport … barriers in the planning system, but also those in the legal system, regulation and procurement. We will free-up the private sector to provide homes at much greater scale by providing more zoned and serviced land for housing right across the country. The full implementation of the Planning

course of the procedure, guidance on and explanation of the criteria and procedure for determining the member state responsible, and issues such as that. That will be provided through Legal Aid Board. If they are not qualified solicitors or barristers, they will be very well trained paralegals … provide to people bringing applications and as it gets to people appealing, there is an obligation to provide more by way of legal services. I recall we had a lengthy debate on Second Stage about legal counselling. Deputy Gannon understandably asked what it was about and where