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country has structurally learned a lot of lessons in terms of plans and actions from the crash. That ranges from the fiscal rules we have in place to our level of indebtedness, both at a national level but also at a business level, being a lot lower … Deputy's point about the indigenous sector is right. It is still a statement of fact that the greatest number of people in employment in Ireland are in Irish-owned SMEs. This is a sector we have to really support. The research and development tax credit

statement. The well-being framework was also part of the analysis underpinning budget 2025. This included analysis of the dashboard in budget-day documentation and a paper showing how selected expenditure measures in budget 2025 are enhancing well-being, published by the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development … Plan Delivery and Reform. Across government, Departments are working to use the well-being framework for policy development and decision-making. I believe the well-being framework is a useful tool which can help us to better understand the economic, social and environmental impact of policy decisions

have is that the HSE commissioned the report to conduct the national disability service needs analysis in the spring of this year. The HSE stated that the report was intended as a baseline planning exercise rather than a definitive assessment of future disability services requirements. It was designed … identify trends, pressures and areas requiring further examination rather than to provide a conclusive statement of need. The work examined demand, capacity, workforce requirements, service pathways and regional variation with the intention of informing future internal planning, internal policy development and investment decisions. The Deputy is right that

Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide details on the full number of staff who will be assigned to the proposed dedicated infrastructure division in his Department; if he will provide details on the range of skill sets … that will be available within the division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5127/25

injured, with a further 35,000 missing as of January 2025. Over 14,000 Ukrainian civilians have also been killed. This is a nation and people scarred who are now also spread out all across the world. Over 9.5 million Ukrainians have been displaced by this war, which … just here but around Europe governments are talking about cuts to refugees from this war. Statements from Prime Minister Tusk this week fuel those fears. The Prime Minister’s statement that, “Enthusiasm for supporting Ukraine has weakened in Poland and abroad. People are tired

life and achieving our decarbonisation goals. Achieving these goals has been set out in the programme for Government. The National Transport Authority, NTA, has statutory responsibility for transport planning in the greater Dublin area, including County Kildare. The NTA's greater Dublin area transport strategy, which was approved … also provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for counties including Kildare. I clarify the planned proposals related to the DART+ West and South West projects and the current position of the proposals in the planning and development stage. The DART+ West project aims to increase passenger

coming weeks, the Mental Health Bill will continue its journey through the Houses of the Oireachtas. We will launch the second implementation plan for our national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision. The successor strategy to our national suicide reduction strategy, Connecting for Life, will be developed this … youth mental health in the HSE. The national office has taken full account of reports and audits into CAMHS and has developed a new youth mental health action plan, which was published yesterday. The three-year action plan sets out a roadmap to ensure all children and families

Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the way in which he plans to ensure that the implementation of the national swimming strategy addresses regional and demographic disparities in access to swimming facilities, particularly in areas experiencing rapid population growth and sustained unmet demand … such as Fingal, where limited access to public swimming pools persists despite clear and growing community need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33670/26

support this agenda in several ways, including through the work of Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, local enterprise offices, LEOs and nine regional enterprise plans. Enterprise Ireland supports over 4,000 Irish companies across every region in our country and during 2024, these businesses created more than … businesses across every town and community in the country. Published last year, the LEO policy statement outlines how the LEOs work to foster a strong entrepreneurial culture and promote enterprise nationally, through a mix of programmes, supports and campaigns. Foreign direct investment has a significant impact in realising

health infrastructure in the State. Investment in cancer care, particularly in equipment for radiation oncology, is a key strategic priority. Through the national plan for radiation oncology, the Department of health is progressing a major equipment replacement and expansion programme that includes replacing 14 linear accelerators … Beaumont, with associated diagnostic upgrades. In light of the limited time I have, I will leave the rest of the written statement and go straight to the closing remarks. I once again thank the Deputies for the opportunity to discuss cancer care for patients in Ireland, the progress

national emergency co-ordination group laid the blame for the latest flooding incident in his home town of Enniscorthy firmly at the door of Met Éireann. Incredibly, today, on the same radio station, the same Minister, who also has responsibility for local government issued a statement effectively blaming … Wexford County Council for the lack of a planning application for a new flood relief scheme. On 15 April 2025, I attended a meeting in Enniscorthy with the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, and senior officials of the OPW at which they outlined the new flood relief scheme

progress the green transition in a way that supports and drives European competitiveness. As I made clear during Ireland’s national statement at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, climate change is no longer a distant threat - it is a daily reality and we are all feeling its consequences … experienced in many EU member states. While housing remains a national competence, there are steps we can take at EU level to better support member states in addressing the crisis. This includes the upcoming European Affordable Housing Plan, the aim of which is to support and complement member

súil le tuairimí na Dála a chloisteáil. I am glad to be here for these statements on investments in sport, a sector which is vital to our society both at local and national levels, and on the major sports events that Ireland hosts. The community sport facilities fund … CSFF, is the primary means of providing Government funding to sport and community organisations at local, regional and national levels. The fund aims to foster an integrated and planned approach to the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and assists the purchase of non-personal sports equipment

establishment of a new infrastructure division to co-ordinate delivery across government. It also encompasses a commitment to completely reviewing the national development plan by the summer to map out a revised blueprint for the delivery of major capital investment for towns, cities, regions and communities throughout Ireland … Government will submit to the EU a new medium-term fiscal plan, which I and the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, will lead on and which will be published at the same time as the summer economic statement. We know we face potentially significant headwinds from changes in international trade

thank the Deputy for his very important question. In December, I launched the Government's new national tourism policy statement, A New Era for Irish Tourism. This sets out our clear vision to 2031 to have balanced product development. Since the move of tourism into my Department … SMEs are at the heart of the Department of enterprise. There are over 46,000 of them. We published the Department’s sectoral plan last week. We have €4.7 billion over the next five years, and €400 million is earmarked for tourism. I also want to enhance

Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the he will engage with the Department of Housing, the OPW and Donegal County Council to explore a viable alternative solution for affected homeowners in Elm Park, Buncrana, including the option … providing grant funding for the purchase of alternative homes rather than rebuilding on an unsuitable site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5217/25

Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on reform of the ethics in public office legislation, given that the review of the statutory framework was completed in December 2022; the reason … publishing the heads of a Bill; if he expects this Bill to be introduced this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28132/25

life and achieving our decarbonisation goals. Achieving these goals has been set out in the programme for Government. The National Transport Authority, NTA, has statutory responsibility for transport planning in the greater Dublin area, including in Fingal West. The NTA's greater Dublin area transport strategy, which … framework for transport investment across the region over a 20-year period from 2022 to 2042, and it provides a clear statement of transport planning policy. This strong policy support has been backed up by increased levels of Exchequer funding, which is supporting the roll-out of initiatives

democratic principles; — Ireland's commitment to working with key partners to end the conflict in Gaza, and to advancing a sustainable peace plan and addressing the huge challenges facing Palestinians in Gaza; — the Government's grave concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, with intolerable conditions; — that … statement, Ireland will act to prevent those members of the Government of Israel who have been instrumental in fomenting the unfolding disaster in Gaza, and the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has instructed immigration officers to refuse entry to Itamar Ben-Gvir, Minister of National Security

Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether she is aware of the National Disability Services Needs Analysis commissioned by the HSE and undertaken by an organisation (details supplied); whether the final report will be published in full in order to inform the Oireachtas … scale of unmet need and pressures across disability services, and to support scrutiny of future service planning, funding and capital investment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65592/26

Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to outline his vision for a public infrastructure Act as referenced in the programme for Government; how this will improve delivery, value for money and accountability in relation to public infrastructure development … will provide details on any models his Department is evaluating which are in place in analogous countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5128/25

Monuments such as the O'Rahilly Home and Moore Street; — implementing the Moore Street Preservation Trust plan for Moore Street; — developing the GPO as a national cultural museum of the national struggle for independence; and — purposing part of the GPO to pursue implementation of the Proclamation … heritage and the legacy of the leaders of 1916; ending the destruction of key national monuments such as The O'Rahilly home and Moore Street; implementing the Moore Street Preservation Trust's plan for Moore Street; developing the GPO as a national cultural museum of the national struggle

some work that has been done. In the closing statement, I want to provide a short update for the House on the ongoing work by both the Department of education and the NCSE in relation to forward planning for special education provision … school year and beyond. The legislation does not take into account progress being made on forward planning for special education. In 2024, the Department of education and the national council introduced a range of new measures to support forward planning for special classes and special school planning

rescue service, through the Irish Coast Guard. Additionally, as outlined in the national development plan this year, €2 billion from the infrastructure, climate and nature fund is being allocated to progress MetroLink. Planning for this transformational project has been approved - now it is time to deliver. BETTER PUBLIC … country, our public services bind us as a society. The strength of our public services and what we choose to prioritise is a statement about what we value as a people. Ireland has a social welfare system that protects the most vulnerable, an education system that consistently delivers

House that this Government will deliver a budget in October. We will set out the parameters of that budget in the summer economic statement, which I expect to be published next week. There will then be an opportunity to debate how best to get the composition of that … about the challenges that Uisce Éireann faces. She is right about the enabling infrastructure. Deputies will see from Government in the revised national development plan next week a very significant increase in capital investment. It will enable a significant upward shift in investment in water, energy, housing

Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress to date under the National Strategic Outcome 10 of the National Development Plan 2021 – 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67800/25

Department is taking to ensure that certain households are not left behind in the roll out of the National Broadband Plan, (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68967/25

Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress to date under national strategic outcome 10 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60155/25

Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress to date under national strategic outcome 9 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58716/25

Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress to date under national strategic outcome 10 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58717/25

Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress to date under national strategic outcome 4 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60154/25

Emer Currie asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update on the progress of the national broadband plan in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53475/25

Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the progress of the national broadband plan in Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52212/25

vessel project; the project timelines; whether he is satisfied that the project can be progressed under the recent national development plan capital allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47813/25

publish a percentage breakdown of capital investment by service branch, when he sets out his plan for the national development plan capital allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47814/25

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide an update on the implementation of the National Action Plan Against Racism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45072/25

Reform and Digitalisation if his Department has identified any infrastructure projects in north Kildare as part of the National Development Plan review 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42884/25

Digitalisation for an overview of the progress made to date under National Strategic Outcome 5 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39719/25

Digitalisation for an overview of the progress made to date under National Strategic Outcome 1 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39824/25

Digitalisation for an overview of the progress made to date under National Strategic Outcome 9 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39787/25

Digitalisation for an update on the progress made to date under National Strategic Outcome 4 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39689/25

Digitalisation for an overview of the progress made to date under National Strategic Outcome 8 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39808/25

Digitalisation for an overview of the progress made to date under National Strategic Outcome 6 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39720/25

Digitalisation for an overview of the progress made to date under National Strategic Outcome 7 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39806/25

Digitalisation for an overview of the progress made to date under National Strategic Outcome 10 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39951/25

Digitalisation for an update on the progress made to date under National Strategic Outcome 3 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39688/25

Digitalisation for an overview of the progress made to date under National Strategic Outcome 2 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39825/25

challenges taken by an organisation (details supplied) in relation to lack of necessary public participation on the updated National Energy and Climate Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38727/25

reduce waiting times for dermatology out-patients; the steps being taken to achieve the KPIs of the national waiting list action plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37776/25

Reform for an overview of the progress made to date under National Strategic Outcome 4 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27990/25