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current cancer strategy, with €105 million allocated to new developments, along with €44 million in cancer research funding, €140 million on capital projects and €645 million on cancer drugs between 2021 and 2024. Notably, the motion attempts to place Sláintecare wait-time targets into law, a measure this … patient pathways and community services. As we invest in staff and expertise, we are also investing heavily in infrastructure and technology. Major infrastructure projects opened under the national cancer strategy include state-of-the-art radiotherapy centres in Cork and Galway in 2019 and 2023, respectively

opportunities to sustainably grow the sector. Adding value to tillage crop output will be crucial to its long-term sustainability and competitiveness. The programme for Government commits to examining facilities for the processing of Irish crops and to exploring opportunities for oilseed and milling wheat processing. Additionally … approved the development and implementation of a new scheme, to be administered by Enterprise Ireland, to support the establishment of flour milling projects in Ireland. Approval for the scheme was granted in January 2026. I was delighted to be able to launch it with him. It will provide

delighted to hear that additional funding will be made available. I look forward to engaging with the Tánaiste to deliver these projects. In Carlow, schools like Borris College and St. Mary's Academy CBS are under pressure. The projects are ready to go. They just need the green … Kilmacow and Church Hill National School are ready to go. We have the magnificent St. Kieran's College, which, again, has a project ready to go. Its pupils were all-Ireland champions again on St. Patrick's Day, their 26th title, so hurling is strong, alive and well

responding. We cannot have a situation where a number of social workers have written to the CEO of Tusla to say the reform programme is not working yet, in her reply today, the Minister really championed the reform programme as an important part of Tusla’s development. There … problem there. There is a breakdown in communication. We need an independent review of how the rollout of the programme of reform in Tusla has happened. To see 1,100 children in unregulated Tusla care is not okay. If nothing else was achieved by this motion, a firm

classes are being provided in County Dublin, and six of them are in the Dublin North-West constituency. As for the modular project for Finglas Parochial National School, the application for planning permission was submitted and the local authority requested further information, which was submitted to them … families and perhaps, the knowledge that at least this level of progress has been made may be of some assistance to them. The project itself will be delivered as quickly as possible after receipt of planning permission, and with the support of project managers. The earlier sanction

sites at Sallins and Kill, which together will provide more than 1,500 additional car parking spaces, as part of its co-ordinated programme of park-and-ride development at strategic locations. In addition to this work, collaborative work is ongoing with Iarnród Éireann to deliver increased parking … Éireann is also updating its national car park strategy, which may identify further locations along the M7 and M9 catchment area. Collectively, these projects will support reduced car dependency, lower congestion and improve public transport accessibility for commuters travelling into the greater Dublin area. As far as other

part of this as it has a profound impact on a child's development, learning and social skills. Ireland has several programmes in place to support children from all backgrounds in accessing early learning and childcare from an early age. For example, the early childhood care and education … ECCE, programme provides two years of free pre-school, with a participation rate of 96% every year. Over 70% of low-income families report that they would not be able to send their child to pre-school without this support. One challenge we continue to address

agree with the Deputy. At the moment I am trying to develop a programme with Pat Healy in the HSE, who is doing excellent work on a very targeted programme of intervention to get on top of screening in schools and make sure we can address the backlog … engagement with the dental associations. We do need to hire more public dentists. They have suggested to me that part of the graduation programme could be that qualifying dentists spend a period of time in the public system, something I would greatly welcome. It would give dentists

Under the national plan for radiation oncology, an equipment replacement programme is in place in St. Luke's in Rathgar, St. James's Hospital and Beaumont hospital, along with a phased expansion in Beaumont. The replacement programme is being progressed under the national development plan. It is included … accelerator replacements within St. Luke's is ongoing. In addition, tenders for the main contract for the Beaumont phase 2 expansion and replacement project are due in the coming weeks. We are committed to improving cancer care and to investing in this

plan, including streamlining and expanding affordable housing supports; the new single approval process for all new-build social housing projects up to a value of €200 million; mandating the use of standard house layouts and specification for social housing; and facilitating the use of modern methods of construction … through standardised design approaches. We have also introduced a revamped renewal programme focused on tackling dereliction and vacancy in social housing; expanding the role and remit of the Land Development Agency; expanding and streamlining the operation of the land acquisition fund; financially incentivising local authorities to exceed annual

discuss the need for adequate classroom provision for Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcáin. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí - To discuss north city arterial main, NCAM, project communication failures and public disruption. Deputy Tony McCormack - To discuss electricity grid capacity and connection issues in the Cappincur area of Tullamore, County Offaly. Deputy … Ward - To discuss the significant waiting lists at the Deansgrange driving test centre. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman - To discuss the demolition and rebuild project for three primary schools on the Navan Road, Dublin 7. Deputy Cathy Bennett - To discuss the Government response to rising energy prices. Deputy James

tender for consulting services for phase 3, the preliminary design, and phase 4, the statutory process, for the Cork northern distributor road project. Cork City Council published the consultants tender in December 2025 and has since received interest from 18 consultancy firms on the NTA’s framework. Cork … expected to take approximately 36 months to complete, which should then allow for the lodgement of a planning application for the project. Cork City Council plans to undertake another round of non-statutory public consultation after appointing a consultant, so draft designs are likely to be available

devastation for the Traveller community because for 40 years it has been helping Travellers with education, health supports, housing advocacy, employment and training programmes and after-school programmes. I understand that issues have arisen within the organisation and that the governance of the organisation is not for discussion … situation it has not created. We need to ensure that education and health supports, housing advocacy and employment and training programmes for Travellers in my area continue and that there is a premises for these activities to take place. These supports are vital for a community that

worked with the Minister, Deputy Hildegarde Naughton; the then Minister, Heather Humphreys; and the then Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar; to put a State aid programme in place. We worked with Irish Postmasters Union, of which I am a member, to put a three-year deal in place for State … closures at the time, ahead of the package being put in place. We have put the package into the programme for Government as a five-year State aid programme - €15 million a year - to safeguard the network that is there. We have put things in place to ensure

Minister of State with responsibility for small business and retail, and the circular economy. The meeting of the committee considered a first programme plan of action for the national human rights strategy for disabled people, which covers the years 2025 and 2026. The plan details initial measures that … supporting people with disabilities and their families, and the value that these services provide cannot be understated. We made a commitment in the programme for Government to continue the expansion of respite services and budget 2026 reflects this ambition. It provides €25 million in additional funding for respite

with the information being made available by various public bodies. There does seem to be a large amount of information out there. A project was completed by Family Carers Ireland on the implementation of the Act. In the organisation's care aid project, free monthly legal advice clinics … decision-making representative or may require an application to appoint a decision-making representative to make certain decisions about their financial affairs. The project found that there are a number of issues being faced by people navigating the 2015 Act. Difficulties have arisen in finding legal practitioners willing

record national development plan allocation of €12.2 billion for the water sector over the next five years. My Department’s rural water programme, delivered through the local authorities, provides investment in group water schemes and in water and wastewater infrastructure for rural towns and villages, ensuring safe, reliable … sustainable drinking water and wastewater services. Overall funding of €243 million has been approved for projects, including capital support for the multi-annual rural water programme from 2024 to 2026 to upgrade infrastructure, improve water quality, strengthen source protection and enhance resilience. The next call for applications launches

seven-year language plan, following consultation with the public. These plans can include intentions regarding broader objectives and goals such as community capital projects, social infrastructure and services. Under the Gaeltacht Act 2012, the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht must complete a review … million in funding was allocated for administration, wages and pensions; €16.2 million capital to create employment, upgrade buildings and part fund strategic tourism projects; and € 7.5 million to fund community projects. This includes the appointment of a dedicated vacant homes co-ordinator for the Gaeltacht, funded by Údarás

State for his response in respect of the LSSIF. He has outlined the statistics, including the number of applications, the number of projects and so on. Receiving up to €500,000 in public money is significant for projects. As the Minister of State said, it has allowed … large number of projects to progress. We are at the implementation phase of the previous rounds. That is all positive. I do not have to tell the Minister of State the importance of sport. It is critical. It provides a positive outlet for many people of all ages

bringing the overall population of the county to 770,000 people, which is very significant. I repeat what I said earlier. The projects in Cork should not be managed by people in Dublin. They should be managed by people based in Cork so that they can have active … Irish Rail, Bus Éireann, the local authorities, and so on. That is the only way we will be able to progress key projects in Cork and delivery. People want delivery. The Minister of State knows that as well as I do. We have seen success with commuter rail

really important. It was particularly focused on what used to be known as the July provision and those who take part in that programme. I agree on that issue of the summer provision and that is something we will look at. As of now, we are focused … this programme. On where we came from in 2019, the then Minister, Regina Doherty MEP, followed by the then Minister, Heather Humphreys, drove it hard to get it into every primary school. We now have it open in most primary schools. There are some we are still working

stop enhancement programme, which is led by the NTA, is a nationwide programme that invests in bus infrastructure. It commits about €500,000 per year, which is not enough. There are problems with delivery, it is all very cumbersome and it takes a lot of time. I will … into some of the details shortly. Will the Minister give us an update on the programme

Deputy Cooney again for raising this very important matter. As he knows, last week the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, announced a road funding programme to the tune of €780 million for regional and local roads across the State. While there is no dedicated programme for local authorities regarding … point of view, we keep everything under review. Road safety and the enhancement of our roads are priorities for us. In the roads programme we have allocated resources in that area. I would be happy to talk to the Deputy further on that

Government, in line with the requirements of the infrastructure guidelines, before any planning application. Government is committed to the Navan rail line project. It is anticipated that a planning application - known as a railway order - for the Navan rail project will be lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála … will have planning permission in 2029. The sectoral plan, which was published in November 2025, provides funding for the Navan rail line project to progress through this process and up to the railway order. That is the timeframe. We are looking at the end of quarter

those deadlines. The big question then is around taking it beyond planning and to construction. Will the Minister outline how the Navan rail project best positions itself as a priority project in the midst of a range of other funding demands on the Department and the Minister … project compete to ensure it can move quickly and uninterruptedly to construction

Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the current status of the individualised personal budget pilot programme currently being trialed by the HSE; the number of persons at the various stages of the programme; and the total cost of funding provided

Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on each of the projects funded under the 2024 active travel scheme within the Fingal County Council area; and if he will provide a list of the projects to be shared, in tabular

amount of funding allocated by the NTA to the R135 cycle network scheme in Ashbourne, County Meath; the schedule of payments for this project; the expected full cost of the project after disputed claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6882/25

Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Education the current and capital projects under the remit of her Department that received EU funding in 2024; and the percentage of the funding that was actually covered by the EU in each of those projects, in tabular form. [6848/25

Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the community renewable energy projects that have been energised; the proportion of projects that secured a contract at auction that have been energised; and if he will make a statement

Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of capital projects his Department is engaged in with the HSE; the status of each project, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6736/25

Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of capital projects being undertaken by the HSE nationally that are in excess of €200 million; the status of each project, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6735/25

Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of capital projects that consultancy houses are giving advice on currently; the spend per project to each consultancy house, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6737/25

Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Transport the current estimated projected cost of the Navan Rail project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6217/25

Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Finance the status of the Programme for Government commitment to legislate for the “Right To Be Forgotten”, which would require insurers to disregard a cancer diagnosis where treatment ended more than seven years prior to application; the timeline he is working … towards in legislating; if this piece of legislation will be included on the Spring legislative programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6319/25

Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Education for an update on the building projects at a school (details supplied); and to provide a projected date for completion of the new buildings. [5559/25

Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Education her views on the programme of work to be undertaken by his officials to implement the programme for Government's commitment to ‘Increase the number of schools offering PE as a Leaving Certificate exam subject’; and if she will

Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Education for an update on her Department’s work to develop a programme to build and modernise PE and school sports facilities; if there is any information yet available for schools looking to upgrade their facilities and are interested … this programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6134/25

asked the Minister for Health if she will undertake a review of the current BreastCheck screening process to consider extending the breast check programme to both younger women, and those beyond the age of 70 years; if she will provide an update on the backlog of screening times … BreastCheck national breast cancer screening programme; and the steps being taken to deal with the backlog. [5501/25

Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the status of the Laura Brennan HPV Vaccination Catch-Up Programme; the strategy and key performance indicators for the programme; if a review will be carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5833/25

Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Health the capital works projects that were carried out at Saint Joseph's Hospital, Dublin 5 in the years of 2023 and 2024; the future capital works projects that are scheduled to be carried out at this hospital over the next

Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of FETAC therapy assistant grade programmes offered in 2024; the number of FETAC therapy assistant grade programmes filled by students in 2024; and the number of FETAC assistant grade graduates

Rural and Community Development if communities can apply for sports capital funding and follow on with application for Leader funding to complete the project as part of the Leader Programme 2023-2027 given there appears to be conflicting guidance currently in the public domain; and if he will

asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the measures his Department intends to take to expedite delivery of project assessments, appraisals, business cases, and other stages of the approval process, as set out in the Programme for Government; and if he will make

National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the amount spent on the Shared Government Data Centre to date; the amount needed to complete the project; when the project is expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4824/25

Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the rationale for Revenue changing the operation and scope of the compliance assurance programme, making specific reference as to why the compliance assurance programme will no longer cover the large corporation division, high-wealth and financial services division

Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance to outline the reasons the compliance assurance programme was not run in either 2022 or 2023; if the compliance assurance programme was run in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5161/25

James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the measures he will take to expedite delivery of project assessments, appraisals, business cases, and other stages of the approval process, as set out in the Programme for Government; and if he will make

Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform his plans to simplify planning, procurement and project management approvals for infrastructure projects in Dublin; if he will outline any specific examples of international best practice his Department has identified as potentially useful

Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when his Department was first made aware of the overspend by the Arts Council on a digital transformation programme; to confirm that this overspend amounts to €7 million; the original estimated cost was for this digital transformation programme; if he is aware