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Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the way in which the incorrectly spelled new sign outside his Department came to be put in place; the total cost of the sign; the estimated cost for the removal and a replacement sign

many new homes does his Department estimate will be completed in 2025, what additional measures does he plan to take to increase housing construction, and what engagement has he had with the Departments of Finance and public expenditure on new taxation and expenditure measures to boost delivery

that there has been a significant increase in public transport services in Kildare. However, we are told that the DART+ project will require additional funding to that provided for in the current national development plan. Has this been estimated yet? I understand that a mid-term review

appreciate that, but this is what the Minister has been saying publicly for the past number of weeks. What I am seeking to address with him is strong criticism of him and his Department in terms of their budget allocation process. For example, the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council … points out that the Minister's Department got the allocations and estimations in terms of what we would spend on doctors and nurses in the last three months of last year wrong and that every year his Department does not base its budget allocations on what was spent

which is important. His broader point is also important, that is, we need at the right moment when these reports are completed the publication of the information as well as the scrutiny of it at the environment committee. I am sure Cork County Council and councillors … scientific estimates. I am assured though that there are some healthy stocks present and therefore we expect that while it will take time for stocks to recover, they will and the river remains open for fishing as well. Full details will go into the public domain. We will

number of new homes his Department estimates will now be completed in 2025; the additional measures he plans to take to increase housing construction; the engagement he has had with the Department of Finance and Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, respectively

private partnerships and a move back towards public ownership of critical transport infrastructure. Where profits are excessive and clauses allow tolls to rise automatically every January, every legal and financial tool must be used to renegotiate the contracts involved. TII estimates that road tolls raise around €400 million … system for years. We proposed in 2023 that motor tax instalment surcharges be abolished or at least reduced to a purely administrative cost, estimated at less than 1%. The system, as it stands, is obviously regressive. Nobody should pay more simply because they cannot

welcome the visitors from Ukraine to the Public Gallery. The war in Ukraine is first and foremost a human disaster. More than 70,000 Ukrainian soldiers are thought to have been killed in the war so far. It is estimated that 12,000 civilians have been killed also

real and lasting impact on the general public's understanding of the lived experience and impact of dementia, not only on the person with the condition but also on their families and children. The Economic and Social Research Institute, ESRI, estimates that the Irish population aged … from 780,000 in 2022 to over 1.3 million by 2040. Ageing is the biggest non-modifiable risk factor for dementia. It is estimated that there were approximately 64,000 people living with dementia in Ireland in 2020, with approximately 11,000 new cases each year. This figure

significant number of homes and securing those homes for purchase by homeowners. From May 2021 to the end of last year, a total estimate of almost 64,000 houses and duplex units have received planning permission with a condition restricting bulk purchase or multiple sales to a single … something that any one sector, agency or profession can deliver in isolation. It depends on partnership between central and local government, between the public and private sectors, between planners, developers, infrastructure providers, financiers and communities themselves. The Government's new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, recognises this

question on education that was raised at the budgetary oversight committee too. First, it is being done in the context of the Estimates process for budget 2027. Transport is at 1.4%. Housing is at 0.1% and justice is at 0.7%. We have specifically provided a carve … growing budget. I see this differently, through the lens of driving efficiencies, advancing reforms and enhancing productivity across these areas of public expenditure. I think we can improve outputs in the context of an efficiency and expenditure levy. New priorities emerge in the context of expenditure and that

suspend the duration of permission due to judicial review. The number of homes being objected to due to judicial review is estimated at only 7,000 spread over approximately 250 cases, which is a relatively small amount compared with the 80,000 to 100,000 homes permitted … planning process. JR is a fundamental function of the court under the Constitution and there is a dangerous perception in Irish public commentary to exaggerate the scope of judicial decisions and to perceive that court decisions are driven by ideology. In fact, JR is more often used

have, which is a greatly expanded public transport service, including Local Link services, trains and buses, right the way through our whole network. What I am doing now with the Ministers of State, Deputies Buttimer and Canney, is entering into the Estimates process for next year. Now that

matter for the Minister for public expenditure and reform, who took questions just before this. There has been no change because of the pause in the increase in the allocation for 2026. That was published as part of the Revised Estimates Volume, REV, last December and approved

major public infrastructure project that will support the maintenance of 120 locks across the 420 km of navigable waterways and provide a base for approximately 70 staff. Waterways Ireland has been engaging with ESB Networks for over two years, with a formal connection estimation in August 2025. Both … precious taxpayers' money is wasted through delays to a major State infrastructure project. That money should be delivering infrastructure and services for the public. Certainly, it cannot be redirected to resolve the reconnection issue facing a private recycling plant that is ready to provide employment. The Government

consultant, just includes an initial estimate of the associated costs of the works that are needed. Tusla requires a detailed breakdown and prioritisation of the works that are required. It regrets the need to close the facility to members of the public but awaiting more details of costs

budget made available through the Estimates process for 2026. I will publish phase 2 actions after completion of the consultation process, which the Deputy referred to. That consultation process will commence in the coming months. Of course, we have not waited until publication of the action plan

This is before the crisis has reached its peak. I will throw a lot of figures at the Minister of State. We estimate that there will be a 120-place deficit per year for children in the area in the very near future. This is likely … underestimation. I thank a number of residents in Portmarnock who have assisted in gathering this data for me. Based on publicly available data from the CSO and the Department of Education and planning permission websites in respect of new estates, the 2022 census captured the under-5s population

part of Ireland now. In a number of parts of my constituency of Cork North-Central, a car is an absolute necessity because public transport is not available. The Minister of State will be just as inundated as I am by the number of people contacting us looking … said in his speech. A man in Mallow has been waiting for nine months for a driving test and that is only an estimation of the date as opposed to actually getting a test. If someone gets a test date, there is no guarantee that the test will

organisation public servants. Accordingly, their terms and conditions, including remuneration, are a matter for the individual employers and employees as part of the employment relationship. The number of staff employed in the community and voluntary sector as a whole is difficult to determine but it is estimated … paid on 1 March 2024. The agreement reached provided for further engagement that would have regard to building momentum and other public service pay agreements. This year, agreement was reached on 10 March at the WRC following talks led by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality

banks. The stated purpose of NAMA was to protect the interests of the State and manage distressed assets in a way that maximised public value, but when we examine the legacy of NAMA honestly, serious questions remain. NAMA paid €31.8 billion to acquire loans with a face value … were ultimately borne by ordinary people through austerity, including cuts to services, higher taxes, emigration and lost opportunity. The Comptroller and Auditor General estimated in 2022 that the net cost of the bank stabilisation measures amounted to €45.7 billion. Nowhere is the failure of the post-crash political

excess of €800 million was made available to the seafood sector, which included investment of almost €160 million in State-owned public marine infrastructure. The Government will pursue all avenues to increase fishing opportunities for our fishers, while maintaining sustainable stock levels based on scientific evidence. We will … forestry sector accounts for almost 11.6% of our land area. While still below the EU-27 average, forest cover in Ireland is estimated to be at its highest level in more than 350 years. Latest figures for employment in the forestry sector, including logging and the manufacture

electricity generation are estimated to reduce by between 53% and 60% by 2030. With additional measures, we are projected to meet our overall Carbon Budget 1 programme target, with only three sectors set to miss their 2025 sectoral emissions ceilings: transport, industry and public and commercial buildings

significantly undermine the public finances. What we are seeking to do is moderate the overall growth in expenditure. In regard to the Department of education, in fact, there was a significant expansion year on year. It increased funding compared to the 2025 Revised Estimates Volume, REV, allocation funding

Drogheda for the public to avoid emergency departments unless absolutely necessary due to the severe overcrowding and, in some cases, extremely high patient numbers. What a great country we have when we cannot provide timely medical care. The ratio of GPs to population is estimated at seven

Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will provide an update on the progress of the Midleton flood relief scheme; the estimated timeframe for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52697/25

Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will provide an update on the progress of the Glashaboy flood relief scheme; the estimated timeline for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50303/25

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost of creating an on-demand, free service for all individuals with impaired mobility and who cannot access scheduled public transport. [47492/25

Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the estimated full year cost to recruit two additional WTE senior pharmaceutical technicians; and two additional senior pharmacists to work in the Public Health Services. [45539/25

Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to recruit one WTE staff grade optician and one senior grade optician to work within the public health service. [6283/25

Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the status of all flood relief schemes in County Clare, including the funding allocated, expenditure to date, estimated completion dates and current stage of delivery. [53845/26

Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will expedite the Thomastown flood relief scheme in County Kerry; when works will commence; the estimated timeframe for the proposed works to be completed; the estimated cost of the scheme

Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will expedite the Graiguenamanagh flood relief scheme in County Kilkenny; when works will commence; the estimated timeframe for the proposed works to be completed; the estimated cost of the scheme

Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if his Department is considering natural flood management and other mitigations in relation to estimated rising sea levels and protecting property that is prone to this risk; and if he will make

asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the estimated cost of establishing an Irish language learning hub in Carna, County Galway to support the State's legislative target of 20% of public service employees being proficient in the Irish language; and if he will

Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to outline the schedule of works for the OPW renovation works at the Round Tower, Kells, County Meath; the estimated cost of this work; the breakdown of same; the costs incurred

prior sanction was issued by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation; did the expenditure remain within the subhead ceiling; the way in which the full €148 million reflected in Revised Estimates 2025, and where does the asset now sit on the State

engaged with the Minister for Public Expenditure; Infrastructure; Public Service Reform and Digitalisation regarding the fiscal implications of introducing a cost of disability payment; and if provision is being considered within future Estimates. [1616/26

Finance whether his Department or the Revenue Commissioners have undertaken, commissioned, or estimated any compliance cost, systems-integration cost, or administrative burden for small and medium-sized enterprises arising from proposals discussed in the public consultation on the modernisation of withholding taxes, including any move toward real-time

data-sharing barriers that impede timely cooperation with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office; if so, to list each barrier and the specific legislative, policy or administrative change proposed to remove it, with an estimated timetable for implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter

Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of external consultancy contracts entered into by his Department in the past five years, including the original estimated cost, the final cost, and the reasoning for contracting this work rather

Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress to date of the Nenagh flood relief scheme; when this project will proceed to the next stage; the estimate budget for this scheme, if yet determined; and if he will

Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for the total amount of capital carryover in 2022, 2023 and 2024, in tabular form; for an estimate of surrendered funds for 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter

Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the flood relief projects currently planned, under development or under construction in County Kildare; the stage each project has reached; the estimated completion dates; and if he will make a statement

applicants, by service that is GP/primary care (including GP visit cards), pharmacy/medicines, public health (screening, vaccination), emergency department, inpatient and outpatient activity, mental-health services, dental, interpreting and any per-applicant or per-episode cost estimates used for internal planning, from 2022 to date in 2025. [61175/25

will outline the years in which Office of Public Works has signed a measured term maintenance contract, and the duration of such; the number of tenders received in each instance; the successful tender; the estimated value of works to be carried out in each per the tender

Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to confirm the total voted capital expenditure ceiling for 2025 has now increased to €17.1bn; if not, the additional revised estimates which still have to be passed by the Oireachtas; where

Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to expedite the Cromane flood relief scheme in County Kerry; if the proposed works will commence prior to the summer season; the estimated timeframe for the proposed works to be completed; the estimated

Houses of the Oireachtas Commission that the recent public tender for the recording, broadcasting and archival services for Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann closed on 10 October 2025 without receiving any valid tenders; the total estimated contract value; and his views on the implications for service continuity

Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if his Department has assessed the impact of overruns in Budget 2025, from the originally planned €3bn in new expenditure to the estimated €8.5bn; and if he will publish the corrective measures being applied