Search the record

school. Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss ongoing human rights abuses against the Uyghurs. Deputy Tom Brabazon - To discuss the school building project at Gaelcholáiste Reachrann. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore - To discuss special education classes in Wicklow. Deputy Eamon Scanlon - To discuss the inadequate public transport options available along … payment scheme for farmers. Deputy Erin McGreehan - To discuss water quality issues in north Louth. Deputy Colm Burke - To discuss a shingles vaccination programme for people over 65 and-or immunocompromised. Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher - To discuss the overfishing and setting of unilateral quotas on mackerel. Deputy

have. That does not happen by accident. It happens through hard work and sensible decisions. Every commitment made in the programme for Government that we have all signed up to will be delivered during the Government's five-year term. This is the first budget of five … State at the Department of foreign affairs. The first is the diaspora. I am delighted that the budget for the emigrant support programme this year will increase by €1 million. Our diaspora is our greatest asset in so many ways. It is made up of the individuals

their importance to the broader economy are the roll-out of DART+ West and DART+ South West, and the BusConnects programme in Dublin and across the country. One important thing which has not had attention drawn to it this week is the increase in the public service obligation … just in Dublin. It is important to call that out, as well as the significant once-in-a-generation investment in the MetroLink project. With regard to the tax changes announced, it is important to highlight and support those regarding dereliction. The role of the Revenue Commissioners will

welcome and needs to be directed at areas servicing new housing developments in particular. In his speech yesterday, the Minister referenced several road projects. I want to ensure the northern distributor road, the Mallow relief road and the Cork to Limerick motorway are included in the projects that … will continue to press for clarity and action on them. It is crucial to restate that the funding to deliver these projects is in place under the national development plan, despite what Members of the Opposition say. Last year, I spoke in the Chamber about the importance

autism classes, a lift, a new rooftop yard, fire doors, a reconfiguration of the top floor and other works. I understand the project manager was KSN, the main contractor was Vision and other contractors were involved. These works should be a source of pride for the school. Instead … point and no further. Some of these situations arose during construction. Some of it was pre-existing. When the contractor went to the project manager three years ago, they were told the Department had not approved expanding the scope of works. Earlier this year, the Department said

homes. The 2025 progress report shows significant progress has been made and it is available on the Department's website. The CPO activation programme encourages a proactive and systematic approach by local authorities to address vacancy and dereliction. Local authorities are identifying vacant and derelict properties and engaging … around the country. I want local authorities to use their powers under the Housing Act and the Derelict Sites Act. The programme requires co-ordination across teams in local authorities to support a focused response and this is occurring with reorganisation and new structures being established in local

domain - as well as to me and others - that there is huge uncertainty in relation to the approval of these cost rental affordable projects and the social housing associated with it. The Minister and the Department might be putting it across that these are questions relating … different points at which projects are approved, but we need to get straighter. How many projects have been turned down for CREL and CALF

affordable purchase homes with the support of the affordable housing fund, of which 83 have been delivered. Furthermore, six approved housing body projects have been approved to date under the cost-rental equity loan scheme. Sixty-four cost-rental homes have been delivered and a further … self-builds. A considerable amount of affordable housing support has been provided. As the Deputy knows, there is a commitment under the programme for Government to introduce a starter homes programme bringing all elements under the one roof. The vacant property refurbishment grant is also providing affordability supports

Will the Minister update us on the plans to deliver the social housing projects via public-private partnerships? I understand that there are legal issues in relation to those. Is there any progress on that, particularly around the projects in Ballymun and Whitehall in my own constituency … elsewhere in Dublin? What is the status of those social housing projects? When will they be delivered? The Minister might update us on those. What are the future plans for public-private partnerships

second-tier child benefit in this budget, no reduction in class sizes and post-primary schools excluded from the hot school meals programme. When it comes to wealth transfers for developers, it seems the Government is happy to name its price but, despite announcing it twice … real damp squib. Deputy Marie Sherlock has pointed out that the Government is funding 2,300 additional places through the building blocks programme, but about 50,000 children are on waiting lists and there is no sign of that promised monthly cap on fees to €200 for childcare

context of what was announced yesterday. I recognise the work the Minister, Deputy Foley, has done in keeping and growing the equal start programme and DEIS model for early years. This is a scheme I was proud to have initiated as Minister. It is already benefiting over … that if the budget demonstrated some of the major commitments, or a start to some of the commitments, that are in the programme for Government. After almost a year now of a do-nothing Government, however, budget 2026 reveals what we have all suspected for a while: that

Minister will probably be aware of that from media reports from the various farm organisations that expressed their disappointment. The TB eradication programme obviously needs to be funded. There have been decades when it has not been funded properly. We see a situation where the bovine TB numbers … have been out of control for the past number of years. The TB programme has gone over budget every year since 2020 and it will run over budget again this year. In 2024, over €100 million was spent and estimates are that it could

hospitals and with regard to rostering, which we in the Labour Party very much support. There is, however, a reality that this project of productivity cannot be completed without electronic health records and without more beds. We did not see a peep out of the Government today about … this massive project of electronic health records. We have to ask the question: where is the money for it? In last year's budget Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael were falling over themselves promising the electorate more hospital beds. Even though in 2024 the Department of Health identified

biggest betrayals by this Government is its decision to jack up college fees despite vowing throughout the election and in the programme for Government to cut them. Worse than that is the Government's attempt to spin this. It expects students and families who paid €2,000 last … lists for treatment. There are too few primary care centres working in our communities. The scandal of people languishing on trolleys persists. Critical programmes, like the cancer strategy, have been starved of funding and regional disparities continue in the availability of acute care. Unfortunately, I heard nothing from

Government over the past ten years. This Government has become allergic to accountability and responsibility. As a result, we have seen so many projects balloon in cost in our time from the national children's hospital down to the last news report of the €100,000 bike shed … Union. We have one of the slowest tendering systems in the EU. We have judicial reviews to beat the band to stall major projects. There is nothing in this budget in terms of reforming the whole process which is grinding the building of homes to a halt. Then

propose to takes Questions No. 6, 20, 23, 26 and 32 together. The basic income for the arts is a pilot research programme which will inform future Government policy on how best to support Ireland’s artists and creative arts workers. The primary objective of the scheme … arts enjoyed by society are often as a result of unpaid and underpaid labour of artists. This is a chronic ongoing problem. The programme for Government commits to assessing the basic income for the arts pilot research scheme to maximise its impact, which is why I announce

health are well proven. In partnership with the Department of Health under the healthy Ireland fund, Sport Ireland delivers a wide range of projects and programmes designed to increase the population's participation in sport and physical activity through the network of local sport's partnerships, recognised national … organisations. Through initiatives such as Get Ireland Active and Get Ireland Walking, the outdoor swimming infrastructure scheme, and the physical activity for health programme, we are addressing key health challenges and breaking down barriers to participation in sport

offers will be advertised on the eTenders procurement platform in the final quarter of this year. The readvertisement and retender process for the project are necessary under the procurement rules. On the ambulance service, HSE capital and estates, in collaboration with the National Ambulance Service, has identified … purpose-built ambulance base. The NAS and HSE capital and estates have completed the necessary documentation to facilitate the progression of the project in quarter 4 of 2025, which I hope is a good update for the Deputy. The HSE is working to appoint a design team

operation is for the NTA, in conjunction with Irish Rail and so on. I reassure the Deputy that, as outlined in the programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, the Government is strongly committed to enhancing transportation networks and infrastructure development, and public transport plays a key role … include those aged five to eight years old and to support the roll-out of new and enhanced bus and rail services under programmes such as BusConnects and Connecting Ireland. As is the case with all such measures, all funding matters are being considered as part

supply of housing. We remain fully committed to the successful implementation of the suite of housing measures and reforms set out in the programme for Government and under Housing for All. The forthcoming national housing plan will reaffirm and strengthen this commitment. Many developers producing housing at scale … million, matched 50:50 by the participating banks. The total commitment across all participants is, as such, €740 million. There is a programme for Government commitment to work with the participating banks to extend the scheme to 2030. The scheme will be key in supporting the ambitious delivery

that is so important for the communities they serve. I give a particular shout-out and recognition to Independent Youth Works Project Dublin, which has 20 projects across the city, including the SWAN Youth Service, Cabra for Youth and Rutland Youth Service. They came together last year with … crime in the first place. What I am talking about today is not in the abstract. In Mountjoy Square, a community after-school project has been asking for months for something as basic as a new front door because there are holes in the one it has. This

needed to make them more attractive for use or sale. On completion of the most recent review of this element of the URDF programme, over 1,370 residential and commercial properties were approved by the Department for inclusion in the approved programmes for all 31 local authorities … varying levels of vacancy are indicated in different data sources, the overall trend is downwards and vacancy levels are declining nationally. The new programme for Government, Securing Ireland’s Future, also includes actions that aim to further continue work on town centre living and regeneration challenges. These measures

Hamas and immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access at scale into Gaza. The IPC has confirmed that famine is occurring in Gaza and is projected to spread further across the strip. This is a man-made famine. Hostages remain in captivity. The daily statistics are incomprehensibly appalling: the numbers … commitment to the two-state solution and to upholding international law, the Government is advancing work on the commitment in the programme for Government relating to an occupied territories Bill. This is an area where Ireland has been at the forefront in taking action. In June, the Government

face. That said, I welcome the opportunity to highlight the positive effects that grant systems, such as the LSSIF, CSSF and sports capital programme, can have in our communities. Sport brings people together by creating common good, fostering teamwork and friendship and breaking down social barriers, but sport … investing in sport, striving to increase participation and making our population healthier, stronger and more robust. The Minister of State can fund more projects and make more dreams come true if he just implements this simple measure. It is an easy win for him. It would be remiss

LSSIF for a new facility at Hyde Park in Dalkey, to be shared between Dalkey United and Cuala GAA. That is a flagship project with real local dividends, but success brings pressure and pitches in Dublin are at breaking point. Demand outstrips supply most evenings and weekends … ready for the next round of funding under the community sport facility fund call in 2026. Obviously, they should know that shovel-ready projects win all the time. It would help if the Minister of State's Department could publish an indicative timeline and a short guide

Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the projected increase of student enrolments over the next five years; and the anticipated additional funding that will be required to meet this demand. [71735/26

Education, Research, Innovation and Science the capital funding provided in Budget 2027 for student accommodation, including under the Higher Education sector student accommodation programme and the National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035, given that the Budget 2027 expenditure report does not set out a specific allocation

Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the projects funded under the town and village renewal scheme in Limerick in 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form. [72135/26

Agriculture, Food and the Marine the allocation on carbon tax to agriculture from 2020 to 2025 and to date in 2026; and the projected intake until 2030, yearly. [71037/26

responsibilities, his Department is engaging with the Office of Public Works, OPW, MARA, local authorities and other relevant bodies on opportunities for pilot projects that would combine coastal flood protection measures with the enhancement of marine habitats and biodiversity. [70958/26

risk; and if grants or support schemes are available, or are being considered, to assist farmers and landowners in undertaking such conservation grazing projects. [67372/26

Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made to date in implementing the Programme for Government commitment on intergenerational farm succession; if he plans to review the effectiveness of existing succession schemes and supports; and the further actions he plans

Stormont executive in relation to the A5 road scheme; and the progress made in relation to the Government’s €600m commitment to this project. [71095/26

asked the Minister for Transport whether Iarnród Éireann has identified the number of residential properties that may be directly affected by the FourNorth project, including through land acquisition, works immediately adjacent to properties or other impacts; and when affected property owners will be individually contacted. [71123/26

Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for public consultation on the FourNorth project; when the Emerging Preferred Option is expected to be published; and the consultation opportunities that will be provided to residents along the affected corridor. [71121/26

Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Transport when detailed plans for the FourNorth project, including the proposed additional track alignments and potential impacts on properties adjoining the existing railway corridor, will be made available to residents and the public. [71120/26

Minister for Transport the engagement that has taken place to date with residents and communities living immediately adjacent to the proposed FourNorth project; and when Iarnród Éireann intends to commence direct engagement with affected residents. [71119/26

Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on the expansion of youth diversion programmes nationally; and the further measures being taken to intervene early with young people at risk of becoming involved in persistent antisocial behaviour and crime. [70450/26

Home Affairs and Migration the position regarding the review carried out into the prison system with a view to improving prisoner welfare, education programmes and recidivism rates. [69786/26

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide an update on the progress of sentencing reform legislation contained in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70020/26

Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for an update on his plans for Thornton Hall; and projected timeframe for same. [69725/26

public transport demand in the Kildare North constituency; and the metrics used to assess whether existing public transport capacity is meeting current and projected demand. [70113/26

Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Transport the public transport projects currently planned or under construction in the Kildare North constituency and their anticipated delivery timelines. [70112/26

announced in Budgets 2020 to 2026 on the level of legal duty paid consumption, cross border and travel purchases, and illicit consumption; the projected and actual excise yield from each such increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70324/26

Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the principal barriers identified by Government Departments and agencies to the implementation of digital transformation projects and artificial intelligence initiatives. [70152/26

Education and Youth if a school (details supplied) has been assessed for the Department-led Energy and Condition Survey; and if the overall project is due to be completed by the end of 2026. [69783/26

Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the projected demand for post primary school places in County Mayo for each of the next four years; and the additional places currently in development. [69861/26

retaining 11 teachers for the 2027-2028 school year is understood to be 261 pupils; and the consideration that has been given to projected enrolment, ongoing housing development and the impact of significantly increased class sizes on pupils’ educational experience and wellbeing. [69832/26

Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the nature of capital works projects her Department funded at a school (details supplied) in 2025 and to date in 2026 in tabular form; and the number of capital funding requests currently with her Department

Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Youth considering the Programme for Government commitment regarding drivers aged over 70, if she will review the age limit of 70 for larger school transport vehicles, given that medically fit drivers aged up to 72 may now drive vehicles