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hubs, as is clear from the imbalance in how the industry's section 481 tax relief is spread. In 2024, 70% of recipient projects were based in Leinster and over 54% in the Dublin and Wicklow region alone, the major hub for film production capacity, with a total … expenditure value of €402.9 million. As a Dublin TD, I say long may this investment last. However, compared with 62 projects in Leinster, there are only 13 in Munster, with eligibility expenditure of €25.5 million, and 11 in Connacht, with expenditure of €29 million, and just two projects

speaking time to prioritise its introduction before the recess and make the relevant amendments on Committee Stage. The legislation not reflects only a programme for Government commitment but is the right thing to do. We are ensuring those who have survived cancer can access mortgage protection insurance without … Central Bank (Amendment) Bill and previously championing it in the Seanad, are to be noted in the House. While this is a programme for Government commitment, I wanted to prioritise it on taking office in the Department of Finance at the end of January. It is legislation

exchanges. The European Commission has launched the savings and investments union strategy, which includes measures to advance the capital markets union, CMU, project and which has support from ministers, Heads of State and Governments. The strategy identifies key measures to help companies access public equity markets, such … enable Irish SMEs to access equity via financial trading platforms designed to support their funding needs. This position is reflected in the 2025 Programme for Government: Securing Ireland’s Future, which states that the Government will, “Explore opportunities to enhance the Irish Stock Exchange as a vital source

give people more certainty that their tenancy will not be ended. We want to provide more stability and confidence in this area. The programme for Government includes a number of commitments related to the supply of housing for older people. I have been appointed to a role where … housing and health and it is something I am very committed to in terms of housing for older people. As I said, the programme for Government includes a number of commitments related to the supply of housing for older people. This commits to increasing housing options and choices

wish to raise the issue of energy developments in County Galway. My constituency has seen some of the highest concentration of wind energy projects across the State. There are proposals for a large solar project in Monivea and two large-scale gas-fired generation plants in Athenry … Portumna. These projects are causing huge unease in communities. They are extremely divisive and they are all being

year-to-year basis in the same way that the HSE does. The Government parties signed up to multi-annual frameworks in the programme for Government, but they have failed to translate that into this Bill. That is deeply disappointing. While the Bill provides for a three-year … money. The previous Minister for Health launched a comprehensive bed plan. That must be delivered and funded. We have all sorts of projects at a local level that every TD, whether in government or in opposition, will jump up and down for. They have to be funded

have the budget itself. We have the completion of the national development plan. All those are predicated on the Department of Finance finance projections in terms of revenue and so on. Tariffs could potentially impact tax revenue, employment and sectors in our economy that are very strong, such … clear whether that could achieve a qualified voting majority. If, for example, we looked at the Horizon Europe programme in terms of seeking to put pressure on Israel and not facilitate its use of the Horizon programme, would that get the requisite support? That is something

commission of inquiry, whether it is the initial survey that will be done in the coming months, the engagement through the survivor engagement programme or through the inquiry itself. The terms of reference are very clear that there will be: (a) clear communication and transparency, allowing survivors … feeding into what memorialisation looks like in the future. Members raised the fact that the commission may consider information from the survivor engagement programme and the fact that this should be part and parcel of the investigation. It is really important for any person who comes forward

term care and treatment provided within a multidisciplinary care team; notes that: — the Health Service Executive established the National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) to lead the management, organisation and delivery of gynaecology services in Ireland; — just over €5 million has been invested in developing endometriosis care … management in Ireland since 2021, and the Programme for Government commits to continue to support specialist endometriosis services; — new development funding of €543,822 provided in Budget 2024, with full year costs of €2.175 million in 2025 is further expanding and improving these services; — investment since

course of action in the near future. There is a strong commitment to improve animal welfare in the greyhound racing sector in the programme for Government. The Government’s support is contingent on a guarantee of welfare standards being upheld by Rásaíocht Con Éireann on an annual basis … facilitate the Department of agriculture in monitoring expenditure on welfare, quarterly reports on progress regarding the continued implementation of the care and welfare programme are required from Rásaíocht Con Éireann. Provisions in the Greyhound Racing Act 2019 support Rásaíocht Con Éireann in strengthening greyhound welfare. This legislation strengthens

intends to put in place a national nursing home care policy following on from the recent publication of the new ESRI report, which projects that we need to grow the number of both short-term and long-stay beds in nursing homes, and whether the Minister of State … ESRI report is that it clearly sets out the need for a dedicated national nursing home care policy. Short-stay bed requirements are projected to grow from 3,745 beds in 2022 to between 6,420 and 7,265 beds by 2040, which is a growth of between

humanitarian situation there is horrific. The year 2025 will be the fifth consecutive year in which the Government allocation to the Irish Aid programme managed by my Department will have increased and we will publish in September the annual report on our official development assistance to provide … distribution of that aid. The Deputy is right the very large cuts from other donors are having a real impact. The OECD projects a fall of between 9% and 17% in global ODA in 2025 at a time when the world probably requires it more than ever. This

issue I am concerned about. We need to have a serious conversation about it. The Glen Resource Centre has a good programme for the families of those in prison. It has held a summer camp in the past few weeks. I am happy to sit down and discuss … this with the Deputy because it is an important matter. Despite all the funding, outreach, activities and programmes, there is an issue we are missing somewhere. I commend the Cork City Partnership on its work, particularly in the Mayfield area. I will work with all involved to ensure

foot of the engagement the Deputy and I had here. I have been asking about this pretty regularly because these are important projects and, indeed, I had an opportunity to speak to the head of the HSE, Bernard Gloster, about it only this week as part our ongoing … that, but we want to see the money flow. Because of the importance of the issue, while I accept there are more projects than those in Donegal, I will ask that we have a meeting of Donegal Oireachtas Members. I will ask for that to be arranged with

reasonable, manageable and robust to help farmers retain the derogation. Since 2022, farmers have embraced significant regulatory changes under the current Nitrates Action Programme. There is now unprecedented engagement across the entire agrifood sector towards the objective of reducing agriculture's impact on water quality. Farmers are investing … slurry storage and low-emission slurry spreading through the State-backed TAMS. They are joining voluntary programmes like the ASSAP and Farming for Water and are improving biodiversity on farms through ACRES. Data published earlier this month by the EPA confirmed a 10% reduction in nitrates concentration

agriculture and the Minister for housing brought a memo to Government last week, highlighting progress on the development of the next Nitrates Action Programme and engagement with the Commission to agree a pathway to secure a continuation of our nitrates derogation. The Commission recently wrote to Ireland regarding … significant implications. The Commission's request of course arises from the ongoing case by An Taisce challenging the validity of our action programme and derogation which is currently before the courts with a number of questions referred to the European Court of Justice. There is other jurisprudence with

transition fund has delivered more than €169 million into the midlands and is in place until 2027. However, a significant number of local projects struggled to gain the matched funding to deliver those projects on time. I am looking for the Government to seek an extension on that … just transition drawdown so these projects can be completed. I want the Government to look at introducing a just transition economic zone, similar to the Shannon free zone. We have seen the benefit that had for that whole mid-west region down in the south. We should consider

mentioned a single sanctions package against Israel. She has pushed ahead with her poorly titled SAFE, Security Action For Europe, programme. This is a programme of militarisation which will make us less safe. She has ridden roughshod over the EU Parliament, so much so that the President … Parliament has threatened legal action. A hard-hitting report from the Bundestag said the SAFE programme may be illegal and now there is a no-confidence motion coming in her. Fine Gael has already stated that it will support her. It is hardly a surprise. I understand that

remember that, in 2016, the time he went into government, he and I were talking about including the western rail corridor in the programme for Government. Enda Kenny was Taoiseach at the time. That was nearly ten years ago but nothing has happened since other than the review … although I agree it was needed. A bridge was taken down at Barnaderg or Ballyglunin at the time of the road project and there was a big hullaballoo about it. The NRA said it would put it back up. How much will it cost to put it back

region. The Minister of State is only up the road and knows the value of this. I ask him to drive on this project and make sure that the legacy of Seán Canney in government is the western rail corridor reopened from Claremorris to Athenry and beyond from … lagging well behind in infrastructure and transport. One argument the Government has made over many years relates to the viability for this project. I have looked into the data on the Limerick to Galway line. Since that line has been opened, there have been 5 million journeys

surprised. It is a matter I have raised with him on a number of occasions. I attended a meeting with the project leads who are well placed local people. They know the area very well. They have got skin in the game like myself and thousands of others … want to see that project delivered. I welcome the investment and progress in it thus far. We heard the public consultation on the emerging preferred route is likely by the end of the year or early next year. It will be an important consultation on that. People will

anything like that. It is the same with free transport for those aged between five and eight and the hot school meals programme. We did not extend VAT either. I have made it clear that in the next budget, for the Government and in the context … programme for Government, investment in housing and social housing will be key in addressing child poverty. Disability has to be prioritised through income supports. A child poverty approach in the budget is essential. I have a child poverty unit in my Department that will come up with proposals

Government was warned by Uisce Éireann that house building in Dublin would stall within three years if the greater Dublin drainage project does not progress. Of course, this project was first proposed more than 20 years ago and was granted planning permission in 2019. This was quashed … water is flooding out to sea and Uisce Éireann has warned there are currently two options, given the long delays on the wastewater project. Either it stops new connections, which has a huge, knock on effect on stalling house building in Dublin, or it ignores the discharge licence

them. One of the core reasons for that delay is an overly complex, inconsistent and drawn-out planning system. Time and again, housing projects, including affordable and social housing projects, are delayed by a system that is too slow, too uncertain and too exposed to procedural challenges … homes for the next generation, we must reform how we plan. No amount of investment or zoning will matter if we cannot get projects off the ground due to planning gridlock. From my own experience of having spoken to planners, developers and, most importantly, young couples and families

throughout the country were a blip. We need to be clear: we came together to put a Government together and we created a programme for Government. I remember us all discussing student fees in the course of the formation of the Government. We all decided on the commitment … Government would, "Continue to reduce the Student Contribution Fee over the lifetime of the Government ... in a financially sustainable manner". That is the programme for Government we all signed up for, so I really do hope this was just a blip on the Minister’s end. I graduated

Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Transport to outline his plans for interim traffic arrangements during the Dart+ west construction programme. [68196/26

Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Luas Finglas and to provide an updated timeline for the project to commence construction. [68324/26

made on the National Safety Camera Strategy and the rollout of additional traffic enforcement cameras; the timeline for delivery of the camera enforcement programme being developed by the National Transport Authority with An Garda Síochána and Transport Infrastructure Ireland; the status of the procurement of a Camera Enforcement

Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Transport for a detailed update in relation to actions taken on the rail project prioritisation strategy early intervention actions. [68512/26

Minister for Transport to provide an update on the proposed Park and Ride facility in Kilpedder, County Wicklow; the amount expended on the project to date; when the facility will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68946/26

Minister for Transport to provide an update on the proposed Park and Ride facility in Hollywood, County Wicklow; the amount expended on the project to date; when the facility will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68945/26

Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the up-to-date position regarding the new Garda dog training centre; and the timeline of this project progressing to the next stage. [68646/26

Education and Youth the additional funding requirement for the rollout of DEIS plus in 2027; to provide an itemised breakdown of the projected additional costs; and to provide the estimated cost to include a further ten additional primary schools in the DEIS plus scheme. [68679/26

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on a building project for a school (details supplied) to expand on site facilities which will include a kitchen. [68828/26

Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review the Solar for Schools Programme specifications to facilitate the installation of battery storage in schools, thereby allowing them to retain and use more of the electricity they generate. [68211/26

Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding that has been allocated to the Community Support Centre programme, that is local centres set up to provide support in the event of extreme weather emergencies since the publication of the Review of storm

local authorities with limited resources, that serve economically disadvantaged counties, such as Donegal County Council, are expected to co-fund multi-million capital projects, funded by central Government to the same level as all other local authorities. [68037/26

Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost in 2027 if the child support programme for children aged under 12 years-of-age was increased to €64 per week and increased to €93 per week for children aged over 12 years-of-age. [68061/26

Gould asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration when the visa appeal for a student accepted on the Ireland Palestine Scholarship Programme will be decided. [68066/26

Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department has undertaken any assessment of the impact of delays in processing grant applications on project costs arising from inflation, contractor availability and material price increases; whether any such analysis has been carried out in relation to TAMS

Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the current status of the Programme for Government commitment to bring home-based childcare within a regulated and grant-accessible framework. [68073/26

Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will consider introducing multi annual funding arrangements for capital projects undertaken by disability service providers and disability organisations, in order to provide greater funding certainty and enable more effective planning and delivery of essential disability

Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on progress on the Dowth National Park project; when the park masterplan will be published; if there will be a public consultation; and when he expects the park and associated facilities

Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the funding in 2026 for the rightsizing element of the Social Housing Acquisitions Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68590/26

operational solar farm developments to assess their impacts with a view to informing the development of updated national planning guidelines for solar energy projects. [68112/26

Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health if there are funding streams within the palliative care sector for volunteer support and volunteer support programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68447/26

Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if she will outline when the HSE will be providing a nursing practice programme for currently registered childcare nurses who have a gap in service and require this course to return to HSE employment; and her views on the urgency

other assistive safeguarding devices for vulnerable children who are assessed as being at significant risk of wandering or absconding; whether any pilot projects or reviews are underway in this area. [68826/26

million in funding under the EU Social Climate Fund which has been available to draw down since 2026; and the subheading, programme and vote this allocation will fall under. [68683/26

estimated €220 million in national contributions to match the €663 million in funding under the EU Social Climate Fund; and the subheading, programme and vote this allocation fell under in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2026. [68681/26