Appropriation Bill 2025 [Certified Money Bill]: Second Stage (Resumed)
Seanad Éireann — 2025-12-18
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Jack Chambers (FF), Dublin West

I echo what everyone else has said and wish everyone a happy Christmas. I thank all of the staff in the Houses of the Oireachtas who do an incredible job. They work long hours and nights. I hope everyone has a fantastic break. To echo Senator Davitt, it is always enjoyable to come into this House. The soothing atmosphere in this House is always welcome compared with other debates we have, inside and outside. I thank the Members for their support today.
In response to Senator Andrews's contribution, the housing budget next year is in excess of €11 billion. It has been the big priority in the review of the national development plan. I share with him the ambition to not only build more social and affordable homes but also to have the social infrastructure to underpin that in terms of schools, etc. A new sports capital programme opens next year, and the wider transport infrastructure programme has been allocated €24 billion for the next five years. It is the biggest investment in transport infrastructure in the history of the State. It is hugely important for connectivity but also for improving the day-to-day living experiences of so many people.
We all share Senator Kyne’s focus on the ring road in Galway. I know the frustration that is felt in Galway around the delays to the project. I hope there will be a positive decision on that. If there is, we then have to get on with getting it built. It is hugely important for the west. When it comes to defence, our greater ambition is set out in the capital plan for the Department of Defence that the Minister, Deputy McEntee, published last week.
This is important legislation that will allow us to continue to fund the basic functioning of the State for the start of 2026. We appreciate the support of all Members.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2025-12-18/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:29+00:00
Sitting date: 2025-12-18