Programme for Government
Dail Éireann — 2026-02-04
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Micheál Martin (FF), Cork South-Central

I have seen some of the works in Midleton, either embankments or gates. We can be doing more and we should work with the local authorities. The OPW wants to work with the local authorities on interim measures while the schemes themselves are being developed. I think that is the direction of travel we intend to work on.
Deputy Mark Ward raised the regulation of e-scooters. The Minister got sanction from the Cabinet today for preliminary regulations covering the wearing of helmets and hi-vis vests for the users of e-scooters, e-bikes and so forth. That is important. We also understand that there will be a need for more regulation in respect of how e-scooters are being applied on our streets.
Deputy O'Rourke raised special schools and classes. There has been a lot of increases in special schools since 2020. I think the number is well over 11, and perhaps up to 15. I will check the latter figure for the Deputy. There has been a huge number of increases in special classes. In fact, the big phenomenon in education at the moment is the phenomenal growth in the number of children needing special education provision. The October deadline brought on a huge increase in numbers compared to last year. This is notwithstanding those who missed the deadline. This is a very significant issue that we need to analyse and evaluate in terms of the nature of supports and whether we are providing the optimal supports. A significant number of people have come forward since the early deadline was put in place. The Minister of State with special responsibility for special education, Deputy Michael Moynihan, and the Minister for education, Deputy Naughton, have alerted the Government to the significant increase in numbers who have applied, particularly those who would have been in mainstream classes but, because of the early date, principals and others are saying should be in special classes. This is increasing the demand and the need. We will come back to the Deputy on the date. I know the Minister and the Minister of State are working on it, and I will come back to him on it.
Deputy Tóibín spoke about World Cancer Day. I accept that there are geographical variations. That is not a situation that is acceptable. Overall, cancer survival rates have improved enormously. I appreciate that the Deputy, being a cancer survivor, is in a good place to articulate and advocate on behalf of this issue. Covid did intervene in some of the screening programmes, and, yes, the catch-up is not there fully in respect of some of them. There is consideration on the way, even to expanding the age cohort that would benefit from various screening programmes. Overall, it is important to say that survival rates have improved significantly over the last two decades for various cancers in this country and that is a positive we have to acknowledge.
Deputy Conway-Walsh asked about the pilot basic income for artists scheme. The Minister has proposals in that regard. I will ask him to come back to the Deputy.
To respond to Deputy Coppinger, gardaí are accountable. We saw an example of that in the courts yesterday. The Deputy again raised the issue of the DPP. I am not clear what she is saying should be the case but an independent Director of Public Prosecutions is essential in a democracy. It is good practice. If the Dáil was to become involved in deciding who gets prosecuted and who does not, we would be on a very dangerous slippery slope.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-02-04/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:35+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-02-04