Again, we are working on how we can build additional capacity into our recycling systems to avoid the additional exportation of PET. I will say that Re-Turn has been good to work with. It is very efficient. It is a retail-led scheme. We have seen the success of it. It has been widely recognised. We are exploring avenues in regard to how we make use of the unredeemed deposits. The establishment of a recycling bottle-to-bottle plant will be an important part of how we deal with the additional consistent supply of hig…

No.

I thank Deputy O'Rourke for raising this Topical Issue in the Chamber. Like the Deputy, I share the same ambition on the delivery of inclusive education in our communities and I commend him on raising this important matter. The Government is fully committed to supporting children with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective. The National Council for Special Education, NCSE, has responsibility for co-ordinati…

Again, I thank Deputy O'Rourke for giving me an opportunity to respond on behalf of the Minister for education and her Department. I appreciate the frustration the Deputy has expressed about the alignment of the NCSE, the SENO and the school. It should not have to be the case that the Deputy has to come in here and express his dissatisfaction with the fact the school has been put in this position. It is incumbent on us all to ensure the system becomes more streamlined, more agile and more responsive. It should be t…

I thank the Deputy for raising this very important issue. I compliment him on his passion and advocacy for key infrastructure projects in his constituency and for raising the requirement for investment in infrastructure, and its delivery, to become key priorities for the Government. He earlier raised the issues with large-scale renewable energy projects so this very much follows from that. As highlighted in the programme for Government, delivery of essential infrastructure is a key driver in ensuring our economy’s …

The Deputy raises some very important points. I assure him that investment to improve our infrastructure and accelerate infrastructure delivery is a key priority of this Government. As I said earlier, over the coming weeks Ministers will publish their capital investment plans for the next five years. As the Deputy has said, it is critically important that Kildare North features heavily in many of these plans. The Deputy mentioned Garda stations, primary care centres and community centres. We need developments with …

I thank Deputy Burke for raising this important matter. I know how passionate he is about this integrated homeless health hub. I have heard him speak about it on many occasions, as he has again today. I welcome the opportunity to take this Topical Issue on behalf of the Minister for Health and to inform the House of the current position relating to the provision of an integrated homeless health hub in Cork city. Cork city has a huge population. The Minister recognises that the health needs of people experiencing ho…

I acknowledge the Deputy's advocacy for this important health hub. We all recognise the need to respond on a nationwide basis to the health needs of people who are homeless. That includes areas outside Dublin and, to the Deputy's point, including Cork city will be a critical investment for the HSE. I will reiterate to all the Ministers in the Department of Health the need for support for this proposal. The engagement with HSE south west and Cork City Council is ongoing in terms of preparing a funding model. We will…

I thank Deputy Hearne for raising this important issue and for offering me the opportunity to respond on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, who is not here today. Increasing the provision of disability residential services is a key priority for the Government and the HSE. All Deputies across the House will have specific cases relating to the many families who are finding challenges in this regard. There has been significant investment in residential services throughout the tenure of this Government. W…

Again, I agree with the Deputy. I think we are all in agreement that we do need to commit to tackling the waiting lists. That is why we have a dedicated Minister of State with responsibility for disability at the Cabinet, working within the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, as part of the wider Government response to increase the number of residential places and improve capacity within the sector as a whole. The action plan for disability services out to 2026 is designed to provide additional funding…

I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "That" and substitute the following: "Dáil Éireann resolves that the Arts (Recognition of Comedy) (Amendment) Bill 2024 be deemed to be read a second time this day eighteen months, on the grounds that this amendment is premature as the Minister proposes to await the report of the Expert Advisory Committee on the Arts Council before giving consideration to what legislative changes to the Arts Act 2003 would be appropriate.". I thank Deputy Ó Snodaigh for his opening …

I thank all the Deputies for their very informative contributions and the obvious passion they have towards this subject. It is great to hear some people's passion not just for the sector itself, but through having past experience in it. It is incumbent on us all to recognise the world-class arts sector we have, both amateur and professional. That is recognised internationally and domestically. It is the ambition of the Government and the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, that it continues into the future and is supporte…

I welcome the successful passing of the Bill through the Dáil. This Bill will introduce a new employment right and will facilitate workers who want to continue in employment until they first access the State pension. It also makes the necessary provision for the limited cases where a lower retirement age may be required. The Bill gives effect to a Government commitment under the Pensions Commission's recommendations and implementation plan. This is a balanced and proportionate measure. It respects the rights of emp…

I thank the Deputy and the Opposition for supporting the general scheme of the Bill. No amendments have been tabled on Report Stage. We welcome the Deputy's engagement and contribution. In general terms, the intent is that employees continuing in employment past the age of 65 should, where possible, be treated in the same way as colleagues below that age. We understand the challenges around the income gap experienced by a person required to retire at an age lower than that at which the State pension can be accessed…

I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." I am pleased to address the House on the Second Stage of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025. The Bill will provide the legal mechanism for the payment of €1.5 billion of equity investment in ESB, as committed to by the Government under the national development plan. I will set out the broader context for why Government equity investment is required, before outlining the subject matter of the Bill. As Deputies will be aware, Ireland’s electricity demand …

It was the worst in history.

I also warmly congratulate our President-elect, Catherine Connolly. I wish her the very best in her appointment. Leaving Mayo-Galway rivalries aside, I know she will do a tremendous job. I wish her the very best. I thank all the Deputies for their engagement in respect of this very important Bill. I appreciate the general support right across the Chamber in that regard. The fact that many Members have contributed to the debate demonstrates the importance and relevance of energy issues. I welcome the broad range of …

I want to express my sincere sympathies to Harvey Morrison Sherratt's parents, Gillian and Stephen, and all families impacted by CHI's scoliosis and spinal surgery waiting list. This is a deeply serious issue, one on which we are all united across the Dáil in wanting to resolve. Simon, the Government and the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, are working with parents and advocates to agree a structured partnership to deal with the issues and challenges around scoliosis and spina bifida. This is real action not poli…

It offers no constructive budget and no constructive policy.

Budget 2026 is about securing Ireland's future, supporting families, protecting jobs and investing in infrastructure that is much needed. This is a budget of more than €9.4 billion, with €8.1 billion in spending and a €1.3 billion tax package. That is a 7% increase in total spend. We are prioritising those who need it most. We are looking after pensioners, carers and people with disabilities. As a party of fiscal responsibility, my party, Fine Gael, is saving more than €6.5 billion into two long-term funds to safeg…