The division is deferred until the weekly division time tomorrow evening. Gabhaim buíochas leis na Teachtaí.

I commend the Minister's dedication, especially regarding the extension of the hot school meals programme to an additional 320 DEIS schools. Her commitment to this programme is very evident and it is clear that these efforts will ensure that many children receive the nutritious meals they so critically need. Regarding the long-term vision for the programme, I would like some insight into how these efforts might curb the prevalence of food insecurity among children. Could the Minister provide insight into some of th…

I thank the Minister for her response. Reverting to her earlier statement about the proactive measures to uplift families and children in budget 2024, the suite of comprehensive measures she has outlined clearly indicates a sincere intent to lessen the financial strain and boost the quality of life for many families. Those measures are to be commended, including the €12 weekly hike in social welfare, the increase in the working family payment, the enhanced weekly qualified child payment and the parent's benefit ext…

I concur with other Members on the real need for increased sporting facilities within each of our constituencies. I thank the Minister of State for visiting Castlebar recently to launch a report on the importance of sport within the county town. We have seen the success of the Lough Lannagh project with a new swimming pool, adjacent tennis clubs, walkways and so on. Collaboration with the Minister of State's Department and local authorities can be a game-changer in ensuring we have more participation, better sporti…

I acknowledge the efforts of the Minister, Deputy Harris, and the Minister of State, Deputy Niall Collins, in delivering for further and higher education in the budget. I have received several questions on the availability of supports for part-time students who cannot access SUSI grants. It is crucial to address this to ensure inclusivity, accessibility and equal educational chances for all. Many individuals are unable to pursue full-time education due to various factors. What can the Government do in this regard?

It is very positive to hear of this additional part-time fee-support scheme, which will be an enormous boost for those who wish to enter part-time education while juggling work and family commitments. These additional grants will help with the expenses of textbooks, course supplies and other academic resources which play a crucial role. It is important that the Minister is backing part-time education. Many of the universities, technical universities and colleges are establishing part-time courses to meet the needs …

In his opening response, the Minister spoke about broadening the access to education for families who may be impacted by poverty, etc. This is a very worthwhile scheme. Broadening the support to part-time learners underscores the importance of continuous education. It is crucial that we continue to nurture our flexible workforce which is vital for our economic advancement and also for innovation and how we support our talent and knowledge economy. Are the grants capped at a certain level? Is the ceiling of €56,000 …

Our private and voluntary nursing homes are facing significant challenges and urgent intervention is necessary to halt the alarming trend of closures we are witnessing. Last year, a staggering one in three private and voluntary nursing homes ran at a loss. Their operating costs have soared by 36%, forcing many to shut their doors. In my own back yard in Mayo, we have felt the sting of this crisis. St. Anne's Nursing Home in Charlestown is already closed, and now there are looming threats of closures in both Claremo…

I raise the continued absence of a chief pharmaceutical officer, CPO, in the healthcare system or the Department of Health. The role is essential to manage medicine and pharmacy services. It is missing in Ireland, unlike many other countries. We have a chief medical officer, a chief nursing officer, a chief dental officer and a chief veterinary officer. Certainly a CPO would ensure we have the correct medicines and pharmacy services for our people. Our system for medicines and pharmacy is complicated, which causes …

I want to raise the issue of continued investment in water services. I acknowledge we are experiencing significant reform, with the aim of better services and promoting wider environmental protection, but there remain significant infrastructure deficits that need to be addressed, even after Uisce Éireann focuses on its capital programme in 2023. One specific project is the Newport sewerage scheme in Clew Bay in west Mayo, which has a timeline that has been pushed out to 2026, resulting in raw sewage being introduce…

As a representative of the people of Mayo, I continue to strongly campaign for a fair and equitable approach to regional development. I believe it is crucial we address the situation regarding the IDA's activities across the county. Will the Minister provide a comprehensive report on the total number of site visits organised by IDA Ireland to Mayo this year?

I welcome budget 2024 as it takes important steps towards rewarding those who work diligently and helping individuals keep more of their hard-earned wages. This budget displays a significant commitment to supporting households, public services, community services and businesses facing the challenges of inflation and the rising costs of living. One of the highlights of this budget is the €1.3 billion tax package that includes increasing the entry point to the top 40% tax rate by an impressive €9,200 over the past de…

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and Ceann Comhairle for selecting this very important Topical Issue, which addresses a matter of profound importance, one that demands immediate and resolute action. It concerns the livelihoods and well-being of the incredible individuals who dedicate their lives to caring for and supporting the most vulnerable in our society. I implore the Minister of State, Deputy Heydon, who is taking this Topical Issue on behalf of the Minister with responsibility, to listen carefully to their …

I thank the Minister of State for his response, which is greatly appreciated. However, this sector is in dire straits and demands immediate action. Up to 5,000 health and community workers who play a critical role in our society are on the brink of indefinite strike action from 17 October. While I accept that the 5% pay funding increase was put on the table, it certainly did not go far enough for many organisations. These dedicated section 39 workers employed in voluntary, not-for-profit health organisations have u…

It is important to recognise the profound significance of the school transport scheme. For many it is not just a bus service; it is a vital lifeline for those who rely heavily on it. In the 2022-23 school year we saw more than 149,000 children in many of our primary and post-primary schools, including those with special educational needs, rely on the service. We have seen the positive impact the scheme has had on more than 5,400 children who recently arrived from Ukraine. There is a real financial commitment of mor…

Starting this Sunday, Lahardaun and Bofeenaun communities are set to lose their GP service as it moves to Crossmolina. This move affects 1,100 medical card holders without them having any say in the process. Although we understand the HSE is trying to recruit more doctors, the ongoing empty GP post in Lahardaun is a critical issue. The idea of merging the local Addergoole Medical Centre with Crossmolina is causing a great deal of fear among its community, and rightly so. I am firm on making the HSE answerable for k…

I am very pleased to hear that the N5 Scramoge-to-Ballaghaderreen project was approved by Cabinet today and will now progress to the construction phase. I know the Taoiseach was fully supportive of this project when concerns were brought to his attention following the collapse of Roadbridge. This is a long-awaited project that is now estimated to cost in the region of €450 million. It will have a significant impact on the safety and quality of life of people in counties Mayo and Roscommon and beyond. I acknowledge …

There are huge funding deficits in our disability services, especially in the voluntary sector, not just in Mayo but across the country as well. The Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, is doing good work to bridge the gap in this year’s budget. Earlier this week, I spoke to the board of management of Western Care Association. The board outlined the association's ongoing challenges in the context of supporting those with disabilities. It is currently operating a deficit of over €8.8 million. That includes €3.1 milli…

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this important Topical Issue matter, which relates to children with the life-altering condition of scoliosis. This continues to be a very significant issue, despite promises made over a span of six years. In 2017, the Department of Health made a commitment that children with scoliosis would not have to wait longer than four months for a crucial surgery that can transform their lives. However, it has now been many years since the initial promise was made in these Houses to r…

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit. I understand and appreciate his detailed response. However, the reality remains that despite the additional funding allocation last year, children and patients who require scoliosis or other spinal interventions are still enduring wait times exceeding four months and in some cases they have been waiting three or four years. This situation is utterly unacceptable and tonight we need to get that message back to the Minister, Deputy Donnelly. The heartbreak, in truth, is that these…