I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Paul Lawless - To discuss the wastewater treatment plant in Newport, County Mayo. Deputy Michael Cahill - To discuss the shortfall in home care provision in Kerry. Deputy Gary Gannon - To discuss accommodation options for young people leaving care in Dublin Central Deputy Dessie Ellis - To discuss funding for An Saol Foundation CLG's plan to relocate t…

St. Michael's Estate in Inchicore was meant to be a flagship cost-rental development, but progress, as we know, has been slow. Planning permission was granted in July 2023. Dublin City Council is seeking a loan of €132.5 million to fund the cost-rental units. Given that work on the site was due to start this month - main construction is not now expected until November - can the Minister clarify what exactly is causing the delays and whether loan approval is holding up the project?

That is all very welcome but construction is yet to start. It looks like it will not be starting until late this year, with a completion date in 2028. As the Minister explained, this is a fantastic project of 578 mixed-tenure units plus 52 social housing units by Circle Voluntary Housing Association. It will be a fantastic development, but is there anything that the Minister can do to expedite the funding for the project or to provide direct financial support to the council in order that there will not be any furth…

Dublin City Council plans to outsource the management of this development. Can the Minister confirm if that decision will affect the affordability of tenancy protections for cost-rental tenants? Additionally, if the €132.5 million loan is not approved quickly, what alternative measures can be taken to ensure that the project moves forward without further setbacks?

The tenant in situ scheme has been hugely successful for many constituents in Dublin South Central. Nationally, it has prevented 20,000 people from losing their homes. Colleagues from across the House have all had people coming to our clinics who are waiting for this scheme to be properly recommenced. In light of the announcement of additional funding, which is very welcome, how many extra homes will be secured through the scheme by Dublin City Council specifically, particularly given the huge demand that exists in…

I thank the Minister. The extra funding is extremely welcome. The demand for the scheme continues to grow. We all have people literally looking to get into our constituency offices to try to find out when the scheme will be recommencing. Can the Minister confirm if the new allocation will fully meet the need that exists or will a further increase be required? Are there measures in place to speed up the process relating to purchases, especially as some tenants have been left waiting months. The bureaucracy relating …

Has the Government considered streamlining the application process? Do all local authorities have the necessary resources to ensure quick turnaround once the circular is issued? If demand exceeds the current budget, will further funding be made available by the Department?

I raise the urgent need for a coeducational, non-denominational secondary school in Dublin 8. Dublin 8 is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, with a young, diverse population. In fact, 62% of residents of Dublin 8 are not Catholic, yet almost all of the secondary schools in the area are Catholic and single sex. The Catholic Church has played an invaluable role in providing education in Dublin 8 for generations, particularly at times when no other options were available, and that contribution should alw…

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle. Given the significant developments outlined in the Saint James's Hospital Strategic Programme 2021–2025, including the establishment of a world-class academic health science campus and the integration of the Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, could the Taoiseach clarify whether the Cabinet subcommittee has prioritised these initiatives? Additionally, what specific plans are in place to support the timing and effective redevelopment of St. James Hospital, given that St. James's …

The situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is deteriorating rapidly. Rwanda-linked M23 rebels are advancing in the eastern regions around Lake Kivu, escalating violence and displacing thousands of people. The UN Security Council has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for Rwanda to withdraw its forces. Will the Taoiseach clarify Ireland's position on this conflict? Are we aligned with the UN's stance on Rwanda's involvement? Has the Government raised this issue at EU or multilateral leve…

I move: That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to amend the Central Bank Act 1942 and prohibit financial service providers from discriminating against survivors of cancer from accessing financial services and to provide for related matters. I wish to share my time with an Teachta Erin McGreehan, le do thoil. The Central Bank (Amendment) Bill 2025, also known as the right to be forgotten Bill, is a really important and long overdue piece of legislation that will make a real difference to the lives…

I move: "That the Bill be taken in Private Members' time." I hope this can happen as soon as possible.

Is mór an onóir dom agus tá an-áthas orm an Teachta Micheál Martin a ainmniú mar Thaoiseach inniu. Tá an t-ádh linn mar thír go bhfuil ceannaire socair, stuama agus trócaireach againn. Tá na tréithe seo riachtanach i ról an Taoisigh. Deputy Micheál Martin has served the Irish people with honour and commitment during his distinguished career. He has overcome many challenges and shown himself to be one of the most important, influential and successful democratic representatives of these times. He has shown an unwaver…

I have come from a conference in the Ashling Hotel hosted by Family Carers Ireland. I take this opportunity to note the vital work Family Carers Ireland does in advocating for carers. Those carers, as we all know, are the backbone of our health and social community and without them we would be lost. They save our country billions every year. They have a few small asks, one of which is to get rid of the means test. We have worked in this House on increasing the income disregard but I hope that will go further in the…

I also join in the sympathies to Breda and the family of John Naughten. Today I feel compelled to address an issue that families including my own are grappling with, namely access to appropriate education for children with special needs. My son Darragh, who has profound autism, attends Stratford National School in Rathgar. It is a wonderful school with fantastic staff. The patron, the Talmud Torah, has unfortunately gone against a decision by the board to convert his class into a school-age class. This has left Dar…

I, too, would like to mention the optional protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Obviously the protocol allows individuals or groups to lodge complaints with the UN after their legal domestic process has been exhausted and holds states accountable to ensure the rights of people with disabilities are upheld. The protocol is a really welcome and big step. As a parent of a child with profound autism, we read about and hear in the Seanad about various institutions where children or a…

I am really proud to be a member of the joint committee and Senator Carrigy has done unbelievable work. Obviously the report encompasses early intervention, school places and meaningful employment. The most important thing is that people with autism and their families live in an inclusive society where people understand the difficulties because I think we are still really far behind. A lot of people just do not understand the difficulties experienced when you have a child with autism or other disabilities because t…

I wish to say a few words about yesterday’s budget, particularly how it impacts individuals with disabilities and their families. The budget introduced a number of key issues and key financial supports, not a panacea. One of the most notable changes is the increase to the incapacitated child tax credit, which was raised by €300 to a total of €3,800 per year. This increase will provide families with additional financial relief to cover extensive costs associated with the care of a child with disabilities and their o…

As I have said before, my heart goes out to the families of our troops in Lebanon who are very worried. I hope they will carry out their duties and make it home safely. I stand today to discuss the assisted decision-making Act. The intention of this Act is for people to set up enduring powers of attorney or other plans for their lives when they have somewhat diminished or loss of capacity. Before the new system came in, 1,250 enduring powers of attorney were registered. With the new system, which is only one year o…

I also join with my colleagues in tributes to Charlie O’Connor. He has been a great friend of mine and my family for many years. He is an absolute gentleman. I am delighted to have him as a member of Fianna Fáil. He is a very warm person and he has a lovely family. I wish him all the best in his retirement. I stand today to mention ASD school places. We are doing great. Huge kudos to the Department because it has opened many schools. It is not for want of trying. However, there are schools, especially in the south …