It will be before the end of the year.

Have a drink.

It is good to get an opportunity to mark National Biodiversity Week in the Dáil and to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to the protection and restoration of Ireland's natural heritage. A wide range of issues were raised and highlighted by Members. I acknowledge the great work being done in communities across the country but also that some areas need more attention and focus. Just this morning, I joined the Minister of State, Deputy O’Sullivan, at the National Biodiversity Data Centre in Carriganore in my consti…

I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following: "notes that: — the Government is fully committed to tackling high rents and ensuring an increase in the supply of affordable high-quality rental accommodation through continued significant capital investment including cost rental and other means and in a manner that respects the security of tenure for renters by ensuring equity and fairness for landlords and tenants; — comprehensive reviews of the private rental market an…

He cannot say that.

Maximum parking rates for new residential developments are addressed at a national level in the sustainable residential development and compact settlement guidelines issued in 2024 under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. The specific planning policy requirement, SPPR 3, of the settlement guidelines sets out graduated maximum car parking rates based on proximity to urban centres and sustainable transport options. These range from one space per dwelling in central or accessible locations to two spa…

I thank Deputy Lahart. I and the Department are aware that this is an issue. At the same time it is important to point to the fact that there is a graduated approach to parking, as set out in the Planning and Development Act and the guidelines associated with it. It ranges from one space per dwelling in a central or accessible location to two per dwelling in a more peripheral or intermediate location with higher rates of car dependency. Obviously in terms of the mobility plan and transport demand management strateg…

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. I know it is an issue for his constituents and the constituents of other Members across the House. I am more than happy to engage with him in a proactive manner in relation to it. If he has some suggestions that he can bring forward I am more than happy to hear them. It is important in the context to note the cost of providing basement and underground car parking is exceptionally high. We hear Deputies opposite criticising the cost of delivering apartments and high densit…

I thank the Senator for raising this important matter. I am happy to take this Commencement matter on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan. It gives us an opportunity to discuss the three bogs the Senator referred to in the special areas of conservation, SACs, in County Galway. I reaffirm our commitment to protecting Ireland's valuable peatlands and working with all stakeholders. There is no question that peatlands are of cultural, economic and ecological importance to Ireland and are profoundly signi…

It is still the case, obviously, that SACs are legally protected under European legislation. The cutting of turf and any associated works remain a regulated activity on these bogs. I assure the Senator that every effort is being made to support individuals who have ceased turf-cutting on these protected bogs. The cessation of turf-cutting compensation scheme has operated successfully for 15 years, paying out €86 million to date in compensation to over 3,500 turf-cutters cross the country. This scheme has provided f…

I thank the Senator and assure her that supporting individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness, including victims and survivors of domestic abuse, and utilising existing vacant and derelict buildings are absolute priorities for this Government. I thank Senator Comyn for raising this matter this afternoon. The response to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a cross-departmental and multi-agency issue, with overall policy co-ordinated by the Department of justice. Responsibility for the…

I thank the Senator again for raising this very important matter. She referred to a pilot scheme. I am sure that is something on which she will engage with the Minister. Obviously, the responsibility lies with the Department of justice, but I accept that a joined-up, cross-departmental and multi-agency approach to this issue has to be to the fore. As public representatives, we have all dealt with very difficult cases of domestic abuse. My office in Waterford has dealt with some very harrowing cases. There are some …

I move: To delete all words after "Dáil Éireann" and substitute the following: "notes that: — the Programme for Government commits to continue and accelerate Social Housing regeneration schemes in Dublin, and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage continues and commits to support regeneration projects submitted by Dublin City Council (DCC) that do not result in any significant loss of homes; — the Government's objective is to maximise the quality and availability of homes within the established in…

Large-scale redevelopment projects are progressing, transforming communities-----

-----and improving living conditions for residents. The Department of housing is fully supportive-----

-----of regeneration proposals submitted by Dublin City Council, which do not result in any significant loss of homes-----

-----or when loss of homes cannot be avoided, such decisions are fully justified. Furthermore, over €230 million per annum of Exchequer funding is being provided to local authorities under the planned maintenance and voids programmes, the energy retrofit programme and the regeneration and refurbishment programme, all of which are proving vital in the refurbishment and maintenance of local authority stock nationwide. Contrary to what the Opposition is saying, the Government does not accept there is an issue of under…

A Leas Cheann-Comhairle-----

-----I can respond to the motion that is before us if the Deputies want to give me the respect I gave them in the Chamber.

If the Deputy wants me to respond to the motion, I will but-----