The Minister of State, without interruption, please.

Deputy Gould is over time. I call Deputy Johnny Mythen.

No, you are out of time.

This is not a back and forth.

In accordance with Standing Order 85(2), the division is deferred until the weekly division time next week.

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 Shane Moynihan - To discuss enhancing public transport links between Lucan and the airport. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan - To discuss the provision of childcare facilities in Cork North Central. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue - Timeline for construction of the new educational campus for St. Joseph's Secondary School, Rush, and Gaelscoil Ros Eo. Deputy Joe Coone…

I thank the Minister of State for taking this Topical Issue matter in relation to a very important issue in County Cork concerning the provision of home help home support services. Home support is often known as home help and is one of the most essential person-centred supports provided by our health and social care system. It is a service that allows older people and those with additional needs to continue to live safely, comfortably and independently in their own homes and communities. For many families across Co…

I thank the Minister of State very much for his keen interest in this matter. I would appreciate if he could follow up with the HSE in Cork in respect of it. Investment in the home support is an investment in dignity, well-being and independence for thousands of people. It is also an investment in a more efficient health system that supports people earlier, prevents avoidable illness and ensures better use of our limited hospital capacity. Home support workers must be valued, supported and recognised for the essent…

I raise Uisce Éireann's connection charging policy and the fact there is no discount available for any groups of customers. The connection charging policy has been produced and approved by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, together with Irish Water and the Department. Will the Taoiseach engage with the Department, particularly in relation to community and voluntary groups, which are being charged enormous sums for a water or wastewater connection facility? For example, the Minister, Deputy Calleary, and t…

I thank the Minister for taking this question. I am asking her to provide a breakdown of all planned and approved capital works for Mallow General Hospital, the nature and scope of each project, the current stage each project is at including planning, design, tender or construction, the expected timelines and the further use of the hospital.

I thank the Minister. That building was completed in 2020 during Covid times and, in fairness to the HSE, it has retrospectively applied for planning permission. It is a wonderful extension to Mallow General Hospital. The two floors that are currently open are providing excellent care to the people the hospital serves. The staff there are excellent and I take this opportunity to wish them all well in their endeavours over the next couple of months. It is great to see the 24-bed inpatient unit will be opened in quar…

I fully concur with the Minister that we do not see the full utilisation of Mallow General Hospital. I am glad she brought those figures to the House this morning, so we can discuss them in a public forum. I have been advocating for the further and better use of Mallow General Hospital for many years, in my roles as a councillor and, for the past 12 months, as a TD. I concur with the Minister. There is a lot of work to be done on utilising Mallow General Hospital beds and we need to work together to make sure they …

Hear, hear.

The Select Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure, Public Service Reform, Digitalisation, and Taoiseach has completed its consideration of the following Revised Estimates for Public Services for the service of the year ending on 31 December 2026: Votes 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18 and 19.

Deputy Hayes wishes to ask a supplementary question.

I apologise.

I am learning something new every day.

We move to Question No. 13. I can only allow one supplementary question because we are out of time.

No doubt there will be a list of Members later on.

I am sorry Deputy, the Minister responds first and then you.