I am taking this on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Jack Chambers. The Deputy will be aware that ministerial consent for this scheme was provided in early 2021 but was subsequently overturned by a judicial review challenge taken by a local community group. The Department of public expenditure has sought legal advice and taken measures to ensure the consent process complies with national and EU environmental law in order to account for the issues raised during the judicial review process. On foot of legal advice rece…

While the delays in the delivery of this scheme will be a source of frustration for those in Blackpool, it is imperative that the consent process progresses in a manner that is compliant with the relevant regulations. In the period since the original consent decision was overturned following the judicial review challenge, the Department has implemented measures to ensure that the process is in compliance with the regulatory framework. This has necessitated the requesting of supplementary information from the OPW in…

A kangaroo court.

I welcome the opportunity to address the House on the vital role played by Bord Bia in the continued success of Ireland’s agrifood sector. Agriculture and food are at the heart of our national economy and rural and coastal communities. The agrifood sector is our oldest and largest export sector, delivering high-quality produce to more than 190 countries worldwide, accounting for almost 9% of all goods exported from Ireland. The scale of our export orientation cannot be understated. Around 90% of Irish beef, sheep m…

-----South Africa, Vietnam, Cambodia and major European markets, including Germany and France. On each occasion, I witnessed the high regard in which Irish food is held and the strength of the relationships Bord Bia has built on the ground. The foundation of this sector’s success is, and always will be, the people who produce our food. Our farmers, fishers, processors and food and drink producers-----

-----work tirelessly every day to ensure Ireland continues to deliver excellence to international markets. I acknowledge the leadership and professionalism of the board and chairman of Bord Bia, Larry Murrin, in whom I have full confidence. Their strategic guidance and wealth of experience have been instrumental in promoting Ireland's reputation globally and supporting the long-term interests of the agrifood sector. As we look ahead to 2026, our focus remains clear to strengthen existing markets, open new ones and …

Without interruption.

Silence. Listen to the Minister of State.

I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after “That” and substitute the following: "Dáil Éireann resolves that the Dog Welfare (Amendment) Bill 2025 be deemed to be read a second time this day twelve months, to facilitate appropriate consideration of ongoing and relevant deliberative processes in the areas of animal welfare generally and dog control, welfare and breeding policy specifically.". I thank Deputy Whitmore for bringing this Private Members' Bill before the Dáil. As an avid animal lover, I agree with …

I will try to bring it back.

The delay would be for nine months.

We should well know, Deputy McDonald.

Something to protest about.

We will expect his posters the very next day.

Tá an-áthas orm a bheith sa Teach seo ar maidin le haghaidh an ní seo a thógáil ar son an Aire. I think this is the first opportunity I have had to speak to the Senator here in the Seanad and I am delighted to take this Commencement matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Education and Youth, Deputy McEntee, who is unfortunately unavailable. I want to thank the Senator for raising this matter, as it gives me the opportunity to outline to the House a report on the progress of an application for extension …

As the Senator knows, I am only reading out the script that has been given to me by the Department of education. I will read from the last page. I would like once again to thank the Senator for giving me an opportunity to outline the Department of Education and Youth’s position to the House. I understand the application from Scoil Gharbháin for additional accommodation is currently being considered and the school will be contacted directly once a decision has been made. I will ask the Minister to keep in touch with…

I am responding on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Moynihan, who, unfortunately, cannot be present today. On the Minister of State’s behalf, I welcome the opportunity to respond to this matter and thank Deputy O’Donoghue for his question. The school transport scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth. It is made up of the primary scheme, the post-primary scheme and the scheme for pupils with special educational needs. Bus Éireann offi…

I thank the Deputy for the opportunity to update him on school transport. I remind him of the increase in the number of tickets issued for the 2025-26 school year to date, with an increase of 6% in tickets issued when compared to the same time last year. While Bus Éireann has reported challenges in sourcing contractors and drivers, not only for school transport but in the wider transport sector nationally, it indicates that a lot of progress has been made in sourcing transport for the majority of pupils. Looking fo…

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta. I am responding on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Calleary, who cannot be here. The wage subsidy scheme is a key disability employment support. It aims to encourage employers to offer substantial and sustainable employment to disabled people through a subsidy. As of September 2025, there were 1,538 employers availing of the wage subsidy scheme and 2,445 employees supported through the scheme. Expenditure on the scheme was €23.46 million in 2025. Last year, the Department of Social …

We are committed to improving the wage subsidy scheme and supporting organisations employing more than one person under the scheme. The Department of Social Protection offers a range of other employment supports for disabled people and their employers. In July 2024, the Department launched the work and access scheme, which offers seven supports to improve access in the workplace for disabled people. Organisations and employers can apply for support in adapting the workplace, and can avail of disability, equality an…