I thank the Minister of State for his positive response. I cannot speak highly enough of our post office network and the service it provides, in particular when compared with its European counterparts. However, I find it concerning that the Irish Postmasters Union warned this week at the Oireachtas communications committee that there could be significant post office closures if funding is not increased. Taking this into account, and given the importance of the service, is the Minister of State satisfied with the cu…

I thank the Minister for his response. I believe the funds sector review to be an important contribution to the continued success of the asset management and investment fund sector in Ireland. According to the Central Bank, approximately €162 billion was held in deposit at the end of March 2025, earning relatively little for the Irish taxpayer. Recent reports have highlighted that Irish investors are increasingly turning to foreign banks in search of higher returns and more favourable tax treatment. At the same tim…

I compliment the Minister and his Department on the work they have done so far. I understand it is a complex case and will take multiple budgets to iron out.

I welcome the Tánaiste's response. I acknowledge the important work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the passport service in overseeing a considerable increase in the number of passports issued over the past five years. I also welcome the rise in staff numbers over the same period. As public representatives, we often see a large rise in the number of passport queries in the run-up to the school holidays and I have no doubt this is one of the passport service's busiest periods of the year. That is …

I wholeheartedly welcome the news about the possible move to a new building in Cork that will open next year. Are any efforts being made to increase the time period when an adult renewal application is instead considered on a first-time basis? Currently, a passport renewal is considered a first-time application if the previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago. I thank the Tánaiste for the continued work the Passport Office is doing.

I once again wish to raise the issue of the disruption to the water supply in Ballyhooly in my constituency of Cork East. Last month, I spoke about the urgent need to repair the water network servicing Ballyhooly as local properties continue to experience daily disruptions, with limited or no water services. This, unfortunately, means that daily chores cannot be completed, with the situation only worsening as the weather gets better. While Uisce Éireann has conducted some remedial repairs and water has been tankere…

Will the Minister for Health provide an update on the development of the community nursing unit at Midleton Community Hospital and make a statement on the matter?

I thank the Minister for her response. I also thank her Department and the HSE for progressing this development. Midleton Community Hospital supports residents and their families across east Cork and I am delighted, as I am sure the families of residents are, to see that the staff's hard work is being rewarded with a new facility that will accommodate increased numbers. The Minister has outlined the anticipated progression of the project and it is welcome news that it is progressing quickly. What use is planned for…

Will the Minister outline the total intended staff numbers and positions within the 50-bed community nursing unit, once it opens?

Will the Minister for Defence outline the Naval Service current fleet complement, the number of ships that are fully crewed and at sea, and his Department's plans for further upgrading of the fleet? Will he please make a statement on the matter?

I thank the Tánaiste for his response. I have huge respect for the Naval Service and the job it does. I have family members directly involved in the service. I was pleased to see the significant increase in funding provided to the Defence Forces in the last budget. I particularly welcome the Commission on the Defence Forces' recommendation of an accelerated programme of naval vessel replacement. In reference to this, how many of the current fleet have completed a mid-life extension programme to date, and how many a…

Is the Department considering the reintroduction of the increased cost of business and power up grant schemes for small businesses and ratepayers, and will he make a statement on the matter?

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I would also like to thank him and his departmental staff for the significant amount of work that has been put into the development and roll-out of the increased cost of business grant and the power up grant scheme. It is fair to say that these schemes were an enormous success and were greatly appreciated by eligible business owners. In fact, it is because of their success that I ask that a reintroduction be further explored.

I raise the urgent need for the water network servicing Ballyhooly in my constituency of Cork East to be repaired. Unfortunately, homes and businesses in Ballyhooly continue to experience regular water supply disruptions and low water pressure. This has resulted in residents being unable to conduct daily practices such as showering or washing clothes and dishes, making living conditions unbearable. I understand that Uisce Éireann has identified and repaired network leaks and implemented remedial measures. However, …

I wish to raise the need for the development of the IDA site in Fermoy in my constituency of Cork East. Formerly the Fitzgerald Camp Army barracks, the site was handed over by the Department of Defence to the IDA some 23 years ago but it has, unfortunately, remained idle since. This is a massive shame considering the associated infrastructure is in place on-site. However, no tenants have been found in that time. The site is in a prime location only five minutes from the M8 motorway, the main Cork to Dublin route. I…

I wish the Minister well in her new role. I look forward to working closely with her. I raise the urgent need for the upgrade of the wastewater treatment plant in Mitchelstown in my constituency of Cork East. An upgrade of the existing plant has been acknowledged by Uisce Éireann and is badly needed to ensure extra capacity is created to further housing development in the town. The current housing situation in Mitchelstown is forcing those seeking to buy a house to look elsewhere. This has been ongoing for a number…

I wish both the Minister and the Minister of State well in their roles. I look forward to working closely with them. Could I get an update on flood prevention measures being undertaken in Rathcormac, County Cork, and if he will make a statement on the matter?

I thank the Minister of State for his response and for the update. I commend the officials in the OPW and Cork County Council, and the previous Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Deputy Kieran O'Donnell, on the work done to date, and the establishment of the individual property protection scheme for east Cork. While I acknowledge that areas such as Midleton, Castlemartyr, Mogeely and Killeagh were devastated by the flooding caused by Storm Babet in October 2023, I must highlight the plight of Rathco…

I again thank the Minister of State for his response. I previously mentioned his predecessor and the good work he did within the Department. When he visited areas in east Cork last year, unfortunately, he did not get the opportunity to visit Rathcormac. Following the Minister of State's response, I would appreciate it if he could get an opportunity to visit. The people of Rathcormac would be very grateful for that. His visit would reassure them that work will be done in the near future. I thank him very much for hi…

I want to congratulate the Minister and Minister of State on their appointments. I want to inquire about the staff numbers employed by the passport service in each of the years 2020 to 2024, inclusive, and the steps being taken by the Department to reduce the turnaround times for a decision on first-time and renewal passport applications. I would also like to know the number of first-time and renewal passport applications received in each of the years 2020 to 2024, inclusive, and the number of applications approved…