I wish to discuss the significant burden that Revenue's enhanced reporting requirements for employee benefits are placing on small- and medium-sized enterprises across Ireland. While the aim may be transparency, the reality is that SMEs must now report even the smallest non-cash benefits, sometimes just €10 in value, to Revenue on or before the day that they are provided. As the Tánaiste knows, SMEs comprise more than 270,000 businesses in Ireland and are already facing many challenges. These new requirements add a…

I am grateful for the opportunity to address the House on the Finance (Local Property Tax and Other Provisions) (Amendment) Bill 2025. As a representative of Dublin Rathdown, I am acutely aware of the importance of the local property tax, both as a source of funding for our local authority and as a topic of real concern for homeowners and communities across the country. I wish to set out clearly why this Bill is not only necessary, but also fair, balanced and in the best interests of our citizens, local authorities…

I raise the critical issue of whether we are getting value for money from our infrastructural investment. As public representatives, we have a responsibility to ensure that every euro of taxpayers' money is spent wisely and delivers tangible, lasting benefits for communities. Over the past decade, we have witnessed unprecedented levels of capital investment in public infrastructure - roads, public transport, schools, hospitals, housing and more. The national development plan, Project Ireland 2040 and various sector…

I appreciate that response and the steps being taken to improve oversight and delivery. However, I wish to press further on the strategic approach to investment timing. Given the urgent needs in transport, energy, water and public services, and considering Ireland's relatively strong fiscal position, are we missing an opportunity by not front-loading our infrastructural investment, even if this means prudent borrowing? Many experts argue that accelerating key projects now would not only address immediate capacity c…

As the European Union continues its negotiations with the US on trade matters, there are ongoing discussions on the development of a retaliatory tariffs list. The final version of this list could potentially include measures affecting the aviation sector. Ireland is uniquely exposed in this regard as we have the largest aircraft leasing industry in the world, supporting almost 9,000 high quality skilled jobs and contributing almost €900 million annually to the economy. Given the scale and strategic importance of th…

As the Taoiseach is aware, the free primary schoolbooks scheme has been a welcome support for families and schools across the country. However, schools experiencing significant increases in enrolment often find the current per capita funding model based on the previous year’s enrolment figures does not fully meet their needs, particularly when new pupils join after the funding has been allocated. On top of this, schools now need to purchase a new maths book to reflect the changes in the primary maths curriculum thi…

Given the Luas Green Line between St. Stephen's Green and Sandyford was originally designed to allow for a future upgrade to metro standard, and with MetroLink tunnelling provisions already in place to Charlemont, can the Taoiseach confirm if and when it is planned to proceed with the full metro upgrades southwards to Sandyford, considering its long-term necessity for capacity demands and, in particular, the significant cost-saving advantages of doing this at the same time as the MetroLink work?

Ireland has one of the best offshore wind resources in Europe, yet progress in developing the sector has been slow due to regulatory hurdles, infrastructural challenges and delays in project approvals. Given the urgent need to decarbonise our energy system and meet our 2030 climate targets, what specific actions is the Government taking to streamline the planning process, attract investment and ensure that Ireland becomes a leader in offshore wind energy?

During recent European Council meetings, I understand Ireland has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine's bid for fast-tracked EU membership. Could the Taoiseach elaborate on the specific role Ireland has played in these discussions? Has he proposed any concrete measures or timelines to facilitate Ukraine's integration into the EU, especially given the challenges of aligning with EU standards while the country is still at war? How does Ireland balance its support for Ukraine with the concerns of other candidate countri…

How many SMEs have successfully applied for and received funding through the digital transition fund since its inception? What is the total amount disbursed so far? What steps is the Department taking to raise awareness of these digital support programmes amount SMEs, particularly those that may be less digitally savvy? In light of the goal of achieving 90% of SMEs at basic digital intensity by 2030, what additional measures is the Department considering to accelerate digital adoption among Irish businesses?

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire Stáit, agus déanaim comhghairdeas léi on her recent appointment. I thank her for the very informative, worthwhile and important debate we had yesterday on this area, particularly around artificial intelligence. What specific metrics is the Department using to measure the impact of the digital transition fund on SMEs, particularly in respect of their digital competitiveness? As we know, technology is moving very quickly. As we discussed yesterday, a lot of this is due to changes in AI a…

I thank the Minister of State and very much welcome her commitment to the digitalisation of SMEs. I note that the fund is linked to the EU recovery and resilience facility and that this facility is not planned to be continued beyond 2026. It is vital that we in some way delink ourselves from that facility and that we continue to fund the vital growth of digitalisation within Irish SMEs. As we discussed yesterday during the very useful debate on AI, Ireland can and very much should be a leader in this space. It can …

Today, we are addressing a matter of critical national importance, which is the transformative power of artificial intelligence and the significant opportunity for Ireland to establish itself as a global leader in this field. The decision we make now will impact not only our economic future but also the way we work, live and interact as a society for decades to come. As we embark into 2025, it is clear that AI is no longer a distant prospect but a present reality reshaping our economy and society. The potential of …

It is with great honour and humility that I rise today to deliver my maiden speech as a Fianna Fáil Deputy. I am deeply grateful to my constituents in Dublin Rathdown for their trust and support. As I stand here, I am acutely aware of the responsibility bestowed upon me and the legacy of public service that has shaped my path. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my campaign team and the countless volunteers who worked tirelessly. Their dedication and belief in our shared vision have made this moment p…