I raise the issue of Droimnín private nursing home in Stradbally, County Laois, and ask the HSE to give serious consideration to retaining this facility on a full-time, permanent basis. As the Minister of State is aware, following an application by HIQA under section 59 of the Health Act 2007, the High Court directed the HSE to assume responsibility for the operation of the nursing home as a provider of last resort. This followed serious and persistent non-compliance identified during the HIQA inspections in April …

I thank the Minister of State for his response and note his comments. It is acknowledged that Ireland’s population is ageing, and this will bring significant challenges. We must plan proactively to meet these needs. There are three HSE nursing homes in County Laois: one in Abbeyleix, St. Brigid's Hospital in Shaen and St. Vincent's community nursing unit in Mountmellick. While I mention St. Vincent's community nursing home, I am delighted to see that the new 50-bed extension is nearing completion. I urge the HSE to…

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise this important matter. Doris, Gareth, Dennis, Alex, Barra, Eunice, Ciarán, Ashley, Éowyn and Chandra were some of the fiercest storms to batter our country in the past ten years. They brought strong winds, rain and flooding, and left a trail of destruction behind them. In light of recent severe weather events, and the flooding we have again witnessed across the country, particularly in my county of Laois, will the Government develop and implement a national r…

I want to address the emergency of BTV-3 and outline its implications for farmers and the agrifood sector, as well as the obligations on the Government to respond effectively and responsibly. First, I acknowledge the farm family in County Wexford where the cases have been confirmed. I commend them on their immediate and ongoing co-operation with veterinary authorities, including compliance with movement restrictions and full engagement in tracing and surveillance. The responsible actions of this farm and neighbouri…

I welcome the Taoiseach's upcoming engagements in Washington and Philadelphia for St. Patrick's Day. These meetings come at a critical moment for Ireland as global trading conditions become uncertain. Our trading relationship with the United States is central to our economy. In 2024, Irish goods exported to the US reached a value of €72.6 billion, around 32% of all goods we sell overseas. Pharmaceuticals accounted for 61% of these exports, which shows how dominant that sector has become. This sector brings jobs, in…

I thank the Taoiseach for his response. Ahead of the Taoiseach's US trip, it is essential that the Government identifies the risks posed by the US tariff policy and industrial strategy; sets out the commitments required to safeguard key export sectors, including pharmaceuticals and agrifood; and actively promotes market diversification and bilateral safeguards rather than relying on EU-level responses. I urge the Taoiseach to use every engagement in Washington and Philadelphia to secure protection for Irish produce…

First, I thank the Taoiseach for making his very successful trip to China and the rewards we got as a result of it. I raise the issue of Portarlington Garda station in County Laois and ask that its operation be restored to a full-time, 24-hour service. Portarlington is the second-largest town in Laois with a population of 9,000 people. The station serves not only the town but a wider area, including Emo, Killenard and Ballybrittas. It is a significant concern to the local community that this is a large area and ser…

The Government has loads of money now.

The Government has loads of money. It was closed down when there was no money but now the Government has loads of money so I want it opened up again-----

I know but you are spending very little. You will not take your hand out of your pocket at all.

I wish everybody a happy Christmas. I do not have the time to elaborate on it. It is not often I stand here and thank the Minister but I thank him for the work he has done. This is a great thing for farmers. It will be backed 100%. I am delighted with it. Could the Minister please work on permissions for log cabins and modular homes to allow people to put a log cabin on a site in cases where they cannot afford a house, and also modular homes on a site or behind a house? This is a great plan. It will be a great help…

I raise an issue that is causing huge concern to families across County Laois, that is, the urgent need for ASD classes at post-primary level. Last year, the then Minister for Education and Youth, Deputy McEntee, successfully spearheaded a campaign to open more ASD classes at primary school level. We need the same level of urgency at post-primary level. We know that a significant number of children with ASD will move from primary to post-primary in coming years. Their parents are already worried about the availabil…

I want to raise the concerning issue of waiting times for assessment of need for children in County Laois. I received a letter from the HSE dated 3 December 2025, stating that 870 children in the Laois-Offaly area are currently waiting to be reviewed by the assessment officer to determine the eligibility of progress for assessment. For those deemed eligible, the average waiting time is 21 months, almost two years, before beginning the process of accessing supports. The HSE did not provide me with specific figures b…

Rathdowney fire station has been waiting for more than two decades for a replacement. A site was acquired in 2003, Part 8 approval is complete and Laois County Council has prioritised Rathdowney for the 2026 to 2030 fire service capital programme. The current station is outdated, overcrowded and lacks proper facilities for female staff, despite having the largest number of female fire fighters in the county. Rathdowney crews continue to provide an excellent service to a wide area of homes, schools, farms and busine…

And the Tánaiste will be able to make an announcement.

I am raising this question to get clear and committed support for Dunamaise Arts Centre in County Laois. This centre opened in 1999. Capital funding was supported by the then Minister for arts, Michael D. Higgins. Matching funding was proposed by me in the council chamber in Laois in 1999. Dunamaise Arts Centre has served as the cornerstone for cultural life in Laois and the wider midlands. I am asking the Minister to provide funding for the centre and outline the additional funding available to support its ongoing…

I thank the Minister. For 25 years the Dunamaise Arts Centre has provided a home for drama, music, film, community groups, festivals and the visual arts in my region. It has supported both professional and amateur artists. It has built a reputation for excellence. The centre has vibrant, energetic and ambitious plans and is ready to expand and strengthen its role as the cultural heart of the county. However, the centre urgently requires renewed investment. Its technical and production infrastructure is now signific…

I am asking for the core infrastructure funding for the centre. It is ideally placed-----

-----for departmental cultural capital funds------

-----Arts Council supports, Creative Ireland initiatives and sustainability-----