I will conclude by referring to the serious security conditions.

Will the Minister acknowledge that the Midlands Prison is located in Portlaoise? He knows what happens in a courthouse, and the logistics involved in bringing prisoners down from a prison of that size twice a week. That is why I asked if it can be done. As the Minister stated, the site has been secured. The need is obvious and the benefits are evident. I urge the Minister to prioritise the immediate provision of funding in order that the construction of a new courthouse in Portlaoise can commence without delay. We …

No one but us in Portlaoise has anything like the Midlands Prison, in which there are 1,500 prisoners.

The Irish tillage sector is in crisis. Two weeks ago, I attended a meeting of more than 1,000 farmers in Naas. They gathered not to protest but to plead for the survival of the tillage sector. Their message was loud and clear: they cannot continue without urgent, targeted financial support. Poor grain prices, soaring input costs, reduced margins, regulation and the flooding of the Irish market with non-EU cereals are pushing Irish grain growers to the brink. Teagasc has confirmed tillage incomes will again fall in …

We cannot let this essential sector go the way of sugar beet. The upcoming budget is the next time to act before it is too late.

If this also means money from the Minister, Deputy Chambers, it should be put into it.

The Taoiseach is not committing himself. I am disappointed.

Will he commit to the €60 million promised in the Fianna Fáil manifesto?

Sorry?

He would not mind if the Taoiseach would say if he was committing the €60 million to next year's tillage sector. He would have no problem whatsoever.

I draw the Minister of State's attention to an escalating crisis in rural County Laois in the form of the chronic shortage of GPs and the lack of fully developed primary care services. We all accept that primary care is the front line of the health service. It is where early diagnoses happen, chronic conditions are managed and preventative care should take place, easing pressure on our overstretched hospitals. Across rural County Laois, the front line is weakening in communities such as Rathdowney, Mountrath, Bally…

I thank the Minister of State for her response. However, it is important that I stress again that I am not asking for extras for County Laois. I am asking for the basics, that is, access to a doctor, reasonable wait times, and care delivered in our towns and villages. Rural Laois deserves the same healthcare rights as any other part of this country. People have paid into the system for their entire lives and they deserve more than just a waiting list and closed doors. To be fair to the Minister of State, I know she…

We do not.

That is what was said 12 months ago.

Will the Minister today commit to honouring the programme for Government promise to continue to reduce the student contribution fee during the lifetime of this Government? The policy has had a real impact, reducing the cost of education and easing pressure on families. This Government must stick to our commitment to support working families, deliver on the student contribution fee promise and build on the progress already made. Does the Minister realise what has happened with regard to this €1,000? It is putting 10…

What plans does the Minister have to invest in cultural infrastructure in rural counties such as County Laois? These are counties with vibrant local artists and heritage buildings that would benefit greatly from targeted support. Will the Minister make a statement on this matter? County Laois, like many others, has a wealth of artistic talent and historic buildings, which too often are underused and underfunded.

Laois has a proud cultural identity, rich in music, literature, theatre, visual arts and storytelling. It has produced many artists and continues to support new generations through festivals, exhibitions and community-led initiatives. Towns such as Portlaoise, Rathdowney, Mountmellick, Portarlington, Mountrath and Stradbally all have active community groups that are crying out for adequate spaces in which to perform, rehearse, exhibit and collaborate. The EU just transition fund currently supports innovative projec…

That is welcome news. I also welcome the Minister's recent announcement that the pilot programme regarding the basic income for arts has been extended. What artists need now is his commitment to make it permanent. The programme should be inclusive, support more artists and address barriers faced by those with disabilities. As the Minister knows, arts and culture are central to our Irish identity, community well-being and global reputation. The national development plan rightly places emphasis on balanced regional d…

Will the Taoiseach commit to funding a community neurorehabilitation team for the midlands in budget 2026 in line with the programme for Government's commitment to complete the national roll-out of such teams? Community neurorehabilitation teams provide vital short-term intensive care, with access to services like physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and neuropsychology. These services are essential to prevent disability and promote recovery for people with neurological conditions. A mid…

I ask the Government to include both the Portlaoise northern orbital route and the Mountmellick bypass in the revised national development plan. They are not just local road projects; they are critical infrastructure with regional and national significance. As the Minister of State knows, Portlaoise is one of Ireland's fastest growing towns. The town is already under pressure from traffic congestion with heavy volumes of vehicles passing through daily. The northern orbital route has long been identified as a key pr…