Ceisteanna - Questions – Tuesday, 15 Oct 2024 – Ceisteanna Parlaiminte

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class="share-trigger" data-share-url="" data-share-text="Tuesday, 15 Oct 2024" data-share-description="Tuesday, 15 Oct 2024 Ceisteanna - Questions" data-rss-url="" title="Roinn: Tuesday, 15 Oct 2024"> Roinn an leathanach seo </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="main-content " role="main"> <div class="container row " > <aside> <div class="side-nav" id="side-nav"> <ul> <li class="section-link"> <a href="/ga/debates/">Díospóireachtaí</a> </li> <li> <a href="/ga/debates/find/" class=""> Aimsigh díospóireacht </a> <ul> <li> <a href="/ga/debates/find/?debateType=dail" class="">Díospóireachtaí na Dála</a> </li> <li> <a href="/ga/debates/find/?debateType=seanad" class="">Díospóireachtaí an tSeanaid</a> </li> <li> <a href="/ga/debates/find/?debateType=committee" class="">Díospóireachtaí Coiste</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/ga/debates/votes/" class=""> Aimsigh vótáil </a> <ul> <li> <a href="/ga/debates/votes/?debateType=dail" class="">Vótálacha na Dála</a> </li> <li> <a 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<h3>Ceisteanna (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)</h3> </div> <div class="question" id="pq_1"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" href="/ga/members/member/Peadar-Tóibín.D.2011-03-09/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Peadar-Tóibín.D.2011-03-09/image/thumb" alt="Peadar Tóibín"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Peadar-Tóibín.D.2011-03-09/">Peadar Tóibín</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="social-share"> <a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/1/question/1/" data-share-text="Programme for Government" title="Share question #1 by Peadar Tóibín"> <i>Roinn</i> </a> </div> <div class="content"><h4 class="from">Peadar Tóibín</h4><span class="question-start">Ceist:</span> <p id="para_437" class="">1. <strong>Deputy Peadar Tóibín</strong> asked the <strong>Taoiseach</strong> if he will provide an update on the programme for Government. [36610/24]</p> <a class="view-answer" href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#pq-answers-1_2_3_4_5">Amharc ar fhreagra</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="question" id="pq_2"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" href="/ga/members/member/Ruairí-Ó-Murchú.D.2020-02-08/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Ruairí-Ó-Murchú.D.2020-02-08/image/thumb" alt="Ruairí Ó Murchú"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Ruairí-Ó-Murchú.D.2020-02-08/">Ruairí Ó Murchú</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="social-share"> <a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/1/question/2/" data-share-text="Programme for Government" title="Share question #2 by Ruairí Ó Murchú"> <i>Roinn</i> </a> </div> <div class="content"><h4 class="from">Ruairí Ó Murchú</h4><span class="question-start">Ceist:</span> <p id="para_438" class="">2. <strong>Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú</strong> asked the <strong>Taoiseach</strong> if he intends to establish additional units or divisions in his Department to those outlined in the programme for Government. [36728/24]</p> <a class="view-answer" href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#pq-answers-1_2_3_4_5">Amharc ar fhreagra</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="question" id="pq_3"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" href="/ga/members/member/Mick-Barry.D.2016-10-03/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Mick-Barry.D.2016-10-03/image/thumb" alt="Mick Barry"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Mick-Barry.D.2016-10-03/">Mick Barry</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="social-share"> <a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/1/question/3/" data-share-text="Programme for Government" title="Share question #3 by Mick Barry"> <i>Roinn</i> </a> </div> <div class="content"><h4 class="from">Mick Barry</h4><span class="question-start">Ceist:</span> <p id="para_439" class="">3. <strong>Deputy Mick Barry</strong> asked the <strong>Taoiseach</strong> if he will provide an update on the programme for Government. [38044/24]</p> <a class="view-answer" href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#pq-answers-1_2_3_4_5">Amharc ar fhreagra</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="question" id="pq_4"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" href="/ga/members/member/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/image/thumb" alt="Richard Boyd Barrett"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/">Richard Boyd Barrett</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="social-share"> <a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/1/question/4/" data-share-text="Programme for Government" title="Share question #4 by Richard Boyd Barrett"> <i>Roinn</i> </a> </div> <div class="content"><h4 class="from">Richard Boyd Barrett</h4><span class="question-start">Ceist:</span> <p id="para_440" class="">4. <strong>Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett</strong> asked the <strong>Taoiseach</strong> if he will give an update on the programme for Government. [40036/24]</p> <a class="view-answer" href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#pq-answers-1_2_3_4_5">Amharc ar fhreagra</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="question" id="pq_5"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" href="/ga/members/member/Paul-Murphy.D.2014-10-10/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Paul-Murphy.D.2014-10-10/image/thumb" alt="Paul Murphy"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Paul-Murphy.D.2014-10-10/">Paul Murphy</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="social-share"> <a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/1/question/5/" data-share-text="Programme for Government" title="Share question #5 by Paul Murphy"> <i>Roinn</i> </a> </div> <div class="content"><h4 class="from">Paul Murphy</h4><span class="question-start">Ceist:</span> <p id="para_441" class="">5. <strong>Deputy Paul Murphy</strong> asked the <strong>Taoiseach</strong> if he will give an update on the programme for Government. [40039/24]</p> <a class="view-answer" href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#pq-answers-1_2_3_4_5">Amharc ar fhreagra</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="sub-header" id="pq-answers-1_2_3_4_5"> <h3>Freagraí ó Béal (9 píosaí cainte)</h3> </div><div class="speech" id="spk_170"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" aria-label="Go to Simon Harris profile." href="/ga/members/member/Simon-Harris.D.2011-03-09/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Simon-Harris.D.2011-03-09/image/thumb" alt="Simon Harris"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Simon-Harris.D.2011-03-09/"> The Taoiseach</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="content"><div class="social-share"><a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/1/speech/170/" data-share-text="Programme for Government" title="Share speech #170 by The Taoiseach"><i>Roinn</i></a></div> <p id="para_442" class="">I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 5, inclusive, together.</p> <p id="para_443" class=""> Individual commitments in the programme for Government are advanced through the co-ordinating mechanisms of the Cabinet committee structure. The ten Cabinet committees established by this Government reflect the full range of policy areas that are set out in the programme for Government.</p> <p id="para_444" class=""> Cabinet committees meet regularly to accomplish and advance their work. The strategy statements of all Government Departments reflect the national priorities outlined in the programme for Government. The Department of the Taoiseach is continuing to help advance the programme for Government commitments in the following significant policy areas: implementation of the Housing for All strategy, including additional initiatives as necessary, to advance crucial housing-related commitments; continued engagement at European Union and international level on the situation in the Middle East, including by calling for an immediate ceasefire in both Gaza and between Israel and Hezbollah, the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza and for a surge in unhindered humanitarian access to the people of Gaza and Lebanon, as well as insisting on full observance of international law by all parties; increased funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, UNRWA; and working to build consensus at a European Union level to take a more proactive approach in assisting a negotiated two-state solution and lasting peace process. On 28 May, Ireland formally recognised the State of Palestine. The Government took this decision in co-ordination with Spain and Norway to support the two-state solution. It fulfils our commitment under the programme for Government.</p> <p id="para_445" class=""> We are working on engagement with EU leaders to advance high-level objectives in the programme for Government, in particular, economic and competitiveness issues; energy security; external relations, including with the UK; as well as continuing our strong, collective EU response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.</p> <p id="para_446" class="">It also includes pursuing our international commitments, including strengthening our relationship with the United States and implementing the UN sustainable development goals; advancing the Government's commitments on shared island; ensuring implementation of the New Decade, New Approach commitments, working with the relevant Departments North and South in advancing these goals; strengthening the British-Irish bilateral relationship, including with London and the devolved governments in Wales and Scotland; and implementing the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 and the Government's climate action plan.</p> <p id="para_447" class=""> The programme also includes advancements in Sláintecare, such as improving access, outcomes and affordability for patients by increasing the capacity and effectiveness of the workforce infrastructure and provision of patient care and supporting the development of the next national disability strategy that will set out a blueprint for the future realisation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We will provide the necessary framework for whole-of-government action on disability over the coming years.</p> <p id="para_448" class=""> There will be oversight of implementation of the third domestic sexual and gender-based violence strategy, along with the development of a well-being framework for Ireland and driving its whole-of-government integration in policymaking and budgetary systems. We will see the implementation of harnessing digital, the digital Ireland framework published in February 2022, on progressing our wider digital agenda. The programme included the establishment of a child poverty and well-being programme office in the Department of the Taoiseach to progress commitments identified in the programme for Government that will have the greatest impact on the lives of children who experience poverty. The programme also includes establishing and progressing the work of our citizens' assemblies.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="speech" id="spk_171"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" aria-label="Go to Peadar Tóibín profile." href="/ga/members/member/Peadar-Tóibín.D.2011-03-09/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Peadar-Tóibín.D.2011-03-09/image/thumb" alt="Peadar Tóibín"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Peadar-Tóibín.D.2011-03-09/">Deputy Peadar Tóibín</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="content"><div class="social-share"><a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/1/speech/171/" data-share-text="Programme for Government" title="Share speech #171 by Deputy Peadar Tóibín"><i>Roinn</i></a></div> <p id="para_449" class="">A week ago, I canvassed in a mid-size Irish town outside the greater Dublin area. I knocked on a door and the man who answered told me that within the past ten years six pubs, two hotels and two banks in the town had closed. He said people cannot get a hot meal in the town any more. The town is similar to hundreds of other towns outside the greater Dublin area. In reality, there are two economies in this country. Anybody who has walked the main streets of most towns outside the greater Dublin area would say they are festooned with dereliction and empty buildings.</p> <p id="para_450" class=""> Today, thousands of people are on Molesworth Street to protest the fact that their sector is being hammered. One man said his business is operating on quicksand and the Government is hiking the cost of doing business. The sector faces the most expensive electricity and among the dearest fuel costs in the whole of Europe. At the same time, businesses are being hammered on the tax side. The owners of small cafés, restaurants and pubs are hardly making a living, but are being put into the same category as massive hotels in Dublin that make millions of euro in profit. Will the Government consider splitting those two elements? In reality, there are two separate sectors with two separate business models. Will the Government reduce the VAT rate from 23% to 9% for those businesses? They are the heart and soul of most areas. If they are not allowed to function, the heart and soul of so many towns will be ripped out.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="speech" id="spk_172"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" aria-label="Go to Ruairí Ó Murchú profile." href="/ga/members/member/Ruairí-Ó-Murchú.D.2020-02-08/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Ruairí-Ó-Murchú.D.2020-02-08/image/thumb" alt="Ruairí Ó Murchú"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Ruairí-Ó-Murchú.D.2020-02-08/">Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="content"><div class="social-share"><a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/1/speech/172/" data-share-text="Programme for Government" title="Share speech #172 by Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú"><i>Roinn</i></a></div> <p id="para_451" class="">I would like to address a question raised by the <em>Dundalk Democrat</em>, namely, Louth County Council putting Uisce Éireann on notice regarding grave concerns about a number of network pumping stations and wastewater treatment issues. There were huge issues in Dundalk and north County Louth this time last year. There have been heavy rains recently causing major worry. There are questions in regard to capacity. While there are plans for wastewater, the treatment plant impacts on my estate, Bay Estate, and nearby estates. It is an issue that needs to be highlighted.</p> <p id="para_452" class=""> I have spoken about huge infrastructural deficits. I believe all local Oireachtas Members have been called in to Louth County Council and my fear is that it will relate to Uisce Éireann and capacity. As I said, I have seen plans but I hope we are not in a situation whereby they will be not delivered fast enough to prevent further flooding. We also need to make sure we have the capacity to deliver the necessary housing, as well as the industrial units and so on that we are very glad to have in Dundalk. This issue needs to be addressed. We cannot rely on not having heavy rains into the future.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="speech" id="spk_173"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" aria-label="Go to Mick Barry profile." href="/ga/members/member/Mick-Barry.D.2016-10-03/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Mick-Barry.D.2016-10-03/image/thumb" alt="Mick Barry"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Mick-Barry.D.2016-10-03/">Deputy Mick Barry</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="content"><div class="social-share"><a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/1/speech/173/" data-share-text="Programme for Government" title="Share speech #173 by Deputy Mick Barry"><i>Roinn</i></a></div> <p id="para_453" class="">The residents of the Mount Farron estate in Blackpool on Cork's northside have been dealing week in and week out since mid-July with dirty and discoloured water. Since last Saturday morning, there has been an unrelenting stream of urine coloured water. Let us leave aside how people have a cup of tea. How do they do their laundry or have a shower? Residents asked me to bring a sample of their water supply into the Dáil Chamber. I agreed to do so. I have it here. I ask the Taoiseach to have a look at it. It is disgusting. The Taoiseach is more than welcome to come over here and sit beside me when this session is over and have a closer look or even a sup, if he dares to go that far. When will Uisce Éireann and the Minister get on top of this issue? When will some class of relief be offered to these residents and others like them who are being put through this purgatory? It is unrelenting. People have been dealing with this, every minute of every day, since the middle of July.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="speech" id="spk_174"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" aria-label="Go to Richard Boyd Barrett profile." href="/ga/members/member/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/image/thumb" alt="Richard Boyd Barrett"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/">Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="content"><div class="social-share"><a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/1/speech/174/" data-share-text="Programme for Government" title="Share speech #174 by Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett"><i>Roinn</i></a></div> <p id="para_454" class="">The programme for Government made commitments on legacy issues, specifically the Dublin-Monaghan bombings. I have been asked by those campaigning, including families, victims and so on, to raise what they believe is the outrageous failure of the Government and Garda to release the files relating to the Dublin-Monaghan bombings to Operation Newham, that is, the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland's investigation into those bombings and the collusion of the loyalist killers with British intelligence and what the Garda knew about all of this. It is inexplicable that those files are not being released.</p> <p id="para_455" class=""> Campaigners now have to take the Minister and Garda to court in order to get the files on the single biggest atrocity that took place during the Troubles released. What is the State hiding? Why is the State not co-operating to the nth degree with the families and victims of those who were massacred in this atrocity? Why do they have to take the State to court in order to get the files released regarding what the Garda knew about the bombings and collusion? Could somebody please explain this? Can somebody do what the campaigners are asking? It is absolutely incredible.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="speech" id="spk_175"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" aria-label="Go to Paul Murphy profile." href="/ga/members/member/Paul-Murphy.D.2014-10-10/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Paul-Murphy.D.2014-10-10/image/thumb" alt="Paul Murphy"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Paul-Murphy.D.2014-10-10/">Deputy Paul Murphy</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="content"><div class="social-share"><a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/1/speech/175/" data-share-text="Programme for Government" title="Share speech #175 by Deputy Paul Murphy"><i>Roinn</i></a></div> <p id="para_456" class="">The programme for Government states, "We do not support the impartation of fracked gas" and "[W]e do not believe that it make(s) sense to develop LNG gas import terminals importing fracked gas". The Government received legal advice three years ago that fracked gas import could not be banned under EU law. The only way to stop fracked gas imports is by not building the LNG infrastructure to receive them.</p> <p id="para_457" class=""> The Government voted last Thursday to designate LNG as strategic infrastructure that could be fast-tracked to an coimisiún pleanála and not be subject to the normal planning process. This follows a High Court ruling two weeks ago that enables the Shannon LNG planning application to be resubmitted. Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly welcomed that ruling and said he hoped it will enable this project to move forward swiftly. Referencing the Planning and Development Bill, he said it is essential that projects like Shannon LNG, in other words, other LNG terminals, receive timely decisions. Is that the position of the Taoiseach and Government? Is the Government backing LNG and fracked gas imports while we are seeing the consequences of climate catastrophe unfolding in front of our eyes, most recently in the US, in particular in Florida?</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="speech" id="spk_176"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" aria-label="Go to Simon Harris profile." href="/ga/members/member/Simon-Harris.D.2011-03-09/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Simon-Harris.D.2011-03-09/image/thumb" alt="Simon Harris"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Simon-Harris.D.2011-03-09/"> The Taoiseach</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="content"><div class="social-share"><a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/1/speech/176/" data-share-text="Programme for Government" title="Share speech #176 by The Taoiseach"><i>Roinn</i></a></div> <p id="para_458" class="">In response to Deputy Tóibín's point, I travel around this country regularly and visit towns and villages of all sizes. I take part of the point he makes regarding the need to rejuvenate and regenerate many of our main streets in mid-size towns. I point to a number of projects across the country in terms of rural and urban regeneration and the funds that have been used. I think of Clonmel as one example where the old barracks have been put into public use and the vitality that will bring to Tipperary.</p> <p id="para_459" class="">The specific point the Deputy made in relation to the cost base facing small and medium businesses is very valid. I am concerned about it. As I said earlier, when I go into these businesses they seem extremely busy but when they pull me aside they tell me they are busy but struggling to make ends meet. We took a number of steps in the budget to try to assist them, including on the specific issue the Deputy mentioned, electricity. We will provide €4,000 before Christmas to help people in the hospitality and retail sectors with their electricity bills. We have also specifically increased the VAT threshold, which will exclude some smaller and start-up businesses from the burden of charging VAT.</p> <p id="para_460" class=""> There is some validity in the broader point the Deputy made about VAT reform, if I can call it that. We are somewhat constrained by how many VAT rates we can have under European law. I think it is four. However, in the aftermath of the budget I have asked the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke, to engage with the sector and review how our VAT laws interact with the hospitality and retail sectors and other small businesses and the cost base facing them. I will be happy to correspond with the Deputy on that.</p> <p id="para_461" class=""> Deputy Ó Murchú raised Uisce Éireann, specifically a pumping station and wastewater treatment issues in Dundalk and north Louth, the impact they are having and the fact that there are plans in place. I will seek an update for him from Uisce Éireann about the speedy delivery of them. However, more broadly, bringing me also to Deputy Barry's question, in the budget we allocated an additional €1 billion to Uisce Éireann using the proceeds of the AIB shares. That means in practice that to the best of my knowledge Uisce Éireann is now fully funded to meet its needs until 2028, based on what it told the Government it requires. My question back to Uisce Éireann is when it will be able to address the horrific situation the Deputy described. I do not need to sit any closer to him to see how vile and awful a situation it is for the Deputy's constituents on the northside of Cork to have to experience. We have allocated significant capital to Uisce Éireann. The Deputy will be aware that, at his request, and in fairness he brings this up regularly, I have corresponded extensively with Uisce Éireann and I was assured that a number actions would be taken such as clearing and interim works. However, I will go back to the chief executive of Uisce Éireann in light of what the Deputy raised today. I am satisfied the Government has provided significant additional resources on behalf of the taxpayer to help it to accelerate its actions.</p> <p id="para_462" class=""> In the interest of making sure I am fully accurate and fully up to date, I will ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to correspond with the Deputy on the Dublin-Monaghan bombings. However, my understanding is that his position and the position of the Government is that we are co-operating fully with investigations and inquiries about that. The families deserve justice and truth. I think President Higgins spoke for all of us when he spoke so forcefully at the commemoration, which I attended. I want these families to get truth and justice. My understanding is that there are active Garda investigations, or at least files that remain open. However, I will get a direct update for the Deputy in writing and ask the Tánaiste to correspond with him.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="speech brief" id="spk_177"> <div class="c-avatar -debate -short"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" aria-label="Go to Richard Boyd Barrett profile." href="/ga/members/member/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/image/thumb" alt="Richard Boyd Barrett"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/">Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="content"><div class="social-share"><a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/1/speech/177/" data-share-text="Programme for Government" title="Share speech #177 by Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett"><i>Roinn</i></a></div> <p id="para_463" class="">The campaigners will have to go to court.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="speech" id="spk_178"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" aria-label="Go to Simon Harris profile." href="/ga/members/member/Simon-Harris.D.2011-03-09/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Simon-Harris.D.2011-03-09/image/thumb" alt="Simon Harris"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Simon-Harris.D.2011-03-09/"> The Taoiseach</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="content"><div class="social-share"><a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/1/speech/178/" data-share-text="Programme for Government" title="Share speech #178 by The Taoiseach"><i>Roinn</i></a></div> <p id="para_464" class="">I do not want that to have to be the situation, quite honestly. I really do not.</p> <p id="para_465" class=""> On the issue of LNG, the Planning and Development Act 2023 restated the factual position. The Government has not taken any policy decisions in that regard. Our policy position under climate legislation, and with respect to where we want to get to, is that we want to produce clean, renewable energy and to move from being a net importer of energy that is bad for the climate to being a net exporter of clean, green energy. That is where we want to go. There is a legitimate question about the period of transition. How do we fill the gap from where we are today to having the offshore wind energy capacity we need for the country and to export? In that context alone can other projects be considered.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="c-parliamentary-question -with-padding"> <h2 class="u-text-h2 -underline c-parliamentary-question__heading"> Child Poverty </h2> <div class="c-parliamentary-question__content"> <div class="sub-header"> <h3>Ceisteanna (6, 7, 8, 9)</h3> </div> <div class="question" id="pq_6"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" href="/ga/members/member/Peadar-Tóibín.D.2011-03-09/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Peadar-Tóibín.D.2011-03-09/image/thumb" alt="Peadar Tóibín"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Peadar-Tóibín.D.2011-03-09/">Peadar Tóibín</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="social-share"> <a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/6/question/6/" data-share-text="Child Poverty" title="Share question #6 by Peadar Tóibín"> <i>Roinn</i> </a> </div> <div class="content"><h4 class="from">Peadar Tóibín</h4><span class="question-start">Ceist:</span> <p id="para_466" class="">6. <strong>Deputy Peadar Tóibín</strong> asked the <strong>Taoiseach</strong> if he will report on the work of the child poverty and well-being programme in his Department. [36611/24]</p> <a class="view-answer" href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#pq-answers-6_7_8_9">Amharc ar fhreagra</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="question" id="pq_7"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" href="/ga/members/member/Mick-Barry.D.2016-10-03/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Mick-Barry.D.2016-10-03/image/thumb" alt="Mick Barry"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Mick-Barry.D.2016-10-03/">Mick Barry</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="social-share"> <a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/6/question/7/" data-share-text="Child Poverty" title="Share question #7 by Mick Barry"> <i>Roinn</i> </a> </div> <div class="content"><h4 class="from">Mick Barry</h4><span class="question-start">Ceist:</span> <p id="para_467" class="">7. <strong>Deputy Mick Barry</strong> asked the <strong>Taoiseach</strong> if he will report on the work of the child poverty and well-being programme in his Department. [38045/24]</p> <a class="view-answer" href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#pq-answers-6_7_8_9">Amharc ar fhreagra</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="question" id="pq_8"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" href="/ga/members/member/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/image/thumb" alt="Richard Boyd Barrett"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/">Richard Boyd Barrett</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="social-share"> <a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/6/question/8/" data-share-text="Child Poverty" title="Share question #8 by Richard Boyd Barrett"> <i>Roinn</i> </a> </div> <div class="content"><h4 class="from">Richard Boyd Barrett</h4><span class="question-start">Ceist:</span> <p id="para_468" class="">8. <strong>Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett</strong> asked the <strong>Taoiseach</strong> if he will report on the work of the child poverty and well-being programme in his Department. [40037/24]</p> <a class="view-answer" href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#pq-answers-6_7_8_9">Amharc ar fhreagra</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="question" id="pq_9"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" href="/ga/members/member/Paul-Murphy.D.2014-10-10/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Paul-Murphy.D.2014-10-10/image/thumb" alt="Paul Murphy"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Paul-Murphy.D.2014-10-10/">Paul Murphy</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="social-share"> <a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/6/question/9/" data-share-text="Child Poverty" title="Share question #9 by Paul Murphy"> <i>Roinn</i> </a> </div> <div class="content"><h4 class="from">Paul Murphy</h4><span class="question-start">Ceist:</span> <p id="para_469" class="">9. <strong>Deputy Paul Murphy</strong> asked the <strong>Taoiseach</strong> if he will report on the work of the child poverty and well-being programme in his Department. [40040/24]</p> <a class="view-answer" href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#pq-answers-6_7_8_9">Amharc ar fhreagra</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="sub-header" id="pq-answers-6_7_8_9"> <h3>Freagraí ó Béal (10 píosaí cainte)</h3> </div><div class="speech" id="spk_179"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" aria-label="Go to Simon Harris profile." href="/ga/members/member/Simon-Harris.D.2011-03-09/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Simon-Harris.D.2011-03-09/image/thumb" alt="Simon Harris"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Simon-Harris.D.2011-03-09/"> The Taoiseach</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="content"><div class="social-share"><a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/6/speech/179/" data-share-text="Child Poverty" title="Share speech #179 by The Taoiseach"><i>Roinn</i></a></div> <p id="para_470" class="">I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 to 9, inclusive, together.</p> <p id="para_471" class=""> The child poverty and well-being programme office was established in the Department of the Taoiseach in spring 2023. Its purpose is to prioritise action across government in areas that will have the greatest impact for children and families experiencing poverty.</p> <p id="para_472" class=""> From Poverty to Potential: A Programme Plan for Child Poverty and Well-being 2023-2025 was published in August last year and is the initial programme plan for the child poverty and well-being programme office. The programme builds on six focus areas which have the potential to bring about significant change for families and children. These are income assistance and joblessness; early learning and childcare; reducing the cost of education; family homelessness; consolidating and integrating family and parental assistance, health and well-being; and enhancing participation in culture, arts and sport for children and young people affected by poverty. The role of my Department is to co-ordinate and focus Government action. To help facilitate this, the office has established a cross-government network on child poverty and well-being. The network has met four times to date, with the most recent meeting taking place last week.</p> <p id="para_473" class=""> On 23 May last, the programme office hosted the inaugural child poverty and well-being summit in Dublin Castle. This was a pivotal moment to take stock of progress and shape the agenda for future action on child poverty. A summary report on the summit is complete. I brought it to the Government last week and it has been published and is available online. The programme office is currently preparing its first annual report on progress achieved over the past 12 months and I expect the report to be published soon.</p> <p id="para_474" class=""> A key function of the programme office is to co-ordinate spending plans on child poverty and well-being for the annual budget. In budget 2025, we reaffirmed our commitment to reducing child poverty and improving child well-being. Budget measures which will alleviate child poverty include an increase in the weekly rates of child support payments by €4 for children aged under 12 and €8 for children aged over 12, bringing them to €50 per week and €62 per week, respectively. This is the largest ever increase applied to this payment. It was identified to me by the people working in the child poverty office and by engagement I had with a number of organisations as one of the most practical measures we could take to help to alleviate child poverty.</p> <p id="para_475" class=""> We will also provide a €400 lump sum for working family payment recipients, which is another payment that helps to alleviate child poverty; an increase of €60 in the working family payment income thresholds for all family sizes from January 2025; the school meals holiday hunger pilot project in summer 2025 and another pilot focused on holiday hunger in youth services; and the expansion of the Equal Start programme. Equal Start is important as it effectively recognises educational disadvantage in preschool education. It did not exist a year ago and we have now put more money into it to include enhanced nutritional supports, as well as funding for parent and community co-ordinators. Ten new youth services will also be targeted at those who are disadvantaged.</p> <p id="para_476" class=""> Additionally, children living in poverty will also benefit from universal supports, including the double child benefit payments in November and December; free public transport for children aged between five and eight years; hot school meals extended to all primary schools; schoolbooks for senior students in the free school scheme; and a waiver of the State examinations fee for the junior and leaving certificate for another year.</p> <p id="para_477" class=""> The programme office is compiling a full analysis of how these initiatives will have an impact on child poverty and enhance child well-being in 2025. This will be published in the coming weeks.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="speech" id="spk_180"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" aria-label="Go to Peadar Tóibín profile." href="/ga/members/member/Peadar-Tóibín.D.2011-03-09/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Peadar-Tóibín.D.2011-03-09/image/thumb" alt="Peadar Tóibín"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Peadar-Tóibín.D.2011-03-09/">Deputy Peadar Tóibín</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="content"><div class="social-share"><a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/6/speech/180/" data-share-text="Child Poverty" title="Share speech #180 by Deputy Peadar Tóibín"><i>Roinn</i></a></div> <p id="para_478" class="">More than 200 children either in State care or known to State care services have died since 2014. One fifth of them died by suicide, many more died of drug overdoses and 11 of those children were murdered. It is incredible that more than 5% of the children in State care or known to State care services have been murdered. Does the Taoiseach agree?</p> <p id="para_479" class=""> A national review panel that investigated these deaths had alarming things to say about the child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS. On a number of occasions, CAMHS has refused to accept children referred by Tusla because it only accepts children with treatable or diagnosed mental illness and it also has a policy of refusing to treat children who use drugs and alcohol. These are not children who are addicted to drugs and alcohol, but those who use them. Some of these children died by suicide. There is something seriously wrong with the system. The Taoiseach will agree.</p> <p id="para_480" class=""> We will hear many TDs speak shortly about child protection and it will be highly charged and political, but it is incredible that 200 children known to or in State care have died in the past ten years. I believe that if many of them came from leafy suburbs or had parents who were well-to-do, had power and could influence debate, their cases would be far higher in the political priorities of the country. The fact is that these children do not have people to speak for them. They do not come from money or from a background of power. I urge the Taoiseach to take the issue of children in State care seriously.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="speech" id="spk_181"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" aria-label="Go to Mick Barry profile." href="/ga/members/member/Mick-Barry.D.2016-10-03/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Mick-Barry.D.2016-10-03/image/thumb" alt="Mick Barry"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Mick-Barry.D.2016-10-03/">Deputy Mick Barry</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="content"><div class="social-share"><a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/6/speech/181/" data-share-text="Child Poverty" title="Share speech #181 by Deputy Mick Barry"><i>Roinn</i></a></div> <p id="para_481" class="">I congratulate the former workers of the Before 5 Family Centre in Churchfield and the parents whose children attended it. Between them, they have been successful in putting sufficient pressure on the Department of children to force the release of €300,000 to pay for the works needed for the centre to reopen in 2025. At the same time that people on the northside of Cork city are celebrating this win, it is widely recognised that this is a pre-election stunt by the Government and there is a justified cynicism about Government TDs who try to claim some credit.</p> <p id="para_482" class="">Will the Taoiseach speak to the Minister and ensure that everything is done to get the money released, works done and the centre reopened as soon as possible?</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="speech" id="spk_182"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" aria-label="Go to Richard Boyd Barrett profile." href="/ga/members/member/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/image/thumb" alt="Richard Boyd Barrett"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/">Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="content"><div class="social-share"><a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/6/speech/182/" data-share-text="Child Poverty" title="Share speech #182 by Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett"><i>Roinn</i></a></div> <p id="para_483" class="">I wish to bring to the Taoiseach's attention the shocking case of a new social housing development, St. Germaine, in Ballybrack in my area. It is in the hands of Co-operative Housing Ireland, an AHB, and was built by a developer called Kavco. It was finished at the end of last year and there are 31 units with many families. I met people the other day and, while they were delighted that, after many years – sometimes as long as ten or 15 years – on the housing list, they had got their houses, they had contacted me to say that the apartment block was falling apart. I was shocked by what I saw. People had only moved in in the past three or six months, yet there was already damp rising up the walls everywhere, people had been told in some cases not to use the electrical systems because of rising damp and water ingress, and there were many other areas where it looked like no one had bothered finishing the work, for example, uneven surfaces and floors, water pouring into the car park and creating large pools there, etc. I could go on through the list. It is unbelievable. This block is just built.</p> <p id="para_484" class=""> The developer is nearly out of the one-year period after which it can walk away from all of this. Something has to be done about it, yet nothing has been so far. I ask that, as a matter of urgency, Co-operative Housing Ireland be contacted and we not allow the developer to walk away without doing the remediation works necessary to make that place as it should be.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="speech" id="spk_183"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" aria-label="Go to Paul Murphy profile." href="/ga/members/member/Paul-Murphy.D.2014-10-10/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Paul-Murphy.D.2014-10-10/image/thumb" alt="Paul Murphy"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Paul-Murphy.D.2014-10-10/">Deputy Paul Murphy</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="content"><div class="social-share"><a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/6/speech/183/" data-share-text="Child Poverty" title="Share speech #183 by Deputy Paul Murphy"><i>Roinn</i></a></div> <p id="para_485" class="">One of the issues that is having the greatest negative impact on the well-being of children is the rising number of children who are forced to grow up in emergency accommodation and overcrowded hotel rooms, staying there for months if they are “lucky” or even for years. The scourge of child homelessness is worsening no matter how often we are told that the situation is going to get better, the plan will work and so on.</p> <p id="para_486" class=""> I will provide an example of what this looks like. It is a case I have raised with the Taoiseach previously. I have spoken about the serious health conditions facing the father of the family. The young daughter in the family also has serious health conditions and a range of significant mental health issues. The family has been on the council waiting list for approximately ten years and is renting somewhere, but the landlord is selling and the family is facing eviction next February.</p> <p id="para_487" class=""> I met the father last week. He told me they could not be made homeless. He cannot imagine how he will survive in emergency accommodation with his health situation, let alone his daughter, who suffers from OCD and is now facing the idea of her life being turned upside down, having to go to school somewhere else and living in a hotel. That they can be made homeless is unimaginable to them. The father told me last week that he had sent 400 emails on <em>daft.ie</em>. He received three responses, each of which said that the respective property was gone. He received nothing else.</p> <p id="para_488" class=""> This could have been a tenant <em>in situ</em> case. The council should have bought the property, but it pulled out at the last minute. Something needs to be done.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="speech" id="spk_184"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" aria-label="Go to Ruairí Ó Murchú profile." href="/ga/members/member/Ruairí-Ó-Murchú.D.2020-02-08/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Ruairí-Ó-Murchú.D.2020-02-08/image/thumb" alt="Ruairí Ó Murchú"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Ruairí-Ó-Murchú.D.2020-02-08/">Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="content"><div class="social-share"><a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/6/speech/184/" data-share-text="Child Poverty" title="Share speech #184 by Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú"><i>Roinn</i></a></div> <p id="para_489" class="">The Taoiseach and I have spoken many times about autism services and the issues facing families. Recently, I met the All Abilities Action Alliance in Louth about school places. There are anomalies in the number of special needs classes that are available in Louth at primary and secondary levels. I have already submitted a couple of follow-up questions on this matter, but we need clarity. In secondary schools in particular, there is no capacity to deal with the level of need. Obviously, parents are applying to all classes. I have made the suggestion previously, including in my legislation, of a two-year run-in for families in this situation. This needs to happen.</p> <p id="para_490" class=""> Shelagh National School has builds planned, but it wants to ensure there is official contact from the Department on delivering them. De La Salle's issues were sorted in the short term, but the main issue is getting a permanent building. I spoke to the principal of St. Mary's recently. He spoke about his over-and-back with the Department and the NCSE. It has taken a significant amount of time. His school is at full capacity and has kids in mainstream classes, but we need to deliver a prefab for it.</p> <p id="para_491" class=""> This is about ensuring that we have the capacity and that the interaction is correct.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="speech" id="spk_185"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" aria-label="Go to Bernard Durkan profile." href="/ga/members/member/Bernard-Durkan.D.1981-06-30/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Bernard-Durkan.D.1981-06-30/image/thumb" alt="Bernard Durkan"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Bernard-Durkan.D.1981-06-30/">Deputy Bernard J. Durkan</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="content"><div class="social-share"><a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/6/speech/185/" data-share-text="Child Poverty" title="Share speech #185 by Deputy Bernard J. Durkan"><i>Roinn</i></a></div> <p id="para_492" class="">I support the point raised by Deputy Boyd Barrett regarding the completion of what would be local authority houses in private estates. From my examination, the finishing leaves much to be desired. The houses were meant for social housing, be it on the local authority side or the approved housing body side.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="speech brief" id="spk_186"> <div class="c-avatar -debate -short"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" aria-label="Go to Richard Boyd Barrett profile." href="/ga/members/member/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/image/thumb" alt="Richard Boyd Barrett"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/">Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="content"><div class="social-share"><a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/6/speech/186/" data-share-text="Child Poverty" title="Share speech #186 by Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett"><i>Roinn</i></a></div> <p id="para_493" class="">Yes.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="speech" id="spk_187"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" aria-label="Go to Bernard Durkan profile." href="/ga/members/member/Bernard-Durkan.D.1981-06-30/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Bernard-Durkan.D.1981-06-30/image/thumb" alt="Bernard Durkan"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Bernard-Durkan.D.1981-06-30/">Deputy Bernard J. Durkan</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="content"><div class="social-share"><a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/6/speech/187/" data-share-text="Child Poverty" title="Share speech #187 by Deputy Bernard J. Durkan"><i>Roinn</i></a></div> <p id="para_494" class="">They are not up to the required standard or in keeping with the standard of the rest of the development. Within a very short space of time, they have started showing flaws such as leakages, dampness, poor plumbing, poor electrics, etc. The real tell-tale of any development is the finish in the bathrooms, where the tiling can clearly be at variance with the standard found in the rest of the estate. I ask that this be borne in mind with a view to ensure that the local authorities exert their authority.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="speech" id="spk_188"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" aria-label="Go to Simon Harris profile." href="/ga/members/member/Simon-Harris.D.2011-03-09/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Simon-Harris.D.2011-03-09/image/thumb" alt="Simon Harris"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Simon-Harris.D.2011-03-09/"> The Taoiseach</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="content"><div class="social-share"><a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/6/speech/188/" data-share-text="Child Poverty" title="Share speech #188 by The Taoiseach"><i>Roinn</i></a></div> <p id="para_495" class="">I thank Deputy Tóibín for raising the important issue of the well-being, safety, protection, mental health needs and so on of children in State care. The broad point the Deputy makes is about the need for those of us who hold positions of authority to take an active interest in the lives of those who may find themselves without a voice within the system. On foot of what the Deputy has raised in the Dáil, I will specifically and directly raise with Tusla the issue of the 200 children who have died in State care over ten years and the issue of the interaction with CAMHS. I am happy to correspond with the Deputy and engage further on the issue. I thank him for raising it and giving those children a voice in the Dáil today.</p> <p id="para_496" class=""> Deputy Barry raised the campaign by parents and workers at the Before 5 Family Centre, Churchfield, and the fact that €300,000 had been approved to pay for the works required to reopen the centre next year. On the one hand, if the money had not been allocated, the Deputy would rightly have said that that was a problem, but when the money is allocated, he is saying there is a cynicism to it. I assure him there is not. We are very determined to listen to parents and workers in this sector and I am pleased that that funding was able to be provided, but I hear the Deputy’s plea and request to make sure that the works are carried out speedily, the money is released speedily and there are no delays in that regard. I will speak directly to the Minister, Deputy O’Gorman, on the Deputy’s behalf and tell him the Deputy raised it in the Dáil today and asked that the works happen.</p> <p id="para_497" class=""> I thank Deputy Boyd Barrett and my colleague, Deputy Durkan, for raising their issues. Deputy Boyd Barrett specifically raised the issue of the housing development in Ballybrack. I will certainly ensure it is raised. I happened to be at the opening of some housing and met some of the families in my own constituency very recently who had just received housing through that approved housing body. I must say I was impressed on that occasion – this was in Blessington – with the homes I saw, but I take very seriously what the Deputy said about the excitement that someone feels when getting a new home and the relief after years of waiting only to then find problems with damp, electrics and perhaps more. I will ask the Minister, Deputy O’Brien, to directly raise that with the approved housing body and, perhaps, with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and to correspond with the Deputy on it.</p> <p id="para_498" class=""> Deputy Durkan brought us to a broader point in terms of standards and finishes in social houses. Let us be very clear, in that they should all be finished to the exact same standard as any other home. The State, on behalf of the people of Ireland, is spending a lot of money in this space. The Deputy’s request for the local authorities to exert authority and oversight in that regard is well made and one that I will pass on to the Minister for housing as well.</p> <p id="para_499" class=""> Without knowing the details of that extremely difficult situation, but one I believe Deputy Murphy has mentioned to me before, involving the father who was seriously ill and his daughter who has a number of serious medical conditions, would the Deputy like me to look at the specifics of the case and see if anything can be done through the local authority?</p> <p id="para_500" class="">We put the tenant <em>in situ</em> scheme in place for such scenarios. I am happy to take the details from the Deputy and help in any way I can.</p> <p id="para_501" class=""> Turning to Deputy Ó Murchú, I understand the NCSE is currently carrying out a whole review of special school and special class capacity. I take the point that where there is a school willing and wanting to help and assist, we should not be putting any hurdles in its space at a time when we need more capacity. I am happy to engage with the Deputy further.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="c-parliamentary-question -with-padding"> <h2 class="u-text-h2 -underline c-parliamentary-question__heading"> Economic Policy </h2> <div class="c-parliamentary-question__content"> <div class="sub-header"> <h3>Ceisteanna (10, 11, 12)</h3> </div> <div class="question" id="pq_10"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" href="/ga/members/member/Mick-Barry.D.2016-10-03/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Mick-Barry.D.2016-10-03/image/thumb" alt="Mick Barry"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Mick-Barry.D.2016-10-03/">Mick Barry</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="social-share"> <a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/10/question/10/" data-share-text="Economic Policy" title="Share question #10 by Mick Barry"> <i>Roinn</i> </a> </div> <div class="content"><h4 class="from">Mick Barry</h4><span class="question-start">Ceist:</span> <p id="para_502" class="">10. <strong>Deputy Mick Barry</strong> asked the <strong>Taoiseach</strong> to report on his hosting of the competitiveness summit on 1 September 2024. [36689/24]</p> <a class="view-answer" href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#pq-answers-10_11_12">Amharc ar fhreagra</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="question" id="pq_11"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" href="/ga/members/member/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/image/thumb" alt="Richard Boyd Barrett"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/">Richard Boyd Barrett</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="social-share"> <a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/10/question/11/" data-share-text="Economic Policy" title="Share question #11 by Richard Boyd Barrett"> <i>Roinn</i> </a> </div> <div class="content"><h4 class="from">Richard Boyd Barrett</h4><span class="question-start">Ceist:</span> <p id="para_503" class="">11. <strong>Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett</strong> asked the <strong>Taoiseach</strong> to report on his hosting of the competitiveness summit on 1 September 2024. [40038/24]</p> <a class="view-answer" href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#pq-answers-10_11_12">Amharc ar fhreagra</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="question" id="pq_12"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" href="/ga/members/member/Paul-Murphy.D.2014-10-10/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Paul-Murphy.D.2014-10-10/image/thumb" alt="Paul Murphy"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Paul-Murphy.D.2014-10-10/">Paul Murphy</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="social-share"> <a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/10/question/12/" data-share-text="Economic Policy" title="Share question #12 by Paul Murphy"> <i>Roinn</i> </a> </div> <div class="content"><h4 class="from">Paul Murphy</h4><span class="question-start">Ceist:</span> <p id="para_504" class="">12. <strong>Deputy Paul Murphy</strong> asked the <strong>Taoiseach</strong> to report on his hosting of the competitiveness summit on 1 September 2024. [40041/24]</p> <a class="view-answer" href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#pq-answers-10_11_12">Amharc ar fhreagra</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="sub-header" id="pq-answers-10_11_12"> <h3>Freagraí ó Béal (7 píosaí cainte)</h3> </div><div class="speech" id="spk_189"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" aria-label="Go to Simon Harris profile." href="/ga/members/member/Simon-Harris.D.2011-03-09/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Simon-Harris.D.2011-03-09/image/thumb" alt="Simon Harris"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Simon-Harris.D.2011-03-09/"> The Taoiseach</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="content"><div class="social-share"><a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/10/speech/189/" data-share-text="Economic Policy" title="Share speech #189 by The Taoiseach"><i>Roinn</i></a></div> <p id="para_505" class="">I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 to 12, inclusive, together.</p> <p id="para_506" class=""> Last month, I chaired the Government’s inaugural competitiveness summit. In attendance were relevant Ministers, together with the chair of the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council, a senior representative of the OECD, and the chief executives of IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland among others from those organisations. The summit saw discussion on the challenges facing our own country in maintaining our competitiveness in a changing international and European context, along with the importance of managing the factors under our domestic control, and the need to address infrastructural deficits, cost pressures and to ensure a pro-enterprise economic environment. The summit focused on three core areas where Ireland needs to respond to secure future competitiveness. First, adapting to European and global disruption, including a changing subsidy landscape, developments in global trade and disruptive technologies. Second, enhancing Ireland’s infrastructure offering, upgrading our energy, water and other infrastructure while minimising cost burdens on firms and households. Third, supporting Irish enterprises to scale and prosper, encouraging entrepreneurship and new technologies, while better controlling the cost base facing businesses.</p> <p id="para_507" class=""> The summit was an opportunity to consider these challenges in detail in advance of the recent budget. Consistent with discussions at the summit, in budget 2025 the Government took several significant decisions to address our competitiveness challenge. These include the allocation of a record €14.9 billion in voted capital expenditure to address infrastructure demands; the allocation of €3 billion from the proceeds of recent share sales towards boosting public investment in housing, energy and water infrastructure; agreement on a funding package of €1.485 billion over six years from the National Training Fund to, among other things, increase investment in employment-focused skills and training to enhance the competitiveness and productivity of our businesses; provision of additional resources to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to focus on identifying and removing barriers to competition in domestic markets; and putting in place a package of measures to support our small and medium businesses to incentivise their growth, including an increase in the threshold for the research and development tax credit, reforms and extension to the startup relief for entrepreneurs and the startup capital Incentive schemes, increases to VAT thresholds, and introducing the power up grant for the retail and hospitality sectors, which will provide those businesses with €4,000 before Christmas towards their electricity costs. </p> <p id="para_508" class=""> Alongside these decisions in the budget, in support of competitiveness, the Government has also in recent weeks committed to a new initiative to minimise the regulatory burden on our small and medium businesses, including rigorously applying a new SME test across Departments, and by consulting with businesses to identify additional areas where the regulatory burden could be reduced. We progressed the landmark Planning and Development Bill 2023, which passed the Oireachtas last week, bringing about a once in a generation reform to update and streamline our planning system, providing clarity, consistency and certainty. We reconfirmed that, conscious of the cost pressures facing business, the timing and phasing of labour market reforms would continue to be kept under review, taking account of up-to-date impact analysis, to ensure that cost burden on SMEs in most-affected sectors is sustainable.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="speech" id="spk_190"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" aria-label="Go to Richard Boyd Barrett profile." href="/ga/members/member/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/image/thumb" alt="Richard Boyd Barrett"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/">Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="content"><div class="social-share"><a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/10/speech/190/" data-share-text="Economic Policy" title="Share speech #190 by Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett"><i>Roinn</i></a></div> <p id="para_509" class="">I think it would be fair to describe the Cherrywood development as a flagship development for Ireland presenting itself as a place where there is quality of life, there is the housing we need and where you have all the amenities, facilities, infrastructure and so on necessary for a place where people can live and work. It is the biggest residential development in the country. I do not like the word "competition" because I do not think running an economy is like running a race against somebody else or playing a football match. It is about having a quality of life, infrastructure, housing, services and so on. At one point Cherrywood was in public hands when we had to nationalise it through NAMA. We flogged it back off to international companies like Hines, which have developed it. However, key to the Cherrywood development was the promise - in the strategic development zone planning - that there would be a town centre with medical facilities, shops, supermarkets and all the amenities you would expect. It was going to be a ten-minute town. You would not have to drive anywhere because everything would be there. It now turns out that Hines the developer, which has made massive profits from flogging off the houses and apartments there, and which are astronomical in price, has now decided it is not building the town centre. It is just not building it. The whole development hinged on this town centre, and now Hines has decided it is just not profitable and they are not going to bother building it. It is trying to put the Government and the people over a barrel, I presume to try to get more public money. It already got lots of LIHAF funding to build the parks and infrastructure. In short, this cannot be allowed. That town centre has to happen, so I am asking for intervention from the Government to make sure it does.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="speech" id="spk_191"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" aria-label="Go to Paul Murphy profile." href="/ga/members/member/Paul-Murphy.D.2014-10-10/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Paul-Murphy.D.2014-10-10/image/thumb" alt="Paul Murphy"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Paul-Murphy.D.2014-10-10/">Deputy Paul Murphy</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="content"><div class="social-share"><a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/10/speech/191/" data-share-text="Economic Policy" title="Share speech #191 by Deputy Paul Murphy"><i>Roinn</i></a></div> <p id="para_510" class="">Did the question of housing come up at the competitiveness summit? It is clearly a major issue in workers being able to have affordable housing somewhere in some sort of achievable commutable distance from their work. It seems that a key issue continues to be the fact that councils are taking public land and selling it off for very low prices to private developers as opposed to having a State construction company able to build social and affordable homes on public land. Last night South Dublin County Council voted, with People Before Profit opposing, to effectively give public land away to a private developer for €100. There will be 88 homes on this site, 18 of which will be social homes. They will say they need to do it because we are reliant on the private developers. Does not all of this prove we need a State construction company, and a rule to say that where we have public land, we need to put public homes on it? That is social housing and genuinely affordable housing, as opposed to this reliance on the market that has got us into the crisis we are in.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="speech" id="spk_192"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" aria-label="Go to Ruairí Ó Murchú profile." href="/ga/members/member/Ruairí-Ó-Murchú.D.2020-02-08/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Ruairí-Ó-Murchú.D.2020-02-08/image/thumb" alt="Ruairí Ó Murchú"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Ruairí-Ó-Murchú.D.2020-02-08/">Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="content"><div class="social-share"><a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/10/speech/192/" data-share-text="Economic Policy" title="Share speech #192 by Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú"><i>Roinn</i></a></div> <p id="para_511" class="">I want to deal with the issue of pharma in Dundalk. Before that I bring up an issue, I brought up previously about Dundalk Grammar School. It set up a GAA team in the past while, which was supported by parents, students and Louth GAA. It has played in the Lennon Cup but has been given an order by the board to desist. It has caused huge consternation. I have never seen anything cause as much consternation in the area. We need to have some element of commentary. We want the board to look at these students who did their best in carrying out their protests last Friday and will again this Thursday in the perfect way anyone would want. Louth GAA and everyone else is providing all the necessary supports. It is something we should look at.</p> <p id="para_512" class=""> I turn to the question on pharma. We have seen Wasdell close, but we have also seen what we hope is good news relating to PCI Pharma Services. As soon as that information can be given to the general public that would be useful. However, there are worries about WuXi Biologics. There is a report in the <em>Financial Times</em> about facilities across Europe. I know some of this relates to issues outside Ireland, but we need to make sure the IDA has all the engagement necessary and to get clarity on that. We are talking about a huge facility in Dundalk.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="speech" id="spk_193"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" aria-label="Go to Simon Harris profile." href="/ga/members/member/Simon-Harris.D.2011-03-09/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Simon-Harris.D.2011-03-09/image/thumb" alt="Simon Harris"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Simon-Harris.D.2011-03-09/"> The Taoiseach</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="content"><div class="social-share"><a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/10/speech/193/" data-share-text="Economic Policy" title="Share speech #193 by The Taoiseach"><i>Roinn</i></a></div> <p id="para_513" class="">I thank colleagues for their questions.</p> <p id="para_514" class=""> I turn first to Deputy Boyd Barrett's question on Cherrywood. I will inquire with the Department of housing about the situation with the town centre. I can say without getting overly involved, as someone who does not live a million miles away, that I know the scale of development that has happened there. There is no doubt a requirement for residents and workers to have access to community facilities, open spaces and the like.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="speech brief" id="spk_194"> <div class="c-avatar -debate -short"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" aria-label="Go to Richard Boyd Barrett profile." href="/ga/members/member/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/image/thumb" alt="Richard Boyd Barrett"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Richard-Boyd-Barrett.D.2011-03-09/">Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="content"><div class="social-share"><a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/10/speech/194/" data-share-text="Economic Policy" title="Share speech #194 by Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett"><i>Roinn</i></a></div> <p id="para_515" class="">And shops.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="speech" id="spk_195"> <div class="c-avatar -debate"> <a class="c-avatar__img-link" aria-label="Go to Simon Harris profile." href="/ga/members/member/Simon-Harris.D.2011-03-09/"> <img class="c-avatar__img" src="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/member/id/Simon-Harris.D.2011-03-09/image/thumb" alt="Simon Harris"/> </a> <h4 class="c-avatar__name"> <a class="c-avatar__name-link" href="/ga/members/member/Simon-Harris.D.2011-03-09/"> The Taoiseach</a> </h4> </div> <div class="text"> <div class="content"><div class="social-share"><a href="/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/section/14/#" class="share-trigger" data-share-url="https://www.oireachtas.ie/ga/debates/question/2024-10-15/10/speech/195/" data-share-text="Economic Policy" title="Share speech #195 by The Taoiseach"><i>Roinn</i></a></div> <p id="para_516" class="">What I do not have, and what I cannot cut across are the planning conditions, but I will certainly inquire with the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, and ask that we revert to the Deputy on the issue. I thank him for highlighting it.</p> <p id="para_517" class=""> On Deputy Murphy's question, the issue of housing was raised at the competitiveness summit and the issue of housing is raised in all commentary and engagements I have with people making decisions to invest and grow their business in Ireland. There is of course the supply of housing, water infrastructure and energy infrastructure. They are the three big pieces of infrastructure about which I hear consistently from the people of Ireland, those who do business in Ireland and those who wish to do business in Ireland. Those are key as we move forward. That is why we took a decision in the budget to allocate €3 billion worth of money from the sale of AIB bank shares into those three areas, of which €1.25 billion is to be provided to the Land Development Agency to provide thousands more homes.</p> <p id="para_518" class="">Personally, I believe that the generation that suffered most from the financial mismanagement of this country in the past, should now at least see the benefit from the sale of those shares.</p> <p id="para_519" class=""> We have these debates back and forth, as we should because housing is a major challenge. However, we already have an agency, the Land Development Agency, delivering homes on public lands. Indeed, I was with Deputy Boyd Barrett in his own constituency recently, where we saw Shanganagh Castle. We will see the provision of 600 homes there, many of which are now in place. That agency has huge potential to do much more. That is why we decided to put more money into it. </p> <p id="para_520" class=""> There is a broader question as we continue into future governments and future Oireachtais around its remit and whether that can be further expanded. The chief executive certainly said on that occasion that a number of projects are now being developed, providing housing developments using public land. This Government is absolutely determined to use all the levers, public, private, cost rental, social and affordable, everything we possibly can, to meet the variety of housing needs of people. We have huge housing challenges, of that there is no doubt. However, the level of State intervention in the housing market is now at an unprecedented level, as it should be, as we try to respond to this issue. </p> <p id="para_521" class=""> In regard to Deputy Ó Murchú's question, I remember visiting Dundalk Grammar School with him previously. I am not aware of the details of the dispute in question. I will leave that to be resolved locally. However, I know the students of Dundalk Grammar School to be of excellent calibre. I enjoyed taking questions from many of them not that long ago. In regard to the issue of pharma and the importance of that sector to the north east and to County Louth from an investment and jobs point of view, we are aware of this and keen to continue to work on it. IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland are continuing to monitor carefully the situations and some of the developments the Deputy mentioned. 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Ceisteanna - Questions – Tuesday, 15 Oct 2024 – Ceisteanna Parlaiminte – Tithe an Oireachtais