Aindrias Moynihan
Cork North-West · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“Deputy Roderic O'Gorman - To discuss reform of the Taxsaver commuter ticket scheme to include shared mobility services. Deputy Marie Sherlock - To discuss the use of periodic payment orders in the courts. Deputy John Connolly - To discuss the provision of appropriate public housing for families that provide foster care.”
“I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Thomas Gould - To discuss the bus service in Cork city. Deputy Ryan O'Meara - To discuss the establishment of an SATU in the HSE Mid West region.”
“Deputies Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, Séamus McGrath and Pádraig O'Sullivan - To discuss the State acquiring the Bessborough site in Cork city to provide a memorial. Deputies Gary Gannon, Ruairí Ó Murchú· - To discuss issues being created in the courts system by the new legal aid model.”
“I need to raise with the Taoiseach the straw incorporation measures and the delays from the Department of agriculture in approvals. There is fine weather. Tillage farmers are focusing in on the harvest. There have been no approvals issued by the Department of agriculture for the straw incorporation measure at this point.”
“Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss the need for the development of Bunclody Community College, County Wexford. Deputy Marie Sherlock - To discuss the enforcement of e-scooter legislation. Deputy Thomas Gould - To discuss the usage of scramblers, e-bikes and e-scooters in Cork city.”
“I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy John Connolly - To discuss the development of an injury unit clinic in Galway. Deputy Joe Neville - To discuss the national semiconductor plan.”
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“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. Bhí an scéim an-úsáideach i gcomhair phobal na Gaeltachta mar rinneadh athchóiriú ar an chéad píosa den bhóthar ar a raibh siad ag tiomáint ar maidin agus an píosa deireanach sa tráthnóna ar a raibh siad ag taisteal agus iad ag filleadh abhaile. Tá sí dírithe ar bhóithre a bhí fágtha ar leataobh go minic ag an gcomhairle contae de bharr go raibh siad ag díriú ar bhóithre níos gnóthaí. Tuigim nach mbeidh an scéim tosaithe thar oíche agus go mbeidh roinnt oibre sa chúlra i gceist. Cad iad na céimeanna atá tógtha go dtí seo chun an scéim sin a athoscailt? An bhfuil plé, mar shampla, le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta, le Roinn na Gaeltachta nó le comhairlí contae ar conas a dhéanfaí láimhseáil ar an scéim? Cad iad na céimeanna atá bainte amach go dtí seo cheana féin?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Leas-Cheann Comhairle. Nuair a bhí scéim na mbóithre áise ag feidhmiú cheana féin, bhí sí an-chabhrach do phobal na Gaeltachta. Déanadh athchóiriú ar bhóithre ar fud na nGaeltachtaí. Cén dul chun cinn atá déanta anois chun an scéim sin a oscailt agus a chur ar fáil do phobal na Gaeltachta arís?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. Ar an gcéad dul síos, caithfimid díriú isteach ar riachtanais phobail na Gaelainne ar fud an oileáin ar fad. Más rud é nach bhfuil an Feidhmeannas ó Thuaidh ag freastal ar phobal na Gaelainne agus ag cur maoiniú cuí ar fáil - chonaiceamar anuraidh an tslí ina bhfuil sé ábalta maoiniú a chur ar fáil - an féidir an córas a athrú gan teacht salach ar Chomhaontú Aoine an Chéasta? An bhfuil slí eile chun é sin a láimhseáil más rud é nach bhfuil an Feidhmeannas ó Thuaidh in ann freastal ar phobal na Gaelainne? Tá sé fíorthábhachtach gan teacht salach ar Chomhaontú Aoine an Chéasta ach teastaíonn uainn a chinntiú gur féidir freastal ar phobal na Gaelainne ar fud an oileáin ar fad.”
“Is maith é go bhfuil an teagmháil á brú ar aghaidh ag an Aire. Tá buairt ar phobal na Gaelainne agus ar na heagrais éagsúla. Teastaíonn uathu a chinntiú go mbeidh maoiniú oiriúnach ar fáil do na heagrais ar fud an oileáin ar fad. Tuigim go bhfuil an Rialtas ó Dheas sásta a chuid mhaoiniú a chur ar fáil ach gurb amhlaidh go bhfuil an brú ag teacht ón bhFeidhmeannas ó Thuaidh agus nach bhfuil an DUP agus Sinn Féin ag cur a sciar den airgead ar fáil. Is é sin an áit a bhfuil an deacracht. An féidir brú a chur ar an bhFeidhmeannas ó Thuaidh, ar an DUP agus ar Shinn Féin a dhualgais a chomhlíonadh agus tacaíocht a thabhairt don fhoras agus do na heagrais Ghaeilge ar fud an oileáin ar fad?”
“Tá Foras na Gaeilge ag freastal ar phobal na Gaelainne ar fud an oileáin ar fad. Tá an-bhuairt ar na heagrais éagsúla a bhfuil an foras ag freastal orthu nach bhfuil an maoiniú oiriúnach ar fáil dóibh. Cén teagmháil a bhí ag an Aire leis an bhforas go dtí seo chun a chinntiú go mbeadh an maoiniú oiriúnach acu?”
“There is a practical approach or solution: AXA could simply issue correct certificates to all affected drivers and, in the meantime, the RSA should not fail those drivers presenting for a test with the wrong disc but, rather, reschedule their tests for the following week. This is a real option. It would involve a bit of co-ordination between the RSA and AXA but it would make more sense than putting people back on a waiting list.”
“I know the Taoiseach will be familiar with the huge work that is being done on reducing the waiting times for driver tests. However, I need to draw his attention to the clumsy way AXA Insurance and the Road Safety Authority have combined to cause learner drivers to fail their test, resulting in them having to wait an extra 15-20 weeks. AXA has issued black insurance discs, not the green ones we are familiar with, and the RSA fails people presenting for a test with a black insurance disc, puts them back on the waiting list again for 15-20 weeks and charges them €80 for it. AXA offered to pay for the retests but it is a ridiculous situation. It is bad enough that young drivers had to wait so long to get the tests in the first instance but to be put back in the queue again through no fault of their own is not acceptable.”
“I have two different questions on that. On phasing, the Minister of State said a 2027 completion date was being aimed for. Will a switch be flicked in 2027 and everybody will apply? Is it being phased in sector by sector from then or just before it? As regards collaboration between his Department and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, some of the sectors will be more difficult. For example, there are a small number of larger employers in healthcare, whereas in farming or timber, there are a lot of smaller employers. What is the level of engagement with those? Some of them will be more difficult to reach or engage with. Will the Minister of State outline what engagement he is having with those employers to make sure the application process is meeting their needs?”
“In areas such as healthcare, farming, timber and other sectors, employers have struggled to get skilled staff. When they look abroad, it can be a slow and difficult process, between finding the person, his or her employment permit and the visa to enter. Each one after another can be a challenge. Employers could end up finding the person but not a visa to enter the country. The Minister of State outlined the plan to move ahead with the single permit. Will he outline what milestones he sees along the way? What are the various steps he sees on that? Is it intended that it will be a phased introduction? Will he outline whether it is being phased in and whether it will be sector by sector?”
“There are employers who struggle to get skilled workers in a range of different sectors. They look across the world to find people but when they are recruiting, they struggle both with getting a permit and then possibly a visa to enter the country. What is the up-to-date position on getting the single visa application process up and running?”
“Pharmacists have been raising with me the Veterinary Medicinal Products, Medicated Feed and Fertilisers Regulation Act 2023 and the dispensing of medication for animals. The implementation of the statutory instrument on that is due shortly. They feel very much that this restricts the capacity to make available veterinary medical products, between the cost of getting a prescription and integration with the computer system and in so many different ways. Can we ensure there would be greater integration in, availability of and access to the prescription system? At the moment, a limited number of vets use the online system. Pharmacists are concerned that there is not access to it. Can we also ensure that pharmacists would be enabled to prescribe antiparasitic medicines for food-producing animals?”
“They are under pressure in the complexity and range and the load of the increasing population. GPs in many places are under pressure, especially in rural communities, and medical experts are available beside them with a willingness to expand out and give support. On the common conditions, it is good to hear that the Minister is aiming to get that done in the months ahead before the end of the year. There is a limited number of conditions the Minister is focusing in on. What is the plan for expanding that out? Have the details on it been discussed yet? Will the Minister give an outline on expanding the conditions for which it could be available?”
“Pharmacists have shown time and again their great capacity to expand services and provide more and more services to communities locally, for example, vaccinations, repeat prescriptions and in so many other different ways. Will the Minister outline the next steps in expanding the role of pharmacies in community care?”
“The Minister's intervention is hugely appreciated. This is a vital section of road. The Minister mentioned safety works being approved in Castlemore and Kilcondy. Those junctions are vital, as are so many others along the road, but at those junctions in particular, we have, unfortunately, seen many major accidents and tragic loss of life. The council is moving ahead with those works. This year's allocation will not be enough to build any of it but it will move the project towards construction. Can those much-needed safety works be prioritised for funding to make that road safer in any future allocation?”
“Some 32,000 vehicles travel on this section of road every day. There is a big flow of traffic coming from west Cork. It is a key artery into the city for many people. Road surface is a major aspect of road safety. Traffic travelling at 100 km/h hitting large holes is just dangerous. Drivers trying to avoid these holes by swerving around them present a danger too. Did the council make a specific application for funding for this work this year? Across the country, projects come under pressure during the year. There may well also be other projects that are not able to proceed to construction. Is there an opportunity to reallocate funding towards a priority project like the N22?”
“There is a need to upgrade the surface of the N22 between Macroom and Ballincollig. TII did not approve funding to the council for the upgrade earlier this year. What options are now available to the council to improve this surface and make the road safer?”
“Can the appropriate support be provided to parents in Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh, where they have struggled with a building recently? Families in Ré na nDoirí have plans to develop an after-school facility, which is needed in Baile Bhuirne as well.”
“Tá dúshlán breise ag pobal na Gaeltachta toisc go dteastaíonn uainn ár dteanga a thabhairt slán don chéad ghlúin eile. Is baolach gurb amhlaidh go bhfuil níos lú roghanna againn dá bharr sin. Ní féidir taisteal chomh fada agus níl an rogha céanna ann. Tá muintir Ré na nDoirí ag lorg ionad cúram leanaí a chur ar fáil chun freastal ar dhaoine tar éis scoile. Tá muintir Bhéal Átha an Ghaorthaidh tar éis a bheith ag streachailt le heaspa foirgnimh ar feadh i bhfad, Tá gá le hionad cúram leanaí i mBaile Bhuirne chomh maith. An féidir a chinntiú go mbeidh tacaíocht chuí ar fáil do thuismitheoirí sna pobail seo? Gaeltacht communities have a particular and added difficulty in ensuring facilities are available through Irish.”
“Last August in Cloghduff, the only provider in that area withdrew from the core funding and left local parents in a very difficult position. This is an area that has seen considerable building of houses in recent years with more homes currently under construction and strong demand for childcare nearby. Another mum was in contact with me who said she had signed up with nine different facilities, chasing after school services around Ballincollig, Cross Barry and the Farran area. She was told it would be 2026 before she could expect a place to be available. She wants to work full-time which is a real challenge for her due to the lack of after-school childcare. There is a similar situation for a mum in Millstreet working in the Cork area.”
“Parents in different parts of mid-Cork have raised with me the difficulty they have in getting available after-school childcare. They are possibly travelling long distances or waiting a long time to get a place, if they are lucky enough to do so. Could the Minister outline what steps are being taken to make available additional places across mid-Cork?”
“We can raise it with the Ceann Comhairle in the morning and ask that the Deputy be accommodated in raising the matter as quickly as can be facilitated. Whether that is in the morning or on Thursday will be a decision for the Ceann Comhairle.”
“The next Topical Issue listed for debate is in the name of Deputy Kelly and it is to discuss the need for greater for greater investment to resource An Garda Síochána with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.”
“These women have seen off their cancer but because of their medical condition, they do not have the option to go for HRT. This other option is almost available to them. It is available to women who can afford to pay the €80 over and above the DPS threshold. Is there a way of prioritising it? Is there any indication of a timeline for approval? Will the Minister of State raise that with his officials and give some guidance to women across the country who would avail of Veoza?”
“While the assessment is ongoing, this is costing €80 each month for women who do not an alternative option available to them. It has been a constructive move to get free HRT available to people. However, it is almost like it is dangling out there and there is a cohort of women who are not able to avail of it and damn it they have already had a hell of a challenge seeing off their cancer. It does not make to have a game-changer drug available and just not made available. We have what appears to be one of slowest processes for approving new drugs under the DPS. There must be some way of improving that and making drugs available in a more timely manner, especially when we see that the same drugs are being approved in other states across Europe.”
“That made a drug option available from the State to people for menopause care. Is this policy decision feeding into the pharmacoeconomic assessment? Surely it is, as it would be a significant change in policy since the assessment commenced. It would surely add to the case for approving Veoza on the drugs payment scheme. I mentioned that in Ireland we would have a slower process for approving new drugs under the DPS. Is there an indicative timeline for the pharmacoeconomic assessment? If there is not, will the Minister of State's officials raise it with the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics to get a direction? Each month this goes on, this is an added cost for the women who are waiting. Has the Minister of State also examined the possibility of Veoza being included in a variant of the free HRT scheme?”
“Many of these people have already fought cancer and may have other medication costs associated with that. The €80 payment for Veoza each month is over and above the costs of those medicines. Some people may choose to take a non-hormone option, but for a limited number of people it is the only option. It is the only route available to them. When there is only a limited number of people, that means a limited cost to the State on the DPS. Studies have shown the dramatic quality of life improvement for those who are using Veoza. Symptoms reduced as quickly as within the first week. Since the pharmacoeconomic assessment commenced last spring, there has been a significant policy advancement for women with menopause care with the introduction of the free HRT in the this year's budget and implemented last week.”
“Veoza offers an alternative to HRT for women at menopause. It is a game-changer for so many, especially those for whom HRT is contraindicated. These are typically cancer survivors for whom hormone therapies are just not an option. Veoza was introduced into Ireland early last year and costs approximately €80 per month for the women using it. The pharmacoeconomic assessment has been ongoing since last spring. The Minister of State will be aware that Ireland has one of the slower processes across Europe for approving qualifying new drugs. Many other countries have approved the use of Veoza, and GPs are currently prescribing Veoza in Ireland as well. At €80 per month that is a difficult cost. When it is not included in the drugs payment scheme, DPS, that €80 is over and above any other medical cost the person may have.”
“Residents in the areas where anaerobic digestion plants are proposed have raised concerns about the digestate, for example, and whether it would be grass based or municipal waste. Would the charter and guidelines set out and specify that? How would we monitor that? Would the charter have teeth in order to be able to back that up and enforce it? Will the guidelines set out land usage policy, whether areas around a facility would remain in farming or steered towards grass production for the anaerobic digesters? In the absence of guidelines, plans have been advancing in various different areas and in some cases, projects are already in place while others are moving through the process. Will the guidelines, when they are available, apply to existing plants and ones that are going through the process now?”
“The implementation group was established last year and tasked with drawing up the guidelines and the charter. We know that the various stakeholder groups are going to find a way to have an input into that charter. Where do community groups stand? What level of engagement has there been with various different community groups? What opportunity have they had to have their voices heard at the table? To what extent has there been engagement with local communities, particularly in areas where these plants are already being proposed?”
“Residents in areas where anaerobic digesters have been proposed have been raising concerns about the suitability of the infrastructure in the area. They have been pointing out, for example, the absence of planning guidelines. When will the biomethane implementation group publish its charter and set out guidelines to clarify the situation for community groups, local authorities and promoters of such projects?”
“The interim works are certainly a milestone. The focus and momentum need to be on the major scheme. Studies were conducted previously and it would make sense to use those earlier studies to inform the next stages. It would be madness to waste them and start again at square one. Will the work that was done previously inform or continue to inform the major works scheme? Can we establish that? What are the next steps on the major works scheme? Much of the focus has been on providing protection from flooding along the Sullane river. Will the possibility of flooding from other sources be included in the major scheme? We saw flooding come from the other side, in the pitch in Coláiste Ghobnatan, near Cluain Réidh and around the factories.”
“I acknowledge the interim works taking place until very recently, with diggers only moving off site in the last week or so. They definitely give peace of mind to householders, especially along the river bank. There is now a need to maintain momentum and push on with the major scheme. Work and studies were carried out on a major scheme for the area. Is the OPW starting a new major scheme or will it pick up some of the work done in the earlier studies, for example, on the freshwater pearl mussel, and build on it? If so, will the Minister of State outline the steps ahead and the likely timeframe?”
“The threat of flooding in Ballyvourney and Ballymakeera is well recognised and is hugely stressful for householders facing it. Interim works have advanced, which brings peace of mind to homeowners, especially along the river bank. Will the Minister of State outline the timeframe for advancing the next stages of the major works?”
“The programme for Government commits to simplifying the schemes and access for farmers. It also commits to reducing the administrative burden and red tape farmers encounter through flexibility in the design of the scheme and also stakeholder input. Commissioner Hansen has announced a draft CAP simplification and also some proposals to change the legal framework. I welcome the announcement. The Department engaged with the Commissioner on efforts to reduce the overall burden on farmers. Given that the Department had direct contact and involvement with Commissioner Hansen on the draft package, can the Minister confirm the package will meet the commitments in the programme for Government to have a more simplified and straightforward system for farmers?”
“The AGRIFISH Council is due to meet next Monday, as the Minister mentioned. Will he confirm whether discussions on the CAP will be on the Council's agenda and what issues will be covered? The Minister said he had been in contact with Commissioner Hansen, who is responsible for agriculture and food. Commissioner Hansen recently published his vision for agriculture and food, which recognises the essential role of farmers in seeking to boost the agrifood sector's competitiveness and attractiveness. Does the Minister foresee this vision impacting on the development of the new CAP?”
“The CAP is a key instrument in supporting farmers and rural communities, whether it is food production, protecting the environment, biodiversity, rural development and so much more. There is concern that the CAP will be seen as part of a wider EU budget instead of being ring-fenced, as it appears it is at present. In the context of negotiations that are taking place at EU level, will the Minister give an outline of where things stand on the CAP?”
“Is iad na bóithre ceann de na deacrachtaí is mó do phobal na tuaithe, go háirithe an píosa bóthair ag deireadh an chórais. Is é sin an chéad phíosa den bhóthar a dtiomáineann siad air ar maidin agus an píosa ar deireadh. Tá sé fíorthábhachtach go mbeadh an t-airgead cuí á chur ar fáil do na bóithre sin. One of the greatest frustrations in rural communities is the local road network, particularly the first stretches of road on which people drive in the morning and the very last ones on which they drive in the evening. The local improvement scheme is a very useful tool for funding and making improvements but it needs an additional push and to be properly resourced.”
“Clearly, it will take time to get all that up and running. In the meantime, there will be people still looking to use the current family law courts system. Is it planned to make improvements to the existing system while the new courts are being established? Also, have the necessary commencement orders for the new Act been made?”
“The Family Courts Act 2024 represents a radical change or overhaul of the system, possibly the biggest in over a century. I understand it will not be an instant, overnight change being implemented, but it would be a reasonable expectation that there would be a planned roll-out and a pathway to do this. I heard the Minister of State say that the Minister plans to publish on that by next January. Have the necessary commencement orders been made at this point? Also, as regards the people who will operate these new courts, will training be provided for courts staff and judges, and would the Minister of State see them as being dedicated to the family law service or shared back and forth with the existing system?”
“Ar an gcéad dul síos, déanaim comhbhrón le muintir an Gharda Kevin Flatley, a maraíodh go tubaisteach fad is a bhí sé ag freastal ar a phobail. The need for more suitable family courts has been well recognised. The Family Courts Act 2024 was a significant milestone in bringing about a much more appropriate system. Can the Minister outline the planned roll-out and implementation of the new family courts?”
“For people who do not qualify for the free schemes, there is a range of grants and loans. Depending on the age of the building and the size, quite a substantial job can be required. It could be anywhere from €20,000 to €70,000 to carry out a deep retrofit. While there is a grant, it is a big expense, with people even having to borrow, and there is a long payback. The time, the cost and possibly having to relocate, borrow or find alternative accommodation while the work is being undertaken are further challenges. For many people, the sums just do not add up. Is it possible to increase the level of grant? In Denmark, the loan interest rate is closer to 1%, which would make it more accessible for people. So many people are just not going to be able to conduct the works.”
“I thank the Minister. I will focus first on lower income households, where the free home energy upgrades, under the warmer homes scheme, would be expected to deliver. This time last year, it was taking eight to ten months to reach stage one, the BER assessment, and 26 months to get the overall works done under the scheme. By the middle of last year, it had slipped to ten to 12 months to get the BER assessment. We would expect that multiple BER-assessing contractors would be available around the country to support a slipping target. In my office, I am dealing with people who have been waiting up to 15 months with no contact for a BER assessment. Are the SEAI times correct? Is there something particular in Cork that is causing such delays? Will the SEAI, even if it needs to take on additional contractors, advance that aspect of the grant?”
“Tá spriocanna dúshlánacha leagtha amach chun athchóiriú a dhéanamh ar thithe cónaithe agus iad sin a bheith ullamh faoi 2030. An mbeimid ábalta na spriocanna sin a bhaint amach nó an bhfuil aon bhac ann gur féidir a chur ar leataobh? There are ambitious targets set out for more than 500,000 homes to have been renovated by 2030. Is that on target? Has the Department identified any obstacles that need to be removed to reach it?”
“Tá sé i gceist an chinnteacht sin a chur ar ais san údarás agus a chinntiú go mbeidh sé ábalta talamh a dhíol agus a cheannach ar son chúrsaí éagsúla a bheadh go huile agus go hiomlán ar leas an phobail agus nach mbeadh sé srianta go cúrsaí tionsclaíochta amháin.”
“Baineann na leasuithe seo leis an tslí go mbíonn an t-údarás ábalta talamh a dhíol agus a cheannach ar leas an phobail Ghaeltachta, ní hamháin ó thaobh na tionsclaíochta de, ach i slite éagsúla a bheadh ann ar leas an phobail. D'fhéadfadh cúrsaí cultúrtha, oideachais, tithíochta nó pé rud ar leas an phobail a bheith i gceist. Is amhlaidh go mbeidís ag neartú agus ag cothú phobal na Gaeltachta i slite éagsúla, ach is í sin an bhunaidhm - pobal na Gaeltachta a neartú agus a chothú. Tuigim go raibh a leithéid ann cheana féin ag an údarás i gcónaí, go mbeadh sé ábalta talamh a chur ar fáil mar sin, as gurbh amhlaidh gur éirigh éiginnteacht de bharr na gcinntí sna cúirteanna.”
“Déarfaidh mé cúpla focal ar an alt seo. Fáiltím roimh an tslí a chinntíonn sé go mbeidh muintir na Gaeltachta ábalta a n-ionadaithe féin ó thoghadh. Is mór an dul chun cinn é sin agus caithfimid a bheith cinnte fáiltiú roimhe sin. Bhí córas lochtach ann, áit a raibh ar mhuintir Chorcaí, muintir Phort Láirge agus muintir na Mí ionadaí a roinnt eatarthu. D'fhág sé sin tréimhsí nach raibh aon duine ó, cuir i gcás, contae Chorcaí nó na ceantair eile ar an mbord in aon chor. Fáiltím an tslí a chinntíonn sé seo anois go mbeidh duine ó Chorcaigh, ó Phort Láirge agus ón Mí tofa ag an bpobal féin. Níl an oiread céanna daoine againn is atá ag contaetha eile ach anois beidh cinnteacht ann go mbeidh daoine ó na pobail sin ó chontae Chorcaí, Port Láirge agus an Mhí ann. Fáiltím roimhe sin.”
“It means that in the meantime these people are stuck while they are waiting for the service. It is hugely important that they be able to live independently with dignity and that those services be delivered in a timely manner. Can the HSE ensure that service will be delivered, especially in the black spot areas?”
“I need to raise the issue of delays in the delivery of home care packages to vulnerable people, particularly in the Cork and Kerry region. Across the county more than 5,000 people are waiting for home care packages, with more than 1,000 of them on waiting lists in the Cork and Kerry region. Very often these are people who have been assessed as needing a home care package and the HSE is not able to find somebody to deliver the service to them. In the meantime, these older people are struggling at home alone. They may be caring for an elderly loved one or they may be stuck in an acute hospital waiting for discharge. The HSE has identified various black spots where it is not able to deliver the service itself and neither is it able to get independent services to do that.”
“Focusing on the specific point again, what kinds of changes are being prioritised for each year? It is reasonable that not everything would be done in one go and the process would be phased in. What kind of changes are being proposed for phase 1 and each of the subsequent phases? Will the Minister give an outline in this regard? In communities where people are making applications now, in fast-growing communities such as in Cloughduv, for example, a large number of applicants will want to go to secondary school in Ballincollig and not necessarily to Coachford, where Bus Éireann's current scheme would be sending them, or perhaps to Bandon. Can those communities reasonably expect a new scheme to be in place for their students in September? The time is very tight. Will the Minister set out a list of the priorities to be able to do that?”
“I thank the Minister. Will she outline if all the planned pilot schemes got under way? I understand there are 14 of them, but did all the pilot schemes that were planned get under way? The transport scheme is currently open for applications and parents will be making applications for students in the weeks to come. Often, families are waiting right up to the last minute in September to find out if they will have a service. Time is getting very tight now. Will there be enough time over the summer to have an extensive scheme introduced for September or will there be a need to prioritise certain aspects? If there is going to be prioritisation, what changes is the Minister aiming to prioritise for next September and September of the following year? Will she give an overview in this regard, please?”