David Maxwell
Cavan-Monaghan · Fine Gael · Ireland
“I will ask about home support services, which are raised in my constituency office time and again by families across Cavan and Monaghan. Many people who have been approved for home support hours are still experiencing delays in receiving the care they have been assessed as needing.”
“Many families would appreciate reassurances that progress was being made to improve access to these vital services. The home support service can help with everyday tasks such as dressing, undressing and getting in and out of bed.”
“What legislation is the Government bringing forward to support our homegrown indigenous companies to grow, scale and compete internationally? For example, in my constituency one company, Combilift, is providing key employment. It is owned by two local businessmen. They are supporting jobs in the region and stimulating our local economy.”
“I thank the Tánaiste for his response. As I said, this affects a number of families around the country. The people who have come to my office only want to have security in the knowledge that they can own their own home.”
“Consider the reality on the ground where there are two tenants who have both paid their rent reliably for over ten years, both have identical household incomes and both are upstanding members of the local community.”
“Tenants in Part V homes do not want to destroy mixed-tenure communities; they want to permanently invest in them. They want to ensure their children have a permanent stake in the area that they can call home. It is now time for the Government to review these outdated guidelines.”
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“The latest developments in the renewal process will be concerning for farmers. They need certainty to invest in their farms and to encourage future generations into the sector. I know the Minister, Deputy Heydon, has been engaging intensively with the stakeholders in these latest developments and I ask that every effort possible is made by everyone across Government to support this work to ensure the best outcome for Irish agriculture. FDI from foreign companies is welcome, but farming has been the backbone of the rural economy for generations and we need to keep it there.”
“I thank the Taoiseach for his reply. As I said, the programme for Government states that the Government will do everything in its power to make the case at EU level to secure the retention of the nitrates derogation, given our unique grass-based production model, and will work with farmers, industry, State agencies and local authorities to develop evidence-based solutions to assist farmers in improving the water quality. Maintaining the derogation is critical for the 7,000 farmers who avail of it, and for the broader rural economy. Approximately 60% of the milk produced in Ireland comes from farms in derogation. Irish farmers have done so much in water quality emission reduction and compliance. It is vital farmers have certainty as soon as possible. We must avoid the cliff edge at the end of this year when the derogation is due to end.”
“It is clear to be seen that the farming community has stepped up to the plate in being progressive. With the ending of the derogation at the end of the year, it is alarming that farmers around the country who have up to this point done everything asked of them could end up being penalised even though they are not the problem. As it is part of our programme for Government, I ask that the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister, Deputy Heydon, do everything possible to secure the best deal for farming going forward and that we have a framework going into 2026 that gives farmers direction and certainty for their future.”
“We need an approach that is reasonable, manageable and robust to help farmers retain the derogation. Since 2022, farmers have embraced significant regulatory changes under the current Nitrates Action Programme. There is now unprecedented engagement across the entire agrifood sector towards the objective of reducing agriculture's impact on water quality. Farmers are investing in slurry storage and low-emission slurry spreading through the State-backed TAMS. They are joining voluntary programmes like the ASSAP and Farming for Water and are improving biodiversity on farms through ACRES. Data published earlier this month by the EPA confirmed a 10% reduction in nitrates concentration in rivers in most regions this year. The EPA data gives cause for optimism that the measures are starting to deliver results.”
“The nitrates derogation provides for a higher limit based on scientific criteria such as high rainfall and crops that take up more nitrogen such as grass. It is subject to the farmer implementing additional actions. This is what makes Ireland's grass-based agriculture unique among other European agricultural systems. The confirmation by the European Commission that we must achieve compliance with the habitats directive to secure a derogation is a significant change. It is vital that we secure an extension of the derogation and that the best possible case is made to the European Commission. We must therefore address this challenge. Does the Taoiseach believe that appropriate assessment at the catchment and sub-catchment scale is the optimal approach to dealing with nitrates derogation compliance?”
“I ask the Taoiseach about this week's announcement on the nitrates derogation for Irish farmers. Ireland's nitrates derogation is extremely important to the sector. Farmers have shown a willingness and a commitment to improve water quality. The nitrates directive introduced a set of measures for farmers to minimise the loss of nutrients to water from farming. For example, it sets rules on the storage of manure, it identifies periods when slurry must not be spread on land and it places limits on the application of chemical fertiliser. Farmers have embraced these measures. A core element is the limit on the application of organic manure to land, which, in effect, sets a legal limit on the number of livestock the land can carry.”
“The Select Committee on Defence and National Security has completed its consideration of the following Revised Estimates for Public Services for the service of the year ending on 31 December 2025: Votes 35 and 36.”
“It is not just about the financial loss for our farmers but also the emotional loss that can affect a farmer and his or her family when a herd goes down with TB.”
“Our dairy industry is a critical part of rural Ireland and the production of milk is essential for our economy. In recent years, the number of farmers leaving the sector has risen. If this ban is put in place, it could be the final straw for some farmers to leave the sector where, through no fault of their own, they cannot trade in marts for three years because their herds are restricted. If this happens, who is going to compensate the farmer for the significant loss he or she could suffer? We all understand that action is needed to tackle the scourge of TB but I ask the Minister to look again at this proposal and not end up putting farmers at the mercy of having to deal with a closed market for three years.”
“I thank the Minister. Everyone agrees there is an urgent need to make major changes to the TB programme to try to get this disease back under control. We know that the Department and farmers have put forward plenty of proposals to address all sources of the disease and look at measures to mitigate its spread. Farmers are concerned that the risk-based trading ignores the most fundamental objective of stopping the spread of TB. The Department’s proposal does not stop TB spread. It merely compounds the losses for farmers who, through no fault of their own, have had TB outbreaks and are just returning to some normality on their farms and trying to get themselves going well again. They feel this risk-based trading is a hindrance.”
“Before we continue, I would just like to point out that utterances relating to the integrity or professional competency of the chairperson of the commission should not be made. I believe Sinn Féin is splitting its time – 25 minutes divided by five.”
“I am informed by the clerk that there is no provision to stop the debate. We do not know how long it will be before the copies of the statement get here. The debate must conclude at 12 noon. I am in the Deputies' hands.”
“Deputies Naoise Ó Muirí, Cian O'Callaghan, Denise Mitchell, Barry Heneghan and Tom Brabazon - To discuss accommodating a new special school on the Belmayne Educate Together Secondary School site. The matters raised by Deputies Naoise Ó Muirí, Cian O'Callaghan, Denise Mitchell, Barry Heneghan and Tom Brabazon; Aidan Farrelly; Mattie McGrath; Cathal Crowe; and Ruairí Ó Murchú have been selected for discussion”
“Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett - To discuss the need to review income limits for social and affordable housing. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan - To discuss organised crime in Limerick city. Deputy Jen Cummins - To discuss the importance of the school completion programme. Deputy Brian Brennan - To discuss the Government's reaction plan to major international incidents such as the recent earthquake in Myanmar. Deputy Donna McGettigan - To discuss the exclusion of various categories of persons from the official homeless figures. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin - To discuss the need to bring rural roads up to an acceptable standard. Deputy Mattie McGrath - To discuss the use of rural hotels for IPAS accommodation. Deputy Ruth Coppinger - To discuss the recent protest by Mothers against Genocide.”
“Deputy Rory Hearne - To discuss the construction of new school buildings for Clonturk Community College, Whitehall, Dublin 9. Deputy Gary Gannon - To discuss the lack of affordable childcare facilities in Dublin Central. Deputy Colm Burke - To discuss the programme of works for the water supply system on the north side of Cork city. Deputy Barry Ward - To discuss the ban on the use of mid-urethral mesh slings in treatment for urinary incontinence in women. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú· - To discuss the care of children with autism who also have mental health issues. Deputy Cathal Crowe - To discuss the capacity of the national ambulance service in County Clare. Deputy Pa Daly - To discuss the delay in the opening of the community hospital in Killarney.”
“Deputy Joanna Byrne - To discuss dangerous and unsafe working conditions in the ambulance station in Drogheda. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman - To discuss the need for modular accommodation for Danu Community Special School. Deputy Catherine Connolly - To discuss the ongoing delays in the provision of an ambulance base at Recess, County Galway. Deputies Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire and Thomas Gould - To discuss the current shortage of school places, particularly for children with additional needs. Deputy Joe Cooney - To discuss the delivery of stand-alone, modular or temporary wastewater treatment systems for residential developments. Deputies David Cullinane and Conor D McGuinness - To discuss funding requirements for the Waterford Airport extension.”
“Deputy Michael Murphy - To discuss the challenge of attracting young people and new entrants into farming. Deputy Pádraig Rice - To discuss the redevelopment of Cork city library. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan - To discuss the provision of special education places in Cork. Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss the introduction of a youth culture card. Deputy Séamus McGrath - To discuss driver licence reciprocal arrangements. Deputy Ryan O'Meara - To discuss the continuation and expansion of the counselling in primary schools pilot, CPS-P. Deputy Paul Lawless - To discuss the waste water treatment plant in Newport, County Mayo. Deputy Cathy Bennett - To discuss the impact of inadequate service levels in Cavan and Monaghan hospitals. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan - To discuss difficulties getting home support packages for people in Cork.”
“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 Michael Cahill - To discuss the need to bring the Ring of Kerry road up to an acceptable standard. Deputy Máire Devine - To discuss the industrial action being undertaken by Irish nurses and their unions. Deputy Alan Kelly - To discuss the need for a new taxi or hackney licence in rural Ireland. Deputy Marie Sherlock - To discuss the exclusion of mainstream classes in Holy Child preschool on Seán MacDermott Street, Dublin 1, from special educational needs support. Deputy Aidan Farrelly - To discuss issues relating to water supply in north Kildare. Deputy Pearse Doherty - To discuss the future of Raphoe community playgroup, County Donegal.”
“Assuming 80% of the applications are valid, that leaves the local authority with 218 valid applications. Based on current funding rates, we expect ten lanes to be surfaced each year, which would mean 22 years to clear the 2024 list. At the current rate, it will take three years to clear the historical list, and 22 years to deal with last year's applications, if current investment is not increased in the coming 25 years with no new lanes coming on to the list. Taking this into consideration, does the Government have any intention to increase the local improvement scheme funding?”
“It is the honour of a lifetime to stand in this Chamber and make my maiden speech. First off, I thank the good people of Cavan and Monaghan for putting their trust in me and giving me the privilege of representing them in this House. I said I would be a new voice but continue the good work of Fine Gael in Cavan and Monaghan, which I promise to do. I thank everyone who worked for me to be elected to Dáil Éireann. I want to ask the Minister about funding for local improvement schemes. This funding stream provides funding for improvement works on small roads and laneways in rural Ireland, and gives farmers and homeowners a chance to get a lane or road brought up to a good standard. Currently, Monaghan County Council has 32 lanes on a historical list. It then received 273 applications last year. These applications have yet to be assessed.”
“The matters raised by Deputies Joe Neville; Gary Gannon; Donna McGettigan and Mairéad Farrell; and Jen Cummins have been selected for discussion.”
“Deputy Marie Sherlock - To discuss the exclusion of mainstream classes in Holy Child pre-school on Seán MacDermott Street, Dublin 1, from special educational needs support. Deputies Donna McGettigan and Mairéad Farrell - To discuss women's safety on university campuses. Deputy Mattie McGrath - To discuss the use of rural hotels for IPAS accommodation. Deputy Aidan Farrelly - To discuss issues relating to water supply in north Kildare. Deputy Joe Cooney - To discuss the delivery of stand-alone, modular or temporary wastewater treatment systems for residential developments. Deputy Paul Murphy - To discuss the funding crisis at Sacred Heart national school, Killinarden. Deputy Jen Cummins - To discuss the need for pathways to youth work qualifications.”
“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 Brian Stanley - To discuss the shortage of bus drivers in school transport and prohibition on use of drivers over 70 years of age. Deputy Gary Gannon - To discuss the crisis in funding for primary schools in Dublin's north inner city. Deputy Alan Kelly - To discuss the need for a new hackney or taxi licence to serve rural areas. Deputy Joe Neville - To discuss the issue of Ryevale House, currently an IPAS centre, which has been deemed not exempt. Deputy James Geoghegan - To discuss the extension of the red line Luas to Poolbeg.”