Jack Chambers
Dublin West · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“We have been clear about the absolute necessity to protect the huge ecosystem of digital and infrastructure investment in Ireland over the past ten to 20 years. Part of that has been the wider and ongoing discussion on the security of subsea cables.”
“Progress in achieving balanced regional development and detailing the delivery of the NDP is monitored through regular updates on the capital investment tracker and the MyProjectIreland interactive map viewer.”
“The tax strategy group examines the different options that are available to the Government during the summer. That informs the respective tax package that will advance. We have to honest about the measures we take in terms of taxation. They have to be sustainable and affordable in the long term. USC brings in about €5.5 billion per year.”
“I am not privy to the interaction the Deputy had with the Minister for housing on this, but the Local Government Fund distributes the respective funding across different local authorities, and Galway County Council and Galway City Council would receive allocations through that. I was clear in my initial response to Deputy O'Hara.”
“My Department has taken a proactive and co-ordinated approach to supporting the responsible and effective adoption of AI across the public service.”
“More broadly, the achievement of balanced regional development is a key priority of this Government and is at the heart of Project Ireland 2040, which includes the national planning framework, which sets out the wider spatial strategy for the next 20 years, along with the national development plan, NDP.”
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“This funding will support a range of targeted initiatives. I am allocating €192 million to rural development and regional affairs in 2026. This includes an increase of €5 million for rural supports and the rural regeneration and development fund. An increase in the current allocation of €9 million for community development supports brings the total allocation in 2026 to €260 million. This includes: €4 million in increased funding for the community services programme, bringing total funding to over €59 million; €3 million in additional capital funding for the community centre investment fund to support refurbishment grants for community centres; and €3.8 million in increased funding for the PEACEPLUS programme to support the drawdown of committed cross-Border projects in 2026.”
“We will continue to support the shared island initiative, doubling resources by a further €1 billion out to 2035. In 2026, this will see: the major Narrow Water Bridge and Ulster Canal restoration projects forging ahead; a new Dublin-Derry air link commencing, enabling regular air travel between the two cities; and programmes to develop the bioeconomy, support green capital investment by firms, grow tourism across our Border regions, and enable world-leading research collaborations. This important work will allow us to continue to develop consensus around a shared future on our island. This Government is committed to supporting vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland where people can live and connect. Today, I am allocating €611 million to the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.”
“The 2026 allocation of €357 million to broadcasting will include provision for: €65.4 milliún do TG4, lena n-áirítear méadú €5.4 milliún chun ábhair Ghaeilge ar ardchaighdeán, cláir do pháistí agus seirbhísí nuachta níos leithne a chinntiú, that is, €65.4 million for TG4, including a €5.4 million increase to ensure high-quality Irish language content, children’s programming and expanded news services; and support for the continued delivery of the reform and transformation agenda in RTÉ. Celebrating our culture means celebrating the people living in the towns, villages and communities right across our island. Shared Island, Rural & Community Development & the Gaeltacht This Government is committed to supporting vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland where people can live, work and connect.”
“The same can be said of our artists. Throughout our history, our arts community and the world-class talent it boasts has ensured Ireland has always been a home of creativity. In recognition of the essential role of the arts and artists in our society, the previous Government introduced a pilot basic income for the arts scheme and this Government is now committing to deliver a successor scheme to begin next year. In addition to this, I am allocating €84.9 million for arts and culture in 2026 to provide for increased funding for major projects, such as the Crawford Art Gallery. I am also allocating €433 million to support the completion of the national broadband plan, while €5 million in additional funding will strengthen the post office network to enhance its role at the very heart of rural and community life.”
“-----and funding to the Irish Rugby Football Union to strengthen high-performance pathways for women in rugby. The success and achievements of our sporting heroes inspire us all and bring that collective ambition to be better. When our sports men and women succeed, our nation rises.”
“Ireland has a proud footballing history at both domestic and international level. However, despite the enthusiasm for the game here, our youth development structures have not kept pace with those in other countries. In addition, rule changes following Brexit mean many more young players are staying in our domestic system for longer. This presents us with a responsibility, but also an enormous opportunity, to nurture our brightest young talents here at home and provide them with the best environment to fulfil their potential. The investment I am announcing here today is the start of a multi-annual commitment from this Government to focus on grassroots and build a new era for football in our country. I am also allocating an additional €1.6 million to support intercounty Gaelic games players-----”
“Another area where Ireland thrives in the global arena is in culture and sport. Culture, Communications and Sport For a small country, Ireland offers an extraordinary wealth of talent and entertainment. Our artists, writers and athletes are now leading the way on the world stage, while our media keep us connected to each other and to global stories as they unfold. To build on the progress we have made, the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport will receive an allocation of €1.5 billion in 2026. This provides for a €10.7 million increase in current expenditure for Sport Ireland, €3 million of which will support the establishment of League of Ireland football academies.”
“The Government is committed to continuing to support our fishing communities and aquaculture sector. A total of €7.4 million in increased funding is bring provided to Bord Iascaigh Mhara programmes, to support and enable a sustainable Irish seafood sector.”
“To continue to support this vital sector, I am allocating €2.3 billion to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. A sum of €85 million in additional funding will more than double the allocation for bovine TB eradication, enabling the roll-out of the bovine TB action plan and reducing the risk of outbreaks. Funding for the ACRES scheme will increase by €20 million, to reach €280 million in 2026, continuing to support over 53,000 farmers. Some €20 million will allow the continuation of the national sheep welfare scheme, which assists over 17,000 farmers; and €35 million will be provided to the World Food Programme, to support people affected by emergencies, conflict and climate change internationally.”
“This will: ensure that Ireland continues to expand our global footprint, with the number of missions abroad reaching 107 next year; boost our official development aid by €30 million in 2026; and support the implementation of Government’s action plan on market diversification. Provision has been made in the overall budget ceiling for the requirements of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Specific funding allocations on this will be made available in due course. As we enhance our role internationally, it is also important to consider our largest indigenous export sector, the agrifood sector. Agriculture, Food and the Marine At the heart of towns and villages across Ireland, agriculture and food production is a cornerstone of our economy.”
“This range of supports will enable us to fully capture strategic opportunities and enhance our position as a trading economy on the world stage. GLOBAL AFFAIRS Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade We must also cement Ireland’s diplomatic presence and place on the world stage. As we witness the horror of the ongoing genocide taking place in Gaza, we must recommit our State to continue to use all our considerable diplomatic resources to support peace in our world. To support the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to do this in 2026, I am allocating €1.3 billion.”
“This will fund: Enterprise Ireland to strengthen its capacity to support Irish businesses in scaling innovation, accessing global markets and creating high-quality, sustainable jobs; the IDA to continue to attract world class foreign direct investment to our shores; the promotion of regional enterprise development through the local enterprise development offices; the establishment of a national artificial intelligence office to provide a focal point for the promotion and adoption of transparent and safe AI in Ireland; and delivery of action plans on market diversification, competitiveness and productivity. Some €233 million is also being provided under the tourism services programme, reflecting Government’s commitment and recognition of tourism as a vital driver of regional development and employment.”
“By nurturing talent, we can strengthen our nation's competitiveness on the global stage, ensuring that a thriving enterprise sector is at the heart of our economic resilience. ENTERPRISE AND DIGITALISATION A Cheann Comhairle, this Government is committed to supporting our businesses. I am allocating €1.3 billion to the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in 2026.”
“-----and an €810 million capital allocation will fund key infrastructure projects, including the following: the recently established Taighde Éireann will be supported to drive excellence in research, attract international research talent and promote knowledge transfer; student accommodation projects at Maynooth University and University College Dublin; development and operation of 11 technological university facilities covering 70,000 sq. m and supporting STEM and related disciplines; two new veterinary medicine colleges to almost double the number of veterinary graduates; and the progression of centres of excellence for retrofit skills, including near-zero energy buildings and the national demonstration park for modern methods of construction under Housing for All.”
“It is important to remember that learning does not end with childhood - it can be a lifelong journey for us all. Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science continues to foster adult learning, and the development of the skills and needs to support our workforce and enterprise sector. In 2026, the Department will receive an allocation of almost €5 billion. Some €4.1 billion will allow for: increased delivery of apprenticeships to support key infrastructure projects for the economy; the provision of 1,110 new places in key health and social care professions to meet the workforce needs of the health, disability and education sectors; and a permanent reduction of €500 in the student contribution fee-----”
“Additional funding for young people through youth services is being provided, with an increased focus on capital investment. I am also announcing an increase in the standard capitation rates paid to all schools. This will include, on a per pupil basis, €50 for primary and special schools, from €224 to €274, and €20 for post-primary schools, from €386 to €406. In addition to this, the Department’s €1.6 billion capital allocation for 2026 will progress the delivery of over 300 school building projects with the majority of these expected to be completed in 2026 and 2027. Within this, there will be a strong focus on delivery of additional capacity for approximately 2,800 places for special classes and special schools from the first tranche of projects under the climate action works scheme.”
“This allocation will provide for 1,717 additional special needs assistants, SNAs, for students with special educational needs in 2026 - the highest number of SNAs we have ever had in our education system, at almost 24,900; along with an increase of 1,042 teacher posts, including 860 additional teachers working across various special educational needs settings, including in mainstream, special classes and special schools; and continued investment in the school transport scheme bringing 170,000 students to and from school. Additional funding is now being provided to support the implementation of DEIS plus and a new DEIS plan, supporting children at risk of educational disadvantage with targeted measure. The planned roll-out of the education therapy service will commence in special schools providing access to essential therapy services.”
“The building blocks infrastructure programme will fund extensions of existing community centres and schools to deliver approximately 2,300 additional childcare places. Investment in our child welfare services is also a key priority for this Government. This year, €1.3 billion is being provided to Tusla to provide for foster care, family support services and additional residential care placements. Education Ireland has one of the strongest education systems in the world, with some of the highest-ranking PISA scores for literacy. The programme for Government sets out concrete commitments to support our young people. To begin delivery on this, the Department of Education and Youth will receive a total of €13.1 billion in 2026.”
“To make progress in this area, I am increasing funding for early years by €125 million in 2026, bringing total investment in early learning and childcare to €1.5 billion. This will fund: the national childcare scheme with more than 285,000 children set to benefit from the scheme in 2026, an increase of approximately 35,000 children; universal early childhood care and education, ECCE, benefiting over 105,000 children in 2026; the access and inclusion model for an increasing cohort of children with a disability to access and meaningfully participate in formal childcare; a 10% increase in the capitation rate for AIM level 7; and year 4 of core funding, with enhancements in year 5 of the scheme to improve pay for educators and school-age childcare practitioners with the implementation of new employment regulation orders.”
“Families waiting for assessments will see progress, with around 6,500 private assessments funded to reduce delays. More than 150,000 hours of home support and personal assistance will help people to live independently in their own homes. Some 10,000 overnight and 15,000 day respite sessions will be provided. To drive reform, a dedicated unit has been established in the Department to lead a review of Ireland's disability service model. This unit will work hand in hand with people with disabilities, their families, and representative organisations to shape a long-term vision for services to 2030. Childcare Just as we strengthen support for people with disabilities, we are equally committed to delivering systems that support and protect our young people.”
“The programme for Government contains a commitment to advancing the rights and improving the lives of people with disabilities. To progress these priorities, I am allocating €3.8 billion to the Department of Children, Disability and Equality for disability services in 2026. This includes funding for community-based disability services to ensure people with disabilities receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place. It will provide permanent and predictable funding, and deliver tangible impacts for people with disabilities. Over 9,000 people will receive the residential care they need, including 250 new placements next year. Some 1,400 young people finishing school will be supported with day service places, along with 50 additional places for older adults.”
“These changes will create the basis to establish a more multi-annual structure of funding our health system. Accordingly, this year's significant funding allocation will be accompanied by a programme of progressive reform in our health system. These reforms include: the ongoing decentralisation of service provision through the new regional health areas; rostering reform, which will see the extension of health services to evenings and weekends and a reduction in dependency on agency staffing; financial management reform which will allow for improved reporting, better use of procurement and increased expenditure control; and investment in digital health, including the HSE health app, the national shared care record and virtual wards. Disability Another area of investment relating to health is disability.”
“This record level of investment will deliver: an increase in acute hospital capacity of at least 220 beds and the expansion of diagnostic services; at least 280 community beds, continued investment in the community nursing units refurbishment programme and reductions in community waiting lists; an additional 1.7 million home support hours; 500 more nursing home places; increased staffing and expansion of mental health services, including suicide prevention, increased access to child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS, and Traveller mental health initiatives; and enhanced community and primary care services, including the roll-out of the new pharmacy contract. The value of this record level of investment needs to be fully realised, with a focus on productivity, efficiency and better financial governance.”
“These measures ensure that we improve the lives of our people through sustained investment and better public services. Health One of the most essential services provided by the State is our public health system, which safeguards the well-being of individuals, families and communities across the country. Next year will see a total funding package of €27.4 billion going to the Department of Health.”
“Alongside these new measures, the 2026 allocation for the Department will provide for: an additional 30,000 recipients on pensions, illness, disability and carers schemes; the full-year cost of jobseeker's pay-related benefit, introduced earlier this year; and continued support for over 50,000 beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine, including lone parents, pensioners and other vulnerable cohorts. In addition to this substantial social welfare package, the State will also deliver one of the most significant reforms in our history through the introduction of pension auto-enrolment from 1 January 2026. My Future Fund is designed to support workers who are not currently part of any pension plan. Over time, it is expected to benefit around 750,000 people, securing a higher income in retirement for workers.”
“This will bring the weekly payment to €58 for children under 12 and €78 for children over 12. I am also increasing the working family payment income thresholds by €60 per week for all families. I am extending the back-to-school clothing and footwear payment to two- and three-year-olds. To support those at risk of energy poverty, I am increasing the weekly fuel allowance rate by €5 to €38. Following the recommendations of the national energy affordability task force, I am also extending fuel allowance eligibility to all households in receipt of the working family payment. This will help protect around 50,000 families from energy poverty.”
“As part of this, I am increasing the weekly rates of the child support payment by €8 for children under 12 and by €16 for children over 12, the largest ever increase in this rate.”
“This allocation allows me to provide an increase of €10 per week for a person receiving a weekly social protection payment. This will benefit 1.5 million recipients, including pensioners, people with disabilities, carers, jobseekers and lone parents. To support people with disabilities and carers, I am increasing the carer's allowance income disregard to €1,000 for a single person and €2,000 for a couple. I am increasing the rate of domiciliary care allowance by €20 to €380 per month. In the programme for Government, we have committed to lift more children out of poverty. Guided by a new child poverty target of no more than 3% of children living in consistent poverty by 2030, a multi-year programme of supports begins today. I am happy to announce a €300 million package of supports for children and families.”
“While it is important to acknowledge what works well, we must continue to focus on improving our systems of social support. Social Protection The Government cares about our people and has designed a progressive budget that delivers permanent and targeted social welfare measures that will shield the most vulnerable against cost-of-living rises. I am pleased to be able to provide for a Christmas bonus for 1.5 million recipients of long-term social welfare schemes this year. This will be paid at a rate of 100% of the normal weekly payment and will provide much-needed support to families over the seasonal period. Next year, I am allocating €28.9 billion to the Department of Social Protection, an increase of over €2 billion.”
“Planning for this transformational project has been approved - now it is time to deliver. BETTER PUBLIC SERVICES As our infrastructure brings us closer together as a country, our public services bind us as a society. The strength of our public services and what we choose to prioritise is a statement about what we value as a people. Ireland has a social welfare system that protects the most vulnerable, an education system that consistently delivers talent and a health service that contributes significantly to improved health outcomes for many people. This progress has been delivered through consistent investment and targeted decision-making across many years and has raised the standards and expectations for what can be delivered.”
“We will continue: the roll-out of the DART+ and BusConnects programmes in Dublin and our regional cities, including the construction of two core bus corridors in Dublin; the Cork area commuter rail phase 1 and the Enterprise fleet replacement projects; several major national road projects, including the Adare bypass, the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramogue and the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy; and a number of major greenway and active travel projects will be funded and developed in 2026. We will also continue to invest in aviation and maritime connectivity and to provide a world-class search and rescue service, through the Irish Coast Guard. Additionally, as outlined in the national development plan this year, €2 billion from the infrastructure, climate and nature fund is being allocated to progress MetroLink.”
“Transport Our country’s progress is driven by connectivity. Modern, efficient and effective transport systems unlock the full potential of our towns, cities and communities. Today, I am announcing a €4.7 billion allocation for the Department of Transport for 2026. This includes €940 million for our public transport public service obligation to support our public transport network, connecting communities and improving people's access to education, work and leisure.”
“This includes: €558 million in carbon tax revenue for residential and community energy upgrade schemes; continued investment in the retrofit of public buildings to support the delivery of our national retrofit plan; and €209 million for the climate action and environmental leadership programme to support our climate objectives and enhance biodiversity. Within this, €82 million has been prioritised to support a just transition for the wider midlands region. Projects include decarbonising rural bus routes, support for private bus operators to transition to electric vehicles, wetland restoration and support for nature and biodiversity. Just as our investment in energy lays the foundation for a sustainable future, our approach to transport must ensure that this future is accessible to all.”
“Water and Energy In the national development plan, I have committed to providing €12.2 billion in capital funding to expand our water and wastewater services. Following through on this commitment, in 2026, I am providing €1.4 billion to Uisce Éireann to continue to build essential capacity to support new housing developments and to increase the resilience and sustainability of water supply. This will help to further progress development of wastewater treatment plants right across the country. I am providing €3.5 billion to ESB and EirGrid to strengthen our energy security and accelerate our transition to renewable energy. Building on this, I am allocating €1.1 billion to the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment in 2026.”
“Some €300 million will support the regeneration of our towns and urban areas through the urban regeneration development fund, while €205 million will be allocated to a new housing activation infrastructure fund to support the work of the new Housing Activation Office. Some €140 million is being allocated to retrofit further social homes, and €130 million will fund up to 17,000 adaptation grants for the homes of older people and people with a disability. These measures, in addition to the tax changes announced by the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, will make a difference in the delivery of housing across our country but, to build these homes, we need to provide the critical building blocks of water and energy.”
“In 2026, I am allocating a total of €11.3 billion in funding to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Almost €2 billion of this current funding will continue to meet the social housing needs of over 100,000 households, through the housing assistance, rental accommodation and social housing current expenditure schemes. Within this, I am allocating €7.2 billion in capital funding, the largest ever such allocation for housing. This will include €2.9 billion to support the delivery of thousands of new-build social homes and the second-hand acquisitions programme, and €1.2 billion for the starter homes programme to deliver thousands of starter homes through a range of affordability supports alongside the help-to-buy initiative.”
“This will provide funding to progress thousands of new-build social homes and major water infrastructure projects and flood relief schemes; build sustainability and resilience in our electricity grid and boost our electricity supply; and for major projects across the transport, health, education, justice and arts sectors. Details of specific projects to be delivered in 2026 will be announced shortly with sectoral investment plans for the next five years to be published by Departments in the coming weeks. It is critical that we deliver these investments. The urgency with which we need to make progress can so clearly be seen when we look at housing. Housing, Local Government and Heritage This Government's absolute priority is to strengthen the foundations for housing delivery and build more homes for our people.”
“This will include plans to progress legislative reforms to strike a better balance between the rights of individuals and the public good; simplify regulation and consenting systems to make it easier to deliver projects; and reduce the administrative burden and cut the red tape of our rules and guidelines, so that our own systems are not delaying much-needed investment. Alongside these reforms, I have provided record levels of funding through the recent national development plan, the largest capital investment plan in the history of this State. Through this plan, Government will provide €275 billion over the period to 2035, prioritising funding for water, energy and transport, the building blocks to deliver more homes. In 2026, I will allocate €19.1 billion for capital investment, an increase of €2 billion on 2025.”
“This is our duty to the children born here today. We must confront head-on the systems and mindsets that have made delivery so difficult. Without change, we will see critical shortages of power and water within a few years. Congestion on transport networks will grow. Our ability to deliver more homes will be impacted, as will opportunities for investment and job creation. To address our country’s infrastructure deficit, we must be prepared to radically overhaul how we deliver public projects. Next month, I will publish a detailed action plan to tackle these barriers to delivery.”
“This will allow us to respond to exceptional in-year expenditure pressures in 2026 and will fund elements of the costs related to Ireland hosting the EU Presidency. INFRASTRUCTURE One hundred years ago this year, a fledgling State showed ambition and action. At that time, Ireland faced a very different set of challenges - a young State with scarce resources, emerging from war and conflict. Yet, the State had the courage to commit 20% of its national budget to build Ardnacrusha, one of the most ambitious engineering projects in the world at that time. In the way Ardnacrusha transformed the State then, we are again at the beginning of an infrastructure revolution that will require that bold ambition. We must embrace this opportunity with the belief and confidence that we can shape the destiny of the next generation.”
“The current expenditure package will provide: €2 billion for social protection, to provide for our growing population, expand existing schemes and deliver a series of targeted new measures; €1.5 billion for health, to hire more front-line staff and enhance the level of service being provided; €1.2 billion for public service pay agreements; and a further €1.4 billion to broaden supports across many sectors. Overall, this will support an increase of 12,500 staff to deliver services directly to the public, including 3,370 in the health sector; 2,600 in the education sector; and up to 1,000 in An Garda Síochána. I will also be setting aside €1 billion in a contingency reserve to be held centrally.”
“First, we will ramp up our investment in vital infrastructure, which will boost productivity, protect jobs and support long-term growth. Second, we will make targeted improvements to public services, making sure that they are reliable, accessible and efficient. Third, as set out by the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, we will strengthen our economic foundations, so we are better prepared to weather future uncertainties. To support delivery of these priorities, I am allocating €116.8 billion in 2026, an €8.1 billion increase on this year’s allocation. An additional €6.1 billion will be allocated for current expenditure, with the budget for capital projects increasing by €2 billion.”
“It has been central in all my discussions with all Ministers through 2025 and in settling departmental allocations for 2026. This Government has taken the decision to moderate spending increases, providing more targeted and permanent measures, making the best use of the resources that are available to us. We are doing this to secure the long-term sustainability of our public finances. BUDGET 2026 The programme for Government is clear in its ambition to secure our country’s future, and today’s budget is an important milestone on this journey. While we cannot do everything in a single budget, the allocations I am setting out today will deliver permanent impacts that make a positive difference to people’s lives while also investing, at record levels, in our future. Budget 2026 is built on three priorities.”
“We must safeguard what we have worked so hard to build while striving to become more competitive, protect jobs and create new ones, invest in building more homes and excel as a country that is open for business, investment and opportunity. Leagann buiséad an lae inniu bunsraith síos do na blianta atá amach romhainn. Tapaímis an deis anois tógáil ar an mbunsraith sin ar mhaithe le todhchaí rathúil a chinntiú do mhuintir na hÉireann. Medium-term approach Today’s budget lays the foundations for our future. It shifts the focus from isolated departmental or sectoral needs to our country’s broader strategic priorities, considering the trade-offs and choices we will face along the way. Reforming how we spend public money must be a priority. This is a key focus for me as a Minister and for this Government.”
“We must challenge the voices who try to use diversity to divide us. Instead, we will continue to celebrate the differences that elevate our cultural identity and our national heritage. This is the flag we must fly, moving forward together. Economic outlook In the face of many threats over recent years, our economy and our people have been remarkably resilient. While there are challenges we have yet to overcome, it is important to acknowledge that Ireland is a successful country. We have a strong economy with over 2.8 million people in employment. We have high living standards, long life expectancy, excellent educational outcomes and a progressive system of social supports that work to ensure the most vulnerable are protected.”
“Ireland stands at a crossroads. How we choose to invest, plan and manage our economic affairs today will shape our country’s future. Budget 2026, the first in this Government’s term, represents an opportunity for a renewed economic and fiscal approach, an approach that places the long-term development of our country at its heart and that strives to deliver better outcomes for all. To improve people’s lives, we need to ensure that the decisions we make today are grounded in the best interests of our nation. Our vision is to create a thriving country, where enterprise can flourish and people feel valued regardless of background, ethnicity, sexuality or gender. This is our opportunity to be a caring country defined by stability, tolerance and progress, for those who were born here and those who have chosen to make Ireland their home.”
“Introduction Táimid ag teacht i dtír le fada ar na buntáistí a bhaineann le geilleagar oscailte sofhreagrúil a bheith againn. Cé go bhfónann sé sin go maith dúinn mar thír, ní mór dúinn aghaidh a thabhairt ar an timpeallacht eacnamaíoch agus polaitiúil atá ag titim amach níos faide i gcéin. Tá uair na cinniúna buailte le hÉirinn. Beidh tionchar ag an mbealach a roghnaímid le hinfheistíocht a dhéanamh inár gcuid gnóthaí eacnamaíocha inniu, mar aon leis an gcaoi ina ndéanaimid na gnóthaí eacnamaíocha sin a phleanáil agus a bhainistiú sa tír seo go ceann na ndeicheanna de bhlianta. A Cheann Comhairle, for a long time we have traded on our advantages as a small, open, agile economy. While this continues to serve us well as a country, we must take every opportunity to strengthen the foundations of our economy and our society.”
“The approach to delivering policy solutions is good evidence of the Department's ability to respond with agility and flexibility, just as we have for Brexit, Covid, the war in Ukraine and the cost-of-living crisis. We delivered then and I firmly believe we can do so now. We have the resources and the opportunity to make real progress and we must follow through.”
“We have delivered a national development plan review and allocated an historic level of resources targeted at areas of known infrastructure deficit. Departments have now been tasked with developing sectoral investment plans to directly link funding to the projects that can be delivered across their sectors in the next five years. In tandem with the new infrastructure division, my Department is working with deployed sectoral experts and an accelerating infrastructure task force to identify the barriers delaying project delivery and the solutions to overcome them. The State must get back to delivering infrastructure at speed and at scale and the removal of barriers will be critical.”
“It is also leading on digitalisation of public services to create a more integrated, user-friendly and efficient service and promoting and advancing the use of new and emerging technologies, including the importance of artificial intelligence. The focus on digitalisation is reflected in the Department's new mandate and in the enhanced policy remits under the public service transformation division and our Office of the Government Chief Information Officer. One example of where the Department is leading on digitalisation can be seen in the recent publication of our guidelines for the responsible use of AI in the public service. My Department's focus on delivery can also be seen in the extensive work programme under way to progress momentum in infrastructure.”