John Paul O'Shea
Cork North-West · Fine Gael · Ireland
“I raise the ongoing dispute between the Department of Social Protection and the Branch Managers' Association, which represents the social welfare branch offices that continue to provide vital social services in communities across the country.”
“At a time when these local offices continue to provide an invaluable service, particularly in rural Ireland, it is important that constructive engagement takes place.”
“I concur with the Minister on the uptake of the grants, particularly the windows and doors grant. There has been a significant uptake in that grant. Certainly, through our own constituency offices, we can see there is great interest in it. I commend the Minister, his Department and all the team on making that available.”
“The Minister mentioned in previous contributions this morning the national energy affordability task force. Having that come out in quarter 3 of this year will be very important, particularly the four points addressed as part of that.”
“I thank the Minister, the Minister of State and the Department for the significant level of grant funding that has been delivered to Cork North-West in recent years for projects and community initiatives.”
“I welcome the Minister's commitment to the publication of the Our Rural Future strategy for the period 2026 to 2030. It is vital that we continue to deliver for rural Ireland through sustained investment and practical schemes that make a real difference in people's lives.”
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“At a time when these local offices continue to provide an invaluable service, particularly in rural Ireland, it is important that constructive engagement takes place. Will the Taoiseach ask the Minister and the Department to re-engage directly with the Branch Managers' Association to facilitate meaningful dialogue to resolve the current difficulties? Surely the best way forward is through discussion, mutual respect and a willingness of all sides to find a workable solution that protects services for the public and provides certainty for branch managers.”
“I raise the ongoing dispute between the Department of Social Protection and the Branch Managers' Association, which represents the social welfare branch offices that continue to provide vital social services in communities across the country. In April 2018, former Labour Court chairman Kevin Duffy issued recommendations which were accepted as a full and final settlement of the issues between both parties. Those recommendations specifically provided for the ongoing consultation, regular engagement and a forum for discussion between the Department and the Branch Managers' Association. Unfortunately, relations have deteriorated in recent times and significant concerns remain unsolved.”
“The Minister mentioned in previous contributions this morning the national energy affordability task force. Having that come out in quarter 3 of this year will be very important, particularly the four points addressed as part of that. These are the price of energy, sustainability in demand, enhancement of flexibility and addressing energy poverty for the consumer and customer protections. That is hugely important because we have a lot of people who are currently in arrears. How we can target that energy poverty measures to those customers will be hugely important. Likewise, with energy affordability for businesses the Minister just mentioned, if we can keep going along that process for the next 12 months, we can also certainly do a significant amount of work and see significant benefits from that.”
“I concur with the Minister on the uptake of the grants, particularly the windows and doors grant. There has been a significant uptake in that grant. Certainly, through our own constituency offices, we can see there is great interest in it. I commend the Minister, his Department and all the team on making that available. Having the smaller grants available is hugely important for people who can afford them and can do retrofits in pieces and patches. That opportunity allows people to invest in their own homes as best as possible. I also concur with the previous speaker, Deputy Murphy, as regards the warmer homes scheme and community energy scheme on how we can work with the SEAI to ensure more people can access those grants as quickly as possible. There is great appetite out there for more work in this space.”
“What measures are being taken to address the crisis of high energy costs for householders and small businesses, particularly in rural areas? Will further targeted supports be considered in the upcoming budget?”
“I acknowledge in particular the work of the local community groups in the area, Cork County Council, the local development companies and the volunteers who continue to drive forward these projects on the ground. Importantly, we have many more worthwhile projects in the pipeline across Cork North-West. The community has ambition and eagerness to continue improving those local areas. I look forward to working with the Minister, the Minister of State and the Department to secure continued support for these projects into the future. Continued investment in rural Ireland is essential to ensuring balanced regional development and strong, thriving communities.”
“I thank the Minister, the Minister of State and the Department for the significant level of grant funding that has been delivered to Cork North-West in recent years for projects and community initiatives. I know that both the Minister and the Minister of State have been to Cork North-West in recent months, celebrating those projects, so I thank them. Across our towns and villages, we have seen the real benefits of investment through schemes such as the town and village renewal scheme, the CLÁR scheme, the outdoor recreation supports and the RRDF. These investments are helping communities to improve facilities, support local enterprise, enhance public spaces and make rural areas more attractive places to live and work.”
“Schemes that support rural businesses, farmers, tourism and community organisations must remain a priority if we are to keep our towns and villages vibrant and sustainable. The strategy now provides an opportunity to build on the progress that has already been achieved and to ensure no rural community is left behind over the coming years.”
“I welcome the Minister's commitment to the publication of the Our Rural Future strategy for the period 2026 to 2030. It is vital that we continue to deliver for rural Ireland through sustained investment and practical schemes that make a real difference in people's lives. We have seen the positive impact of investment in rural regeneration, town and village renewal, rural transport, broadband and community development projects right across the country. However, there is still more work to do. Rural communities want to see continued support for housing delivery, improved local services, stronger infrastructure and greater opportunities for young people to live and work in their own areas.”
“Will the Minister give an update on the publication of Our Rural Future 2026–2030 and make a statement on the matter? As he knows, rural Ireland is at the heart of our country. It is where people live, work, raise families, run businesses and contribute enormously to our economy and society. Rural communities also face unique challenges, from access to housing and healthcare to transport, connectivity and sustaining local services. I am very hopeful that the new strategy will focus on balanced regional development, supporting rural jobs, revitalising our towns and villages, improving infrastructure and ensuring that people can continue to live and thrive in their own communities.”
“This is why I will be urging colleagues across the House to support the swift progression of this practical common-sense legislation so we can protect childcare places, support providers, give certainty to the sector and provide reassurance of families who depend on the vital services every single day. I wish to mention that Deputy Geoghegan and Senator Nelson Murray are also involved in this legislation.”
“This legislation brings much-needed clarity and certainty to ensure that ECCE services, not-for-profit providers and childminders working from their own homes are not unfairly treated as commercial entities for trade purposes. It corrects an anomaly that has caused confusion and concern and sends a clear signal that we value the role these providers play. If we are serious about supporting families, improving affordability and increasing participation in the workforce, then we must also be serious about supporting the providers who make all of this possible. They simply cannot afford to see providers closing their doors because of costs that were never intended to apply to them in the first place. The loss of even a small number of childcare places can have ripple effects across entire communities.”
“Today marks an important and timely step forward in Dáil Éireann with the introduction of the Valuation (Amendment) Bill 2026. This legislation is about fairness, clarity and, most importantly, protecting small childcare providers throughout the country. Many, including in County Cork, have recently been hit with unexpected and deeply concerning commercial rate bills. At a time when childcare services are under real pressure, the last thing providers need is an additional financial burden that could threaten their very survival. Rising costs, staffing challenges and regulatory demands are all already placing strain on providers. To then be faced with commercial rate bills, often without warning, has created real anxiety across the sector.”
“This service has the potential to significantly improve connectivity across Cork North-West and into Kerry. The communities I represent are ready for this service. They now need certainty on when it will begin.”
“I am seeking clarity on the commencement date for the newly approved Local Link bus service, the 515, connecting Mallow to Killarney, which serves the villages of Ballyclogh, Castlemagner, Kanturk, Boherbue and Knocknagree in my own constituency of Cork North-West. This route is not just a line on a map; it is a vital lifeline for rural communities. People in these areas have faced limited public transport options, impacting access to education, employment, healthcare and social activities. The approval of this service was very warmly welcomed locally when it was announced in November 2025 and there is strong expectation it will be delivered without delay in 2026. Reliable and accessible rural transport is essential if we are serious about balanced regional development and tackling rural isolation.”
“It is important that we work collectively with Uisce Éireann to make sure that the €12 billion that has been given to it by the Government is spent and spent wisely and rapidly to ensure towns like Kanturk can continue to develop into the future.”
“At the same time, there other sites in and around Kanturk that have secured planning permission but cannot proceed to construction because a connection to the system cannot be guaranteed. This is a deeply frustrating and unacceptable position for homeowners, developers and the wider community to be in. It represents not only a waste of time and investment, but a missed opportunity to deliver much-needed housing. Local families are feeling the impact. Young people who want to build and buy homes in their own community are facing delays and uncertainties. Developers are hesitant to proceed with projects due to capacity concerns and businesses too are limited in their ability to expand and create. There are plenty of options available for Kanturk. It is good to see that Irish Water has it on its priority list.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his correspondence and response on the issue with the wastewater treatment plant in Kanturk. I particularly welcome the opportunity of maybe having some bridging infrastructure which would take place. There are serious discussions ongoing with Cork County Council, the EPA and Uisce Éireann on this matter. I certainly hope that in his position as Minister of State he will follow up with Uisce Éireann and try to urge the continued push on this because the situation on the ground in Kanturk makes this even more stark than ever before. There are houses that have already been built in good faith but cannot be occupied now because they cannot secure a wastewater connection. Families are in limbo. Homes have been completed yet are still sitting idle.”
“They need to know that this project is not just being discussed, but that it is being actively progressed. We must ensure that Kanturk is included as a priority in the capital investment programme. Funding must be allocated, timelines must be set and the project must move forward without any more unnecessary delays. This is about more than pipes and plants; it is about the future of a town and its people. It is about giving communities the tools they need to thrive. Kanturk has a great deal to offer. It is strategically located, well served by a strong community network and ready for growth. However, without the necessary infrastructure, that growth will remain stalled. I call on the Government and Uisce Éireann to recognise the urgency of this issue and to act decisively. Let us remove this barrier and invest in Kanturk's future.”
“Investment in wastewater infrastructure might not always grab headlines, but it is absolutely fundamental in delivering housing, supporting economic growth and protecting our environment. An upgraded treatment plant in Kanturk would unlock significant opportunities, enabling new housing developments, supporting local enterprise and ensuring compliance with environmental standards. I acknowledge the work of Uisce Éireann in the area to date and the engagement that has taken place with Cork County Council and the EPA with regard to putting in some bridging infrastructure and modular infrastructure alongside the current treatment plant. However, what is now needed is a clear commitment and prioritisation in respect of delivery. The people of Kanturk need certainty.”
“At a time when we are facing a national housing crisis, it is deeply frustrating that towns like Kanturk, which are willing and able to accommodate growth, are being constrained by outdated infrastructure. We cannot continue to speak about balanced regional development while allowing bottlenecks like this to persist. Local families are also feeling the impact. Young people who want to build or buy homes in their own communities are facing delays and uncertainty. Developers are also hesitant to proceed with projects due to capacity concerns and businesses are also limited in their ability to expand and create jobs within the town of Kanturk. This is not acceptable and it is not sustainable.”
“I will today highlight an issue of critical importance to the people of north Cork, namely, the urgent need to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant in Kanturk. Kanturk is a proud and growing town with a strong community spirit, vibrant local businesses and enormous potential for future development. However, that potential is being held back by infrastructure that is no longer fit for purpose. The current wastewater treatment plant in Kanturk is operating at or beyond its capacity. This is not just a technical issue; it has real and tangible consequences for the town. It is restricting housing development, limiting business expansion and placing unnecessary pressure on local planning decisions. Quite simply, without adequate water infrastructure, Kanturk cannot grow in the way it needs to.”
“We cannot change what happened in the past but we can decide how we deal with it now. We can choose to listen, we can choose to act and we can choose to ensure no legitimate concern is left unanswered. In doing so, we honour those who lived through those experiences and those who did not live to tell their stories.”
“We should be ensuring beyond doubt, before any permission is granted, that such deeply sensitive issues have been fully examined. It is now a matter for An Coimisiún Pleanála to determine how this application proceeds from here. I urge that body to take the utmost care and to ensure respect, dignity and due process are at the heart of any decision made. This is not just a planning issue but a matter of historical responsibility and human decency. The history of Bessborough is not just local history but is a part of our national story. It reflects a time when vulnerable women and children were failed by the very systems meant to protect them. Acknowledging that history is essential, as is learning from it, but so too is ensuring we continue to respond to its legacy.”
“While I acknowledge that a number of conditions have been attached to this permission, including a requirement to have a forensic archaeological monitoring strategy and the presence of a forensic archaeologist during excavation, my clear personal view is that proceeding in this manner is fundamentally wrong. If there is even the slightest possibility that burial remains may be located on the site for which planning permission has been approved, assurances should have been confirmed as part of the planning process that no burials took place on that portion of land. That did not happen here and that is a serious concern for me. The conditions provide the work must cease if remains are discovered and that the relevant authorities must be notified but we should not be relying on discovery during construction.”
“We must ensure this process is truly inclusive, is led by survivors, and has survivors' voices at the centre of the decision-making process. However, consultation alone is not enough. Clear timelines, adequate resources and visible progress are essential. I urge the Government to move swiftly from commitment to implementation, to support local communities in creating appropriate memorials and to ensure these sites are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. I am aware that planning permission has recently been granted by Cork City Council for a housing development on the Bessborough site.”
“It is about trust in the State to do what is right even when it is difficult, trust in our institutions to engage honestly with the past and trust that the voices of survivors will continue to be heard. The Government's action plan rightly recognises the importance of dignified, local memorialisation of known and agreed burial sites. This is not simply a policy commitment; it is a moral obligation to those who were lost to the families and communities that have carried that pain for generations. While I welcome the establishment of the working group by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, what is now needed is urgency and delivery. Survivors have waited long enough for recognition, respect and tangible action on the ground.”
“These are not ordinary planning matters; they are sacred sites, places of memory and in many cases the only resting place of vulnerable people, children and women whose dignity was denied in life. We need stronger and clearer protections to ensure that no unrecorded burial site is ever disturbed, overlooked or lost to development. The State must lead here with urgency and compassion because how we treat these sites today reflects how seriously we take the injustices of the past. We must remember that this is not simply about land or surveys. It is about people. It is about mothers who were denied agency over their lives. It is about children who were separated from their families. It is about those who died and those whose resting places may not be fully known.”
“Its final report provided an important record and acknowledgement of what occurred. It documented the conditions within those institutions and the experiences of those who were there. As we know, reports alone cannot answer every question or address every concern. The legacy of our mother and baby institutions remains one of the most painful chapters in our State's history. While the Government's action plan for survivors and former residents is a step in the right direction, we must say honestly that it does not go far enough, particularly when it comes to the protection of unrecorded burial sites. The request from the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to local authorities, including Cork City Council, to consider these sites within their development plans is welcome but consideration alone is not enough.”
“Children born in Bessborough, like those born in similar institutions across the State, faced their own stark realities. Many were adopted, often without full or informed consent from their mothers. Others remained in the institution for periods of time. Tragically, many in Bessborough did not survive. For decades the story of these women and children was not spoken about openly. There was silence at a societal and institutional level. Silence was imposed on those who lived through those experiences. It is only in more recent years, through the courage and persistence of survivors, that the full extent of what happened in places like Bessborough has come to light. The establishment of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes was a significant step in that process.”
“This matter goes to the heart of how we as a State reckon with our past and respond to those who continue to live with its consequences. The focus today is on the history of Bessborough and the wider legacy of mother and baby institutions in this country. Bessborough was one of a network of institutions that operated for decades in Ireland by taking in women and girls, many of them very young, who found themselves pregnant outside marriage. Those women were often sent there in circumstances not of their choosing. Once they were inside, they experienced a system that was harsh, isolating and in many cases deeply traumatic. They were separated from the families and communities and in many cases from their children. Their voices were not heard. Their rights were not respected. For far too long, their experiences were hidden from public view.”
“There is allocation of public toilets and there is also a redevelopment of the courthouse in Charleville. It is a wonderful project for the town and the highest ever allocation for a town like Charleville to get €6 million from Government for community investment. We appreciate it and look forward to welcoming the Minister and the Minister of State when that project is in train.”
“It is great to see collaboration between the Minister's Department and Cork County Council and an acknowledgement that we are hungry for more. We will always accept more money when it is available. I am sure there will be applications for the category 1 call. I am sure the 17 active projects under way in Cork county will be completed as quickly as possible. I will mention one, which is the Charleville RRDF project. Over €6 million was allocated for that project and it is finally coming to the stage where we are starting the first phase of that shortly. I look forward to the Minister's continued engagement with his Department, Cork County Council and me as a public representative from that area to push that project forward. It is in a number of phases. There is a town centre refurbishment. There is public realm.”
“We look forward to the Minister, with the Minister of State, visiting many projects across Cork North West and the Cork county in the coming years. It is also important to outline that category 1 proposals are also coming up and there is no doubt projects will emerge from north Cork and Cork North West during that time.”
“I thank the Minister. It is great to see that more than €43 million has been invested in 27 projects across County Cork to date since 2018 when the RRDF came into existence. There have been many in my area, as the Minister of State outlined. The first one was the Kanturk relief road, which was funded many years ago in 2018 and 2019 and has provided a great opportunity for the town to enhance. It has allowed the new national school to open up and has allowed the lands across the relief road to open up to development. It has made a huge difference to the mart, which is located on that road. Likewise, in Ballydesmond in north Cork there is a fantastic public realm project and a pocket park being opened for the community. It was great to see former Deputy, Heather Humphreys there when she was Minister to officially open it.”
“The plan is about much more than recognition. It is about creating real opportunities, from improving access to education and leadership roles to supporting female entrepreneurship and ensuring a stronger voice in decision-making. This initiative is key to building a more inclusive and sustainable future for women in rural Ireland. Encouraging greater participation by women in agriculture will strengthen farm families, rural communities and the wider agrifood sector. It is essential that we continue to support and fully implement the actions set out in this plan so that the next generation of women in farming can thrive right into the future. I welcome the Minister's commitment.”
“I thank the Minister for his continued engagement on this matter. I welcome the continued implementation of the national women in agriculture action plan. It plays a vital role in supporting, recognising and empowering women right across the agricultural sector. Women have always played a central role in Irish agriculture, both on and off the farm, yet their contribution has not always received the recognition that it deserves. The national women in agriculture action plan is an important step in addressing that imbalance. I welcome the fact that the Minister has said that a working group has nearly completed its work. Will the Minister delve further into this and see when the next steps in the plan will be undertaken?”
“I am taking this parliamentary question on behalf of Deputy Colm Burke. I sympathise with Colm on the recent loss of his mother-in-law. I also sympathise with his wife, Mary, and the McCaffrey and Burke families. Our sympathies go out to them at this difficult time. What progress has been made to date on the implementation of the national women in agriculture action plan? When is it expected that the detailed progress report will be published? Will he make a statement on the matter?”
“The Minister of State's comments of the extension of the IRP card are very welcome - up to 12 weeks after the expiry date. Is it the Minister of State's intention to reduce processing time to four to six weeks? If so, is there a timeframe in which he would like to see that happen over the next number of months and years? It is good to see it brought up in the House today because it is of concern to many people.”
“We all collectively want to see these applications processed within a four to six-week period, if at all possible. I encourage the Minister of State to continue his work in that regard.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his ongoing work in this space. It is very important to see that we are increasing capacity here in terms of renewal of applications. It is good to see the office is open seven days a week and people are working overtime to address the backlog. It is hugely frustrating for people who have applied and are waiting for an answer on this. I do take the point though in terms of seeking applications 12 weeks in advance. That is something we need to get out there a lot more, giving applicants and employers that assurance that they can submit renewal applications up to 12 weeks in advance. It is encouraging that the Minister of State will to continue to work with his officials to see whether they can reduce the timeframe associated with this.”
“I am taking this question on behalf of Deputy Colm Burke. I would like extend my sympathies to Deputy Burke on the recent death of his mother-in-law. Our thoughts are with him and his wife Mary at this time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. I wish to ask the Minister about his views on the ongoing delay in processing immigration permission renewal applications in view of the fact that at present only applications received from early December 2025 are being processed, the action his Department is taking to reduce the current processing timeline and if he will make a statement on the matter.”
“There seems to be an issue where we do not have enough staff. There seems to be no plan in terms of recruiting a consultant orthodontist. I urge the Minister to see if she can engage with the HSE and with me to encourage more recruitment as we go forward in the next couple of months.”
“I thank the Minister for her continued engagement and interest in the health services in Cork, particularly in terms of GP services. They are a first point of contact for many people. While it is great to see that there are no current vacancies in the GP contracts in Cork, our population in Cork is growing substantially, particularly in rural County Cork, where every single town and village is growing by the number of new houses there. There is particularly a need in Charleville. I thank the Minister for mentioning my town of Charleville that I represent. There is an acute need in terms of getting a new GP contract there because the population of Charleville is increasing significantly. We need additional supports there into the future. I am receiving increasingly more queries into my office in relation to consultant orthodontists.”
“Two of the biggest issues that come up in my office every single week are access to a GP and access to consultant orthodontists in Cork. I urge the Minister to try to address those two issues for Cork over the next couple of weeks.”
“The issue of vacant GP posts across Cork is placing serious pressure on communities, particularly in rural areas. Access to a GP is a cornerstone of our primary care system, yet in many towns and villages people are finding it increasingly difficult to register with a doctor or to secure a timely appointment. When GP posts remain vacant for long periods, the impact is felt immediately by the patient, by the neighbouring practices, which are already under pressure, and by the local health services. We need clear timelines and transparency from the HSE on how the vacancies can be filled and what interim measures are being put in place to ensure patients are not left without access to essential care. Primary care must be strengthened.”
“Deputy Roderic O'Gorman - To discuss the demolition and rebuild project for three primary schools on the Navan Road, Dublin 7. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire - To discuss the status of the delivery of a permanent school building for Owenabue Educate Together National School, Carrigaline, Cork The matters raised by Deputies Keira Keogh, Séamus McGrath, Dessie Ellis, Barry Heneghan and Charles Ward have been selected for discussion.”
“Deputy Charles Ward - To discuss the administration of the defective concrete blocks scheme by the Housing Agency. Deputy Alan Kelly - To discuss the need for increased resources for An Garda Síochána in the mid-west. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan - To discuss child care provision in Cork North-Central. Deputy Conor Sheehan - To discuss the progress of a new Garda station in Castletroy. Deputy Louis O'Hara - To discuss the remaining sections of the Athenry relief road. Deputy Séamus McGrath - To discuss establishing a transport office based in Cork city to oversee key projects. Deputy Barry Ward - To discuss the significant waiting lists at the Deansgrange driving test centre. Deputy Barry Heneghan - To discuss north city arterial main, NCAM, project communication failures and public disruption in north Dublin.”
“Deputy Michael Cahill - To discuss additional funding for improvement and refurbishment works for a number of older school buildings across County Kerry. Deputy Albert Dolan - To discuss battery energy storage systems, BESS, in rural Ireland and solar planning guidelines. Deputy Keira Keogh - To discuss the various stages Mayo schools are at under the additional school accommodation programme. Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher - To discuss an application for port listing of Killybegs in line with new EU regulations for the listing of ports across the EU. Deputy James O'Connor - To discuss ambulance provision for the east Cork area. Deputy John Paul O'Shea - To discuss the need to expand wastewater treatment plant, WWTP, capacity in Kanturk. Deputy Darren O'Rourke - To discuss provision of repairs and a new school building in Dunboyne.”
“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 Joanna Byrne - To discuss funding for the breakfast club for St. Paul's Senior National School, Drogheda, County Louth. Deputy John Connolly - To discuss the availability of the shingles vaccine for those over age 65. Deputy Dessie Ellis - To discuss the impact of the new differential rent scheme on Dublin City Council tenants. Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss the review of the Garda vetting process and planned measures for simplification. Deputy Louise O'Reilly - To discuss the need for full-time Garda station in Rush. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh - To discuss progress on school buildings for St. Seton's, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10.”