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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“I want to raise with the Tánaiste today the lack of wastewater treatment capacity in the town of Kanturk in north Cork. We are very lucky to have five or six sites in development at the moment, with a number of houses being developed right across the town. We have a number of other applications for planning permission which do not have a wastewater connection at the moment. I believe there is a plan to install a modular wastewater treatment plant alongside the wastewater treatment plant that is currently in place in Kanturk. That will allow for an increase in the population equivalent, PE, in the wastewater treatment plant, which would allow for ca. 230 more houses to be built. I bring this to the floor of the Dáil today in the hope that we could push it forward in the future. Could the Tánaiste give me a response?”
“However, the whole design of the roundabout is no longer fit for purpose given the traffic volumes currently. Can the Minister confirm if the upgrade to the Lakeview roundabout will be progressed as one of the additional interventions proposed at the N25 Midleton to Youghal route? I am sure Deputy McCarthy will welcome any progress.”
“I note that the N25 Carrigtohill to Midleton project was included in the latest national development plan review, which was published in November, as one of the roads projects to be advanced for future construction. It is, however, currently lagging behind the proposed upgrade to the Midleton to Youghal section of the N25 as no tendering or construction date has commenced or is yet outlined for the Carrigtohill to Midleton section. The situation is likely to worsen in future with thousands of housing units currently under development at Water Rock and more proposed for Midleton. This will put additional pressure on the already overburdened junction at the Lakeview roundabout in Midleton. This roundabout was upgraded with a slip road in 2019, which has made some difference.”
“While I appreciate that TII is the authority tasked with planning, design and construction of individual national roads, will the Minister of State please advise what the latest funding will be allocated for? Is it the intention that the junction will remove dangerous median crossings at Ballyrichard and Water-rock? Will they be closed? Any additional information the Minister of State can provide would be welcome.”
“I thank the Minister of State. The current stretch of the N25 national route between Carrigtwohill and Midleton remains a safety issue. The configuration of the road is dangerous. There are frequent accidents, some of which have been fatal. TII's collision analysis has confirmed the collision rate for the route is above average. Low standard junctions, medium crossings and direct access points to the road for properties are not encouraging safe travel. At peak times, it is not unusual to see traffic on two busy lanes travelling at high speed. I acknowledge that TII has recently confirmed funding of €500,000 for the Carrigtwohill to Midleton route.”
“On my behalf and on that of Deputy Noel McCarthy, for whom I am taking this question, and as Chair of the joint committee on social protection, I strongly encourage everyone with lived experience as well as organisations working in the sector to get involved in this process. We all welcome that the cost-of-disability payment will be introduced in line with the programme for Government commitment in 2027.”
“I very much welcome that this consultation will inform the agenda of the strategic focus network summit on the cost of disability, which will take place in May and which the Minister will chair. I look forward to attending as Chair of the joint committee on social protection. The Minister said that every support will be given in the interim to people with disabilities in terms of any immediate payments that are required. People with disabilities need to contact their local Intreo offices to make sure that any supports available through them would be made available in that time.”
“These include costs relating to transport, healthcare, education, communication, assistive technologies and high household expenses. I encourage the Minister and all in this House to publicise this consultation as broadly as possible in order that we can get as many people as possible provide feedback.”
“It is great that, as of today, more than 80 submissions have already been made. I join the Minister in encouraging people with disabilities, their families, carers, representative organisations and all interested stakeholders to take part in the newly launched public consultation process relating to the cost of disability. The programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce a permanent-cost-of-disability support payment recognising the significant additional costs that many disabled people face in their daily lives. The consultation seeks views on how this new payment should be designed and delivered. The consultation provides a very important opportunity for disabled people and their families to shape a payment that is intended to directly address the real and ongoing additional costs associated with disabilities.”
“I am talking this question on behalf on Deputy McCarthy. I remind the Minister that Deputy McGrath was always first in in the budget process in Cork County Council when he sat on it with me over the past number of years. It is good to see things have not changed since then. I want to ask the Minister, and it is a very timely question on behalf of Deputy McCarthy, about his plans to introduce a cost-of-disability payment and if he will make a statement on the matter.”
“I believe they have been in contact with the Minister's office about support for a pay agreement that he and his Department are working on. I encourage him to work with them to try to get that pay agreement over the line. Intreo offices are important to all of us, not just today but in the future too.”
“I thank the Minister for his continued engagement on this matter. We all need to tackle youth unemployment quickly. It is good to see that, after four months of being on jobseeker's payments, there are significant activation measures from Intreo offices to assist those young people to try to get back to work. I am sure all the Deputies in the House are contacted through their offices or social media about advertising jobs available in the local area. There are plenty of jobs, but we need to work with Intreo staff and employers in the area to make sure that we get as many people back into the work force as possible. While the Minister is here, I want to mention the southern branch managers association executive being in contact with me about the Intreo offices run privately.”
“I thank the Minister for those figures. They are partly along the lines that I thought there were, consistently around the 2,700 mark between all the areas. The challenge for us as a Government is to try to get those people back into the workforce and working with the activation officers. It will be important to see if we can work on those. The challenge that I see and the trend is that many young people end up in unemployment now. I hate to see that. I would like to see them getting involved in work placement programmes, further education and training, employment services, or community employment programmes such as Tús. Community employment is very important indeed. I thank those who work in the Intreo offices, trying to engage with people on jobseeker's benefit and jobseeker's allowance to try to get them back into the workforce.”
“I ask the Minister about the number of individuals currently receiving jobseeker's allowance and jobseeker's benefit in Cork and Limerick, with a particular focus on my area of Cork North-West, in Mallow, Macroom, Newmarket and Kilmallock, and, most importantly, the recent trends of these figures over the last 12 months. What are the supports and activation measures in place locally such as training, employment services, and community programmes to promote sustainable employment in the area? Will the Minister make a statement on the matter?”
“It is chronic. To have 7,444 people waiting in Cork for a basic outpatient appointment for orthopaedics is unacceptable and must be dealt with as soon as possible.”
“One person, a lady in her 80s, was referred for an urgent outpatient appointment, but she cannot even get an indicative date. A lady in her 60s has been to the GP twice to get a more urgent referral to the outpatient clinic. In both cases, the management of the hospital and the HSE still cannot guarantee appointments for my two constituents. I am doing my very best to represent them but, unfortunately, I cannot get an appointment time. There is some glimmer of hope with regard to outsourcing theatre capacity in Cork to private hospitals over the coming months to cater for the long waiting lists while we wait for the surgical hub to open in CUH in quarter 3. I would encourage the Minister of State to engage with the HSE and ask it to facilitate some private capacity in private hospitals to deal with the emergent outpatient waiting list.”
“I thank the Minister of State for her encouragement and engagement in the response. There is a glimmer of hope for orthopaedic patients in Cork. I know we had the fantastic publication of the service plan this week, where the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, announced €34 million for the surgical hub, which will allow capacity for up to 18,500 outpatient appointments. I hope that will reduce some of the orthopaedic waiting list for outpatient clinics. As the Minister of State said, it is currently at 7,444. I am glad this figure was brought before the House tonight because it outlines clearly that there is a big challenge in Cork to address the orthopaedic waiting lists. I want to mention two people who have come to my office. I have received correspondence on them from the South Infirmary and the HSE.”
“I call on the House to take this genuine request and insist that the HSE prioritise additional funding and workforce supports specifically for orthopaedic services at the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital. A focused plan must be developed to reduce outpatient waiting lists and restore confidence in the system. I do not see this plan at the moment, which worries me. Pain should not be prolonged by process. Mobility should not be sacrificed for bureaucracy. No patient should be forgotten while waiting for care. We owe it to the people of Cork to act urgently. I ask the House to address this matter tonight.”
“We need to ensure that diagnostic supports, such as MRI and radiology, are properly resourced, so bottlenecks do not simply move elsewhere in the system. Early intervention is not just better for patients; it is more cost-effective for the health service. Treating conditions early prevents complications, reduces emergency admissions and supports people to remain independent and work independently in their communities. Patients in Cork deserve timely access to orthopaedic care. They should not have to travel long distances or consider private treatment because the public system cannot see the patient within a reasonable timeframe.”
“We have an ageing population, higher participation and support, and more people living longer with degenerative conditions, yet the resources allocated have not kept pace with that demand. Consultants and front-line staff at the SIVUH are working tirelessly. They are not the problem. They are doing everything they can within the constraints placed upon them. However, the goodwill and dedication cannot replace adequate staffing levels, theatre capacity, clinic space and funding. We need targeted investment. We need additional consultant orthopaedic posts approved and filled. We need expanded outpatient clinical capacity. We need protected theatre time to ensure that when patients are assessed, they can be moved forward for surgery without delay.”
“It is that parent who cannot lift their child because of an untreated shoulder injury. It is that farmer who cannot get through a day's work because of a deteriorating hip. It is the older person whose mobility is declining while they wait to even begin the process towards surgery or treatment. Orthopaedic conditions are not minor inconveniences. They directly impact mobility, independence, mental health and the ability to work. When outpatient appointments are delayed, diagnoses are delayed. When diagnoses are delayed, treatment is delayed. When treatment is delayed, conditions worsen, often becoming more complex and costly to treat. The simple reality is that demand for orthopaedic services in Cork has increased significantly.”
“I am here tonight to highlight an issue that is causing real pain, distress and uncertainty for families right across Cork city and county. I refer to the unacceptably long waiting times for patients seeking to be seen as outpatients by a consultant orthopaedic surgeon in the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, SIVUH, in Cork. The SIVUH plays a vital role in delivering specialist orthopaedic care to people not just in Cork city but across the wider region. Every week, my office is contacted by patients, young people with sports injuries, older people waiting for hip and knee assessments and workers unable to return to their jobs due to chronic pain, all of whom are stuck in limbo waiting months and in many cases far longer than that, simply to be assessed at an outpatient clinic. Behind every statistic is a person.”
“I want to ask the Tánaiste about the communication this week from Tailte Éireann on early years service providers and childminders receiving bills for commercial rates. As he knows, they quietly provide a very important public service through the early childhood care and education scheme and other childminding services right across the country. To date, they have not been liable for commercial rates. It is big change. There will be a significant charge on different childminders, particularly early years service providers. I hope there can be engagement between the Tánaiste’s Department, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on this matter urgently to address it.”
“It is important that we collectively, as Corkonians but also as Government representatives, move forward and match the words with actions to ensure that this N20-M20 project motorway moves decisively from aspiration to reality.”
“There is huge backing to finally proceed to get that infrastructure project between Cork and Limerick together. It is very important and poignant that today further infrastructure announcements were made by Government to move the delivery of infrastructure more quickly. That is very much where the N20-M20 project is at. I hope this project will fit into this Bill. Like the lengthy duplicative processes, the project will undergo a streamlined, time-bound internal review by the Department of public expenditure. The kind of practical reform the Government wants to see is when infrastructure is ready to go, the system should help it to move and not hold it back if at all possible. I thank the Minister of State for his comments on the project.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his kind words relating to this project. It is a very detailed project and there is a lot of money involved, but I welcome the fact that in his response, he said the scheme preliminary business case is expected to be submitted to the Department of Transport in the second half of this year. This is very welcome news. We need to keep this momentum going, and subject to Government approval, which I am sure will come as is required under the infrastructure guidelines, the submission of the statutory documents for the project will be forwarded to An Coimisiún Pleanála. I thank the Minister of State very sincerely for his response. As two Cork TDs in this area, we met the representatives of Cork Development Forum recently in Leinster House, and the Cork Chamber of Commerce.”
“I urge the Minister and the Department to make the N20-M20 a top strategic priority in 2026, to set out a clear road map to construction and to provide the funding and the leadership necessary to bring this to fruition. Munster deserves modern, safe and reliable infrastructure. Our people deserve better connectivity, our businesses deserve certainty and our region deserves the opportunity to thrive.”
“Equally, meaningful engagement with landowners, communities and stakeholders must remain at the heart of this process. Progress must be made in a way that is fair, respectful and environmentally responsible. The people of Munster, businesses, farmers, landowners, commuters and families have waited long enough. We cannot afford another five years of reports, reviews and revisions while congestion worsens and opportunities are lost. This Government has rightly committed itself to balanced regional development. The N20-M20 motorway is essential to delivering on that commitment. If we are serious about strengthening regional cities, supporting rural Ireland and easing pressure on the greater Dublin area, we must be serious about delivering this project.”
“It will mean safer roads, reduced emissions from congestion and improved quality of life. We have seen progress in recent years, and that progress must continue, but now we must move from project design to planning and delivery. This year must be the decisive year for this project. I am calling for a clear and accelerated timeline for the completion of the business case, the final design and the statutory planning process. These stages are essential but they must not become obstacles that bring about unnecessary delays. Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, in partnership with the Department of Transport and local authorities, must be resourced and empowered to progress this project at pace. We need certainty, transparency and accountability regarding these timelines.”
“This is not sustainable or fair. The delivery of the N20-M20 motorway represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform connectivity between the two largest cities outside of Dublin. It will strengthen the economic links between Cork and Limerick, support balanced regional development and help to unlock the full potential of the Atlantic economic corridor. This project is not just about building a road. It is about building opportunities, creating jobs during construction, attracting inward investment, supporting indigenous enterprise and ensuring that our region can compete nationally and internationally. For rural villages like Ballyhea and New Twopothouse and towns across north Cork such as Charleville, Buttevant and Mallow, improved connectivity will mean better access to education, healthcare, employment and public services.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak this evening on the importance of the N20-M20 motorway project for the Munster region and the urgent need to accelerate progress on its business case, the final design and planning during 2026. For far too long, the N20 corridor between Cork and Limerick has been recognised as one of the most congested, dangerous and inadequate national routes in the country. It is a road that no longer meets the needs of modern Ireland and certainly does not meet the needs of a growing and ambitious Munster region. Every day, thousands of commuters, families, students and businesses depend on this route. They experience long delays, unpredictable journey times and unacceptable safety risks. Communities along the route continue to bear the burden of heavy traffic passing through their towns and villages.”
“I want to raise the importance of proceeding with the N/M20 Cork to Limerick motorway project. It is not just a road project; it is a vital piece of national infrastructure that will shape the economic and social future of our region for generations to come. For far too long, communities and landowners along this corridor have endured congestion, delays and safety concerns. Families, commuters, businesses and emergency services all feel the impact of an outdated and overburdened route on a daily basis. Proceeding with this project in 2026 is essential. I am calling on the Tánaiste to maintain the momentum this year to provide certainty of funding and to ensure that this project proceeds without any further delay.”
“Deputy Louis O'Hara - To discuss the provision of special education classes across Galway East. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú - To discussion provision of additional accommodation at St. Mochta's NS, Louth. Deputy Thomas Gould - To discuss regeneration on the north side of Cork. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí - To discuss recurring issues with the No. 15 bus for commuters in north Dublin. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire - To discuss the Defence Forces informing the Garda that they will not be able to provide anti-drone security for EU Presidency meetings. The matters raised by Deputies Shane Moynihan, Naoise Ó Muirí, Richard Boyd Barrett, Thomas Gould and Robert O'Donoghue have been selected for discussion.”
“Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher - To discuss the need to lodge an application for port listing of Killybegs. Deputy Paula Butterly - To discuss implementation of the agreed increases in pensions for former CIÉ employees. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett - To discuss World Cancer Day and cancer services in Ireland. Deputy Pearse Doherty - To discuss the impact of the new PSO contract for flights between Donegal and Dublin. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil - To discuss schools infrastructure in Kildare North. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere - To discuss the Kilkenny school campus project for Kilkenny City Vocational School and Coláiste Pobail Osraí. Deputy Alan Kelly - To discuss the need for increased resources for An Garda Síochána in the mid-west. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan - To discuss the misuse of e-scooter vehicles in urban areas.”
“Deputy Albert Dolan - To discuss the allocation of SET and SNA hours for primary schools where needs have significantly increased. Deputy Pat Buckley - To discuss the need for Gaelscoil Choráin, Youghal, County Cork, to be included in the DEIS urban band 1 programme. Deputy Colm Burke - To discuss the Blackpool-River Bride flood relief scheme. Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss the review of the Garda vetting process and planned measures for simplification. Deputy Michael Cahill - To discuss publication of the north Kerry CAMHS look-back review. Deputy John Paul O'Shea - To discuss the importance of the N20-M20 motorway project for the Munster region. Deputy Louise O'Reilly - To discuss the need for additional school infrastructure in Fingal West.”
“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 Shane Moynihan - To discuss enhancing public transport links between Lucan and the airport. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan - To discuss the provision of childcare facilities in Cork North Central. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue - Timeline for construction of the new educational campus for St. Joseph's Secondary School, Rush, and Gaelscoil Ros Eo. Deputy Joe Cooney - To discuss the process of exchanging international driving licences for Irish licences. Deputy Joanna Byrne - To discuss implementing without further delay the agreed pension payment increases to retired staff of Éir and An Post.”
“I ask the Taoiseach to engage with the Minister, Deputy Browne, to see whether we can create a policy allowing for a discount for community groups.”
“I raise Uisce Éireann's connection charging policy and the fact there is no discount available for any groups of customers. The connection charging policy has been produced and approved by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, together with Irish Water and the Department. Will the Taoiseach engage with the Department, particularly in relation to community and voluntary groups, which are being charged enormous sums for a water or wastewater connection facility? For example, the Minister, Deputy Calleary, and the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, were in Rylane in my constituency recently celebrating the turning of the sod for a new community centre there. That centre is being charged €70,000 for a wastewater and water connection, which the community will have to fund.”
“It must also be a priority for the HSE and all of us going forward. I welcome the Minister of State's intervention. I encourage him to make contact with the HSE in Cork and to improve the situation. As public representatives, we cannot continue to have a situation whereby home help requests come in and action in respect of them is still not taken six months later. I would appreciate the Minister of State's support on this matter.”
“As of 11 November, when the responses had been assessed, the HSE in Cork had identified 64 potential candidates but not one new home support worker was in place. That is not acceptable when there is such a long waiting list. Over 1,000 people in Cork and Kerry are waiting for home supports. Some 64 candidates were identified in the period between July and November but they have not been appointed. The principle here is simple. It is not a funding issue; it is a resource issue. People should be supported to live at home for as long as possible. The State must ensure that the supports required are available to them when needed, not months later. Home support is one of the most empowering, cost-effective and socially valuable services that we provide in this country. Strengthening it must be a priority for the Government.”
“I thank the Minister of State very much for his keen interest in this matter. I would appreciate if he could follow up with the HSE in Cork in respect of it. Investment in the home support is an investment in dignity, well-being and independence for thousands of people. It is also an investment in a more efficient health system that supports people earlier, prevents avoidable illness and ensures better use of our limited hospital capacity. Home support workers must be valued, supported and recognised for the essential front-line role they play. They deserve for fair pay, sustainable working conditions and the resources necessary to carry out their jobs effectively. There was a campaign to recruit home help support workers in Cork in July.”
“This is the reality of what we are facing. I am asking the Minister of State to intervene personally with the HSE in relation to this matter. I am asking that a proper plan be put in place to recruit home support workers, be it in the public health service or in the private service, to ensure this service is continued in future for the people of County Cork.”
“Of those, 543 are waiting for a first-time service and 347 are waiting for additional hours to be allocated. This is not just an issue in Cork but one right across the country. I put in another parliamentary question in relation to the lists for the entire country. We have over 5,000 people who have been allocated home support home help who are waiting for that care to be provided. I say this with real respect but the HSE is not responding to requests from politicians, including me. I know that the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach has been involved in meetings with the HSE as well. It is just not happening. Despite the fact that we raised this issue in October, we are back here again at the end of January and there is still no alleviation of the pressure on the home support that is available in Cork. In fact, I believe it has got worse.”
“However, to fully realise the benefits of home supports, the service must be properly resourced, properly staffed and delivered in a timely and consistent manner. Too many people are waiting far too long for essential hours to begin and too many families in Cork are left in distress trying to bridge that gap. This is not acceptable. A service that is so fundamentally important cannot be allowed to operate under strain, uncertainty and chronic short staffing issues. I want to mention a couple of examples while I have the time in relation to what I have experienced over the past number of months in terms of the acute waiting list for home support in Cork. As of 11 November, the HSE responded to a parliamentary question by saying over 890 clients were wait-listed for home support in Cork city and county.”
“This sense of place, familiarity and independence has a proven and profound impact on a person’s physical and mental well-being. It gives reassurance to families, reduces isolation and promotes independence, values that must remain at the heart of our health service. We also cannot ignore the critical role that home support plays in easing the pressure on our hospitals. When adequate support is available in the home, unnecessary hospital admissions can be prevented and hospital discharges can happen more smoothly. For older people in particular, remaining at home with proper assistance is often far safer and far healthier than spending extended periods in acute settings. Home support services are a vital part of the wider solution to overcrowding, delayed discharges and pressure on our emergency departments.”
“I thank the Minister of State for taking this Topical Issue matter in relation to a very important issue in County Cork concerning the provision of home help home support services. Home support is often known as home help and is one of the most essential person-centred supports provided by our health and social care system. It is a service that allows older people and those with additional needs to continue to live safely, comfortably and independently in their own homes and communities. For many families across Cork and throughout the country, home support is not just a convenience; it is a lifeline. Every single day, home support workers carry out dignified and compassionate work that enables people to remain connected to their neighbours, communities and the place they call home.”
“Every patient I talk to who is waiting for a bed would go to Mallow for the care. We, therefore, need to work together to make sure it is utilised in the best way possible going forward.”
“I fully concur with the Minister that we do not see the full utilisation of Mallow General Hospital. I am glad she brought those figures to the House this morning, so we can discuss them in a public forum. I have been advocating for the further and better use of Mallow General Hospital for many years, in my roles as a councillor and, for the past 12 months, as a TD. I concur with the Minister. There is a lot of work to be done on utilising Mallow General Hospital beds and we need to work together to make sure they are used. We cannot have a system where we have overcrowding, people waiting for inpatient beds in CUH and Mercy University Hospital, while there are vacant beds in Mallow. Mallow General Hospital serves a huge area covering the border of Limerick, Kerry and Waterford and the metropolitan area of Cork city.”
“It is critical that we use the likes of Mallow General Hospital to relieve the pressure that is currently on Cork University Hospital, CUH, and Mercy University Hospital. I will be glad to work with the Minister on that over the coming months to make sure we get the best use out of the hospital.”
“I thank the Minister. That building was completed in 2020 during Covid times and, in fairness to the HSE, it has retrospectively applied for planning permission. It is a wonderful extension to Mallow General Hospital. The two floors that are currently open are providing excellent care to the people the hospital serves. The staff there are excellent and I take this opportunity to wish them all well in their endeavours over the next couple of months. It is great to see the 24-bed inpatient unit will be opened in quarter 1. It is hugely important that we try to get that opened as quickly as possible because the beds are needed in the north Cork area. I concur with the Minister about the bed use at the hospital.”