Kieran O'Donnell
Limerick City · Fine Gael · Ireland
“The triangle of supports of home care, day care and meals on wheels services — including dementia-specific supports — plays a vital role in helping older people to age well in their own communities. Meals on wheels services provide much more than nutritious meals.”
“The organisation currently operates a day care service four days per week, supporting approximately 60 registered users, and a meals on wheels service with 104 registered users. The HSE has advised that increased funding has been committed to support the organisation.”
“I join the Leas-Chathaoirleach in welcoming the Kellehers to the Seanad, which is a beautiful building in its own right. I thank Senator Kelleher for raising this important matter. He has advocated for Westgate Foundation over a sustained period of time and that has to be acknowledged. I know the work it does is close to his heart.”
“I again thank the Senator for raising Westgate Foundation in Ballincollig and the work it does on behalf of the community, particularly older people. The Senator referred to housing on-site. It is very much an integrated model. I could see how committed the staff and the board, many of them voluntary, were.”
“The Government has significantly increased investment in meals on wheels services in recent years. Funding increased from €3.5 million in 2022 to €6.25 million in 2025, with a further €2 million allocated in budget 2026 to support service expansion and maintenance.”
“The shared objective of the HSE and Westgate Foundation is to ensure high-quality day care and meals on wheels services continue to be available to older people who rely on them, particularly in the greater Ballincollig area.”
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“Once again, I thank Senator Keogan for her contribution on this matter. I note the concerns she has raised. More particularly, I refer to the point she raised concerning vouched and unvouched expenses. I have no doubt she will take it up with my party colleague the Minister of State with responsibility for local government, Deputy Cummins. I will also bring it to his attention. To reiterate, Tailte Éireann is independent in the exercise of its valuation functions under the Valuation Act 2001, as amended, and neither I nor the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has any function regarding decisions in this regard. The Valuation Act 2001, as amended, provides that a property is rateable unless it is expressly exempted. Schedule 4 to the Act of 2001 lists the categories of property not liable for commercial rates.”
“There are no plans at this time for the exemption contained in paragraph 19 of Schedule 4 to the Act to be extended to include constituency offices occupied by county or city councillors, for the reasons I outlined. Exempting any class or use of property, such as offices used exclusively by county and city councillors in the performance of their role, would require an amendment to the primary legislation, namely, the Valuation Act 2001.”
“Notwithstanding the dedication and time committed to the performance of the role and functions of county and city councillors, which we all accept, it is generally acknowledged that elected members of local authorities, while playing an important and pivotal part in the functioning of local government, fulfil their role in a part-time capacity where the vocational or voluntary aspect of public service is a long-standing and valued part of elected office. Consequently, very few, if any, locally elected members occupy rateable premises that are used exclusively for the purposes of accommodating their constituency office. We do, though, acknowledge the great work that councillors do and the vital role they play.”
“Therefore, in the interests of equity, any building or part of a building occupied by a Member of the Oireachtas or the European Parliament is now deemed to be exempt from rates under the 2001 Act if such property is occupied by the Member and used exclusively for the purposes of accommodating that Member’s constituency office. This is established in Schedule 4, paragraph 19, to the Valuation Act 2001.”
“This provision in the Act was introduced to address an anomaly that existed prior to the passage of the legislation where a Deputy or Senator who located his or her constituency office in the Leinster House office complex was not liable for rates because the premises occupied by the Houses of the Oireachtas, being an office of State, would have been exempt from rates under section 15(3) of the Act, and now in Schedule 4, paragraph 12A. Whereas, up to 2 May 2002, the date of commencement of the Valuation Act 2001, if a Deputy’s constituency office were located outside Leinster House, he or she would be liable for rates in respect of that property.”
“Schedule 4 of the Act of 2001 lists the categories of property that are not liable for commercial rates. Paragraph 19 of Schedule 4 provides for an exemption for premises occupied by a Member of either House of the Oireachtas or a representative in the European Parliament and used exclusively by that Member or representative for the purpose of accommodating their constituency office. This exemption does not extend to constituency offices of city and county councillors or offices or premises occupied by political parties.”
“I thank Senator Keogan for the question and for the opportunity to discuss the rationale for the valuation of constituency offices. I will take this Commencement matter on behalf of my colleague the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy James Browne. Tailte Éireann is an independent government agency under the aegis of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Tailte Éireann provides a property registration system, a property valuation service, and national mapping and surveying infrastructure for the State. Tailte Éireann is independent in the exercise of its valuation functions under the Valuation Act 2001, as amended. As Minister of State, I have no function in decisions in this regard. The Valuation Act 2001, as amended, provides that a property is rateable unless it is expressly exempted.”
“The Government focus is on implementing the 28 actions of the Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 plan, including action 17 for a very discrete and limited transitional role for LNG infrastructure in Ireland in the form of a strategic emergency gas reserve. This is central to enhancing the resilience of Ireland's energy system in the event of an emergency or foreign disruption to our subsea gas infrastructure. An application for fossil fuel infrastructure in Ireland is subject to planning consent and regulatory approvals by the relevant bodies. The provisions of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Acts 2015 to 2021 will apply.”
“I thank Senator Cosgrove for her contribution on this matter. I note the concern she has raised in her contributions, which will be brought to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien. The State-led strategic gas emergency reserve, operating on a non-commercial basis and for use only in the event of an emergency, would provide resilience to the gas system, mitigate against major consequences for our society and our economy that would arise from limited gas supply or disruption in Ireland. The Department is developing the appropriate policy and administration measures to ensure a strategic reserve provides the resilience to energy in a manner that does not inadvertently increase gas demand but that means the gas supply available on the market is compatible with Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Acts.”
“The financial, operational, commercial and regulation details will be finalised as part of these processes. The approval of the State-led strategic reserve concludes the energy security review. Related reports will be considered for future publication. On the specific point raised by the Senator, I will bring this back for the attention of the Minister. Some of it was not dealt with in the response given but I will bring those specific points back.”
“The strategic gas emergency reserve is a transitional measure that supports a secure transition of our energy system. The policy decision taken by the Government ensures the risk of stranded fossil fuel assets is reduced. The reserve will be used for emergency use and does not support increased gas demand. These provisions will be underpinned by policy and legislation that my Department is progressing as a matter of priority. The facility will be owned and operated by Gas Networks Ireland and public procurement processes will determine any future delivery partners. Gas Networks Ireland will now progress the project through the relevant planning and regulatory structures. Final costs to deliver this strategic gas emergency reserve and the cost recovery model will be assessed and considered to inform a final investment decision.”
“The Minister, Deputy Foley, and her Department are confident that this strategic approach to supporting youth work and youth workers will build on the driven, committed and compassionate work currently being delivered by youth work services across Ireland.”
“Making the sector attractive and meaningful to work in is essential in achieving a sustainable model of youth work services and ensuring they are accessible to all young people. To address this, action 7 of Opportunities for Youth aims to produce a workforce development strategy in respect of the youth work sectors to address and support the needs of youth workers. Action 14 of Opportunities for Youth aims to implement an updated sector-wide national quality standards framework. Youth work and qualified, well-supported and trained youth workers contribute significantly to the quality of the services provided in youth services throughout the country.”
“I again thank Deputy Cummins for raising this important matter today. I note the points she made and her acknowledgement of the survey and the benefits it will bring. I note her point on a committee for young people. That matter will be brought to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Foley. While providing adequate funding of youth work and youth services is essential, it is also paramount that youth workers themselves are supported with access to development pathways. Provision of high quality, inclusive youth work services is a key goal of Opportunities for Youth: the National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services. As with many other sectors, there are challenges around recruitment and retention.”
“The North South Education and Training Standards committee for youth work, NSETS, is responsible for the professional endorsement of undergraduate and postgraduate youth work education programmes in higher education institutions on the island of Ireland. NSETS is funded and supported by the Minister, Deputy Foley’s Department.”
“The data and information gathering and analysis is a critical step to informing the Department’s approach to actions regarding the education and training of youth workers in the workforce development strategy. The broad aim of the workforce development strategy is to support youth workers and youth organisations in delivering a best-in-class service to young people in Ireland. The Deputy will know that many youth workers are already qualified in youth work or related fields. She gave us an indication of her own pathway into the area. Ultimately, this strategy will support those in the sector who wish to follow in this pathway. The Deputy made reference to an all-island approach. Currently, there are five higher education institutions on the island of Ireland offering undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications in youth work.”
“This strategy will include consideration of training needs and the requirement for high-quality, accessible and inclusive youth work services and opportunities. To date, a large-scale workforce survey in the sector has been compiled, gathering the views of almost 1,000 individuals, including youth workers and youth work managers. When the Department’s analysis of the responses is complete, we will have a clearer picture of the range, level and type of qualification held by or being undertaken by youth workers and managers. Furthermore, this week a survey will issue to employers in national youth organisations and independent youth services in the sector. This will provide a more complete picture of the workforce in the sector and enable comparative analysis to be undertaken.”
“In September 2024, the then Minister, Deputy O’Gorman, launched Opportunities for Youth: the National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services. This strategy aims to provide a more strategic, data-driven and joined-up approach to the delivery of youth work and related services in Ireland. Informed by wide-ranging consultation with young people, the youth sector, education and training boards and other key stakeholders, the strategy identifies both strategic objectives and individual actions to guide the delivery and development of youth work services. Challenges to the youth work workforce emerged strongly as a key theme across the consultations. In response to the consultations with youth workers, action 7 of Opportunities for Youth aims to produce a workforce development strategy this year.”
“I thank Deputy Cummins for raising this important issue and for offering me the opportunity to respond on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Foley. I can see the Deputy's commitment to the area. She has lived it and breathed it so I can see how important it is to her on both a political and personal level. The Minister is committed to supporting the delivery and development of youth work services and opportunities for young people throughout the country. This year, almost €85 million in funding has been allocated for youth services and capital expenditure, which represents an increase in funding of €7 million, or almost 9% on the 2024 budget. Over the period from 2021 to 2025, the level of current Exchequer funding for youth services and programmes will have increased by more than 34%.”
“If there are any matters arising from the court decision on this case that require action on the part of the Department, it will progress those without delay. Deputy Neville is a TD for the constituency and obviously the particular points he has raised will be brought to the attention of the Minister. As I said, if there are any matters arising from the court decision that require action on the part of the Department it will progress those without delay. While demand for accommodation services for people seeking international protection continues to outweigh supply, with over 3,300 persons without an offer of accommodation, Ryevale House will continue to accommodate approximately 90 adults who are international protection applicants until the court has ruled on these matters.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. I am taking this matter, as I said, on behalf of the Minister for children, disability and equality, Deputy Foley. The points the Deputy raised will be brought to the attention of the Minister. I reiterate the Department understands there is ongoing engagement between the provider, the local authority and An Bord Pleanála in the courts in relation to planning matters at this property. As the Deputy noted, matters related to planning are between the local authority and the accommodation service provider. The Department understands the decision about the planning issue for this property is before the courts and it is not appropriate for the Department to comment further on the matter at this time.”
“While demand continues to outweigh supply for accommodation services for people seeking international protection and more than 3,500 people are without an offer of accommodation, Ryevale House will continue to accommodate approximately 90 adult females who are international protection applicants until a court has ruled on those matters. I trust this information is helpful.”
“The Department understands there is ongoing engagement between the provider, the local authority, An Bord Pleanála and the courts about planning matters at this property. It is important to note that regulatory matters related to planning are between the local authority and the accommodation service provider. The Department understands that the decision on planning permission for this property is before the courts and it is not appropriate for the Department to comment further on the matter at this time. If there are matters arising from the court decision on this case that require action on the part of the Department, we will progress these without delay.”
“The Department provides accommodation to more than 33,000 people today. Since 2021, when we provided 7,000 places, this demand-led system has grown by more than 400%. Pressure on accommodation availability of all types is extremely high. The Department has extended all teams to try to meet this always-growing demand. Yet, despite this effort, more than 3,500 people are without an offer of accommodation since 2023. The international protection procurement service, IPPS, within the Department is tasked with providing sufficient capacity to meet the demand for accommodation services for international protection applicants, a legal requirement under the recast reception conditions directive.”
“I thank Deputy Neville for raising this issue and offering me the opportunity to respond on behalf of the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy Foley. Ryevale House in County Kildare is an International Protection Accommodation Service, IPAS, accommodation centre, contracted to the Department since 2023. It provides shelter to approximately 90 women who are applying for international protection. The basis for applying for international protection, also known as asylum or refugee status, is fleeing war or persecution in one's home country. As international protection applicants, people are entitled to shelter and support under both Irish and EU law. Ireland has seen a sharp increase in the number of people applying for international protection in recent years.”
“On the particular matter in respect of the Staleen water treatment plant to Windmill Hill reservoir project, the Deputy has acknowledged that the project is under way and he has put forward a proposal with regard to a phased approach. Once again, it is a matter that we will bring back to the Minister, Deputy Browne, and ask that the matter be taken up with Uisce Éireann. If he wishes, the Deputy can write directly to the Minister on the particular matter and it is something we can take up.”
“I once again thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I acknowledge the patience and co-operation of residents and businesses in Duleek, Staleen and surrounding areas who have been affected by these outages. Uisce Éireann would like to assure customers that when an unplanned outage occurs, local water services crews are immediately dispatched to do repair work as soon as possible. It is always about ensuring that the water supply is returned to all customers as quickly as possible. As I have said, Uisce Éireann is currently reviewing the Staleen to Duleek water main following the water outage in recent weeks.”
“As I said, Uisce Éireann is currently reviewing the issue with the Staleen to Duleek water main following the outage in recent weeks and it is actively following up on this. I note the point the Deputy raises with regard to a phased approach and it is something I will bring back to the Minister and Uisce Éireann. The Deputy might follow up with direct correspondence to the Minister and we can then follow up with Uisce Éireann on that point. The more immediate issue of the outage in Duleek is being actively looked at by Uisce Éireann.”
“Uisce Éireann is also progressing plans to replace and increase the capacity of the existing water pipeline from Staleen water treatment plant to Windmill Hill reservoir. This is another strategically important project to increase the security and resilience of drinking water supply across County Meath. The project team is currently engaging with landowners to determine the route selection. Uisce Éireann has a communications protocol in place for all planned interruptions whereby customers are notified in advance, including a text alert system that customers can sign up to. I have no doubt it has been difficult and distressing for homeowners, people who are renting and businesses due to the leaks between Staleen and Duleek.”
“Uisce Éireann is developing several strategically important drinking water projects in this area and it is worth going through the details of those. Uisce Éireann is progressing the Duleek to Navan trunk water main project, which is one of a number of strategically important projects under way to increase the security and resilience of drinking water supply across County Meath. This project represents an investment of €41 million to safeguard the water supply to homes and businesses in Navan. The provision of this new 16 km regional trunk water main and pumping station will create a strategic link between the Staleen water treatment plant, at a point just south of Duleek, and the Proudstown and Carn Hill reservoirs, which provide treated water storage for Navan.”
“However, I have made specific inquiries and am informed that there have been a number of bursts on the Duleek to Staleen water main in recent weeks, as the Deputy noted. Uisce Éireann would like to assure customers that when an unplanned outage occurs, local water services crews are immediately dispatched to do repair work as soon as possible. Their focus is always on ensuring the water supply is returned to all customers as quickly as possible. Uisce Éireann is currently reviewing the Staleen to Duleek water main following the water outages in recent weeks. The Deputy referred to the substantial body of work. Uisce Éireann is looking at this specific issue and it is something I specifically inquired about today.”
“I thank Deputy O'Rourke for raising the need to discuss the water supply issues in Duleek and Stalleen. I am taking this Topical Issue debate on behalf of the Minister for housing, Deputy James Browne, who is my colleague in the Department. I appreciate Deputy O'Rourke's concerns for the services and businesses affected. He has outlined it very well. The Deputy will appreciate that the operation of the public water supply, together with operational issues locally, are matters for Uisce Éireann, which has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at the national, regional and local level. Under section 7 of the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013, neither I, as Minister of State, nor my Department have an operational function in the matter to which the Deputy refers.”
“The board is now working towards the provision of an even more user-friendly and easily accessible service that meets customers expectations. I will take the Senator's comments back to the respective Ministers.”
“I note the comments Senator Boyhan made, which I will bring back to the respective Ministers. Plean-IT is a fully functioning system that integrates case management, GIS mapping and public procurement. It has been in operation for some eight years to date. The project was subject to project governance and management, public procurement and necessary approvals through all phases of development. Progress on the project was publicly reported on an annual basis in the An Bord Pleanála annual reports. The project was completed four years ago in 2021. An Bord Pleanála continues to be committed to optimising and improving the use of digital channels for service delivery in this ever-changing and fast-growing space.”
“This will be realised by maximising the use of enhanced ICT systems and processes to support business operations. Plean-IT is an example of the board’s commitment to delivery in this area.”
“As is standard with all major ICT projects, a lessons learned review of Plean-IT was carried out in 2022 by an external consultant following a public procurement process. The Department sanctioned a director of transformation and digital services post following the Minister's action plan and the OPR report of 2022 to head up the next development phase of the board’s ICT strategy. An Bord Pleanála's transformation and digital services unit is currently working with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, OGCIO, developing online applications to receive normal planning appeals. An Bord Pleanála is committed to optimising the use of digital channels for service delivery. The board is working towards the provision of a nationally available, user-friendly and easily accessible service that meets customers' expectations.”
“The GIS element of the project went live during 2017 and was integrated with the new CMS. At the conclusion of the initial five-year period, a suite of enhancements and system improvements were introduced. This was phase II of the project. Additional external expertise was publicly procured in 2019 to progress phase II. The board approved the renovation of the CMS using an internal team led by a new project manager and business analyst. The system has now been operational for eight years. Throughout the implementation period, the board reported regularly on progress. The Plean-IT project, both phase I and phase II, was fully completed in 2021. In April 2021, a new website was launched that facilitated online submissions and-or observations, including associated fees for cases before the board.”
“The business case was approved by the Department of public expenditure, which stipulated a phased project implementation. Following a separate public procurement process, an external consultancy firm was appointed to project manage Plean-IT. It assisted with the identification of the specific requirements for the tender specification for the new system. To ensure proper governance, a steering committee was established. Approval of key milestones was required to be given by the steering committee and the board of An Bord Pleanála. The project was projected to take five years from 2014 to 2019. A further public procurement process led to an external ICT company being appointed to develop the selected CMS. Development commenced in 2016 and the CMS went live in October 2017.”
“I will bring the Senator's comments in that regard to the respective Ministers as well. With regard to the An Bord Pleanála Plean-IT project, An Bord Pleanála commenced an ICT strategy in 2013. The purpose of the strategy was to address the board’s reliance on legacy systems. The Plean-IT programme was initiated in 2014 to implement this strategy. An external consulting firm was appointed following a public procurement process to carry out a feasibility study to assist in making a business case for the project. The business case was for three elements: a new case management system, CMS; geographical information systems, GIS; and a new website and portal. These three elements combined were referred to as the Plean-IT project, with the CMS retaining the name Plean-IT.”
“Rannóg an Aistriúcháin provides translation services for the Houses of the Oireachtas and provides official translations of the Acts of the Oireachtas. The commencement of the Act is a key priority for Government and it is being commenced on a phased basis to facilitate the transition from the arrangements under the current Act to those under the next Act. I am pleased to inform the House, as the Senator alluded to, that the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage published an implementation plan for the Act earlier this week. Ahead of the Act's commencement date, there will be a range of initiatives to support training and engagement to help the planning sector prepare for the phased transition. The Senator referenced the training. I expect that will happen in the normal way.”
“The Senator will appreciate that much of this answer was based on the question, so I will quickly go through it. I thank him for the opportunity, on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Browne, to update the House on the Planning and Development Act 2024 and progress on the An Bord Pleanála Plean IT project. While the Planning and Development Act was signed in October 2024 and is available electronically on the Irish Statute Book, it is not yet available as Gaeilge and in printed form. The publication of the Act is not a matter for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, as the Senator stated. However, it is my understanding that the Act will not be available in print until such time as it is translated.”
“The Government established the retail forum to allow issues of relevance to the sector to be discussed, with a view to identifying practical actions to support the sector and achieve sustainable growth. Just over two years ago, in 2023, the Tipperary town regeneration officer and Clonmel borough district brought together a number of people representing various interests in Clonmel to form a town team and produced a Clonmel town centre first action plan. That is something we can maybe follow up on as well. The Deputy put across his points in a genuine fashion. I will raise the issue of antisocial behaviour with the Minister for Justice and bring the other matters he raised to the attention of my colleague, the Minister, Deputy James Browne.”
“The URDF call 3 funding, which saw €6 million given to Tipperary County Council to acquire properties that were vacant and derelict, has resulted in 28 such properties being identified and acquired in Clonmel. There are things happening. As of the end of quarter 4 2024, 540 applications under the vacant property refurbishment grant had been received in respect of Tipperary. Of those, 412 have been approved and a total of 64 have been paid out, to a value of €3.35 million. The Deputy referred to antisocial behaviour. I will raise that matter with my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Deputy O'Callaghan, who will take it up with An Garda Síochána in Clonmel and Tipperary. We want vibrant retail sectors in town centres and we value what they bring. The Deputy raised the specific case of Clonmel.”
“I thank Deputy McGrath for raising this important issue and I note his genuine concern regarding Clonmel town. As he stated, a new Garda barracks will be located in Kickham Barracks. The Deputy referred to the site and the people who served there. It is a formerly inaccessible military site which will be turned into a new civic, cultural and educational quarter as part of Clonmel 2030. The regeneration will have 1,000 people on site and will introduce a third level education campus into the town centre. This will offer new opportunities to businesses. Obviously, we want to see people living in the town centre. That is hugely important. The croí cónaithe scheme does that.”
“Some 412 of these have been approved and a total of 64 grants to the value of €3.35 million have paid out. Further information on the range of supports is available on my Department’s website. I am conscious the matters relating to antisocial behaviour to which the Deputy referred have been raised previously. I will raise these concerns with my colleague the Minister for Justice. On the retail sector, which the Deputy made reference to, the Government established the retail forum to allow key issues of relevance to the sector to be discussed with a view to identifying practical actions to support the sector and achieve sustainable jobs growth. My colleague the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment is responsible for co-ordinating these efforts.”
“To date, 77 of the properties submitted by Tipperary County Council across URDF-eligible towns have been approved for acquisition, with 28 located in Clonmel. My Department introduced planning and development regulations that provide an exemption from the need to obtain planning permission for change of use in respect of certain vacant commercial buildings to residential use, including above-the-shop living. These exemptions can be combined with other vacant property supports such as the vacant property refurbishment grant under the croí cónaithe towns fund and the repair and leasing scheme. As of quarter 4 of 2024, a total of 544 applications under the acant property refurbishment grant scheme had been received in respect of Tipperary County council.”
“My Department is also supporting Tipperary County Council through the URDF, with €15.4 million provided for a new regional sports hub and the transformation of Kickham Barracks from a former inaccessible military site into a new civic, cultural and educational quarter as part of the Clonmel 2030 initiative. The regenerated barracks will have in excess of 1,000 people on site and introduce a third level education campus into the town centre, which will offer new opportunities to businesses and retail. Tipperary County Council has also been approved for €6 million in URDF call 3 funding to tackle vacancy and dereliction by acquiring, including through compulsory purchase, vacant and derelict properties for sale or reuse.”
“One of the focal points of the action plan relates to the interaction with the Government’s town centre first policy approach, which was launched by my Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development in 2022 and which provides a whole-of-government policy framework to address the decline in the health of towns and support measures to revitalise them. To drive the delivery of town centre first, dedicated town regeneration officers have been appointed within local authorities. Their work is supported by the national town centre first office in the Local Government Management Agency. In 2023, the Tipperary town regeneration officer and Clonmel borough district brought together a number of people who represented various interests in Clonmel to form a town team and produced the Clonmel town centre first action plan.”
“I thank Deputy McGrath for raising this important issue and for giving me, on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Browne, the opportunity to update Members on the issue of vacancy and dereliction in Clonmel town. Addressing vacancy and making efficient use of existing housing stock is a key priority for Government. To address this, a number of structures have been established, including a dedicated vacant homes unit in my Department, a full-time vacant homes officer in each local authority and the publication of a vacant homes action plan to draw together a number of vacancy-related measures across relevant Departments.”
“In terms of my role as the Minister of State with special responsibility for older people, and the specific aspect in terms of women in the context of the issue raised by the Deputy, I am going to work with the Minister on the matter. More specifically, I am going to work on the issue raised by the Deputy regarding women moving into their older years. It is something I am very strong on and I will work with the Minister on the specific matter raised by the Deputy.”