Micheál Carrigy
Longford-Westmeath · Fine Gael · Ireland
“People with Alzheimer's and their families throughout the country deserve to be supported by the State. Statutory home care is in the programme for Government. It is something we have been working on for a number of years. I look forward to progressing that over the term of this Government so that we can have it in place.”
“We also need to continue to invest in research to stop this condition being so prevalent. Some programmes are in place in the UK and some families from Ireland are travelling to the UK to take part in studies. I would like that research to take place here in Ireland as well.”
“I look forward to working with the group led by George and Fiona under the tutelage of their new chairperson, Cathy Reynolds, another proud Longford woman who has done so much in this area in memory of her late mam and her dad, Albert Reynolds. Earlier we were looking at the portrait of Albert Reynolds in the Taoiseach's gallery.”
“I acknowledge Jordan and Cian for coming here for the statements. Helen is here also, along with Jordan's wife Agnes and their dad who has been such a major part of the journey so far. Deputy Sherlock said they are an inspiration.”
“I still vividly remember during the Covid pandemic when I went to visit her with my son and, for the first time, she did not recognise me. That was a difficult day, but she got the best of care in St. Joseph's care centre in Longford.”
“We should put in place financial supports through the budget to support companies to do the research here to find the drugs that can stop this disease which takes so many of our loved ones away. Once again, I use the word inspiration. That is what Jordan, Cian, Helen, Agnes and their dad have been to people in this country.”
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Every one of 144 lines we hold for Micheál Carrigy, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 2 of 3.
“In response to parliamentary questions I submitted since being elected to the Dáil going back to January 2025, we received replies from the HSE that the planning was currently progressing through design phase with a view to lodging for planning permission in Edgeworthstown. In Granard the HSE was exploring options to purchase and proceed with a capital funded centre. In Ballymahon clarifications had been sought from tender parties and tender evaluation was to take place in mid-January followed by the tender award thereafter. Further replies to parliamentary questions in late 2025 showed that basically everything was at a standstill.”
“The Government's primary care strategy, which includes Sláintecare and the primary care infrastructure programme, aims to significantly expand primary care centres across the country. The original programme identified over 130 primary care centres. More than 100 of these centres have now been completed and are operating nationally, including one in Longford town, which serves a town with a population of 10,000. However, a number of centres remain delayed due to procurement issues, site acquisition problems or changes in delivery models. Communities and local areas in Edgeworthstown, Granard, Ballymahon and the surrounding hinterland have been waiting many years for delivery of primary care centres.”
“I firmly believe post offices can do more for government - we can be the front face of government in all our local communities. I ask that we look at Department of Social Protection payments. I know there is a contract in place but we get a lower percentage of those payments. I honestly believe we would ultimately be able to deliver those payments cheaper. The Department's officials will not tell us it is cheaper but we need look at the amount of money that is paid back to the Department for payments. It averages about €65 million a year. That money, when paid into bank accounts, is lost. I ask that we look for all Department of Social Protection payments to be paid through the post office network because ultimately, it will be cheaper for the State.”
“We have put the package into the programme for Government as a five-year State aid programme - €15 million a year - to safeguard the network that is there. We have put things in place to ensure that if an office closes or somebody wishes to retire, the opportunity will be there for another business within the area to apply for it and provide that service. I am a member of a Government party but I am also a postmaster. We have received support from the Government to make sure we can maintain that network, but can more be done? I believe it can. We need more services because ultimately, we are losing payments because of online payments and direct debits. Many of the companies are pushing things that way because they do not want to get paid through post offices.”
“A Grant Thornton report a number of years ago, which was based on a UK model, measured the social dividend of the post office network to the country. It came up with a figure of between €350 million and €700 million - averaging roughly €500 million - as the dividend of the post office network throughout the country to the State in support of local communities. We have received support from the Government. When I was elected as a national politician, I worked with the Minister, Deputy Hildegarde Naughton; the then Minister, Heather Humphreys; and the then Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar; to put a State aid programme in place. We worked with Irish Postmasters Union, of which I am a member, to put a three-year deal in place for State aid funds. We were facing in the region of 200 to 300 closures at the time, ahead of the package being put in place.”
“I thank the Minister of State for taking the debate. I will start by saying I am a postmaster. It has been in our family for generations. My late mother took it over in 1972 and I have been running it for the past 20 years. I still cover the office on certain days or half-days during the week because ultimately, the local post office is the heart of the community. It is heartening to hear those comments from many Members. It is the heart of the community where I live. I was offered a redundancy package a number of years ago to close the office. I decided not to take it because it would have meant that the social hub in my village, and the footfall coming into the village and benefiting other businesses in the locality, would have been gone.”
“We have had a number of issues in our local towns that have appeared in the national media, so we want to make sure we are able to support the very good work that is being done by the gardaí on the ground in Longford.”
“I raise the issue of Garda numbers in Longford. Of the past three attestations coming out of Templemore, we have been lucky to receive one probationary Garda in our county. Over the past number of months, we have actually lost nine members between retirement, resignation and those transferring to other units. While a number have transferred in, we are still down numbers. We are looking to make sure we are brought up to the same cohort and the same level of service and support as in any other part of the country. Could the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration contact the Garda Commissioner to highlight this imbalance in our area?”
“I wish to raise ophthalmology services in Longford-Westmeath or the lack thereof. In 2024 we lost our service in Longford and since then we have had periods of no service with people having to travel to Dublin or Athlone or a temporary service back in Longford. The most recent correspondence I got from the HSE stated that for patients in Longford-Westmeath requiring a consultant ophthalmologist the pathway for access to the service is currently the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital in Dublin as there is no consultant based in the Regional Hospital Mullingar, which covers Longford and Westmeath. When will we get our service back in Longford-Westmeath?”
“On behalf of the members of the all-party committee on autism, I sincerely thank Mick for all his work over the last number of years in making Leinster House an autism-friendly Parliament and a Parliament that welcomes people of all disabilities and none. He did a huge amount of work with Roisin Deery over the years to make this Parliament what it is, a Parliament with the highest standards in the world. The person always came first in anything Mick did. It is a pleasure to have got to know you over the last number of years. I thank you for all your good work. Enjoy your retirement.”
“When will we see this money rolled out to organisations that are advocating on behalf of the autistic community throughout the country?”
“I speak as a member of the all-party Joint Committee on Autism. At a meeting yesterday, the autism innovation strategy, launched by the Government in August 2024, came up. As part of that strategy, in one of the points related to advocacy, understanding and acceptance, we stated we would establish an autism innovation fund. The fund is to be twofold, to provide for funding for innovative projects, initiatives and activities designed to support and empower autistic people around Ireland and, second, to support research that aims to increase our understanding of autism and autistic people. To date, to my knowledge, no procedures have been put in place and no funding has been spent in that regard. In budget 2025, €2 million was budgeted for this and nothing was spent, and €2 million has been budgeted for 2026.”
“A significant number of children in Longford are on the waiting list in primary care for occupational therapy, OT. The senior OT post has been vacant since January 2025. Despite all the necessary paperwork having been submitted to the integrated healthcare area, IHA, manager who is responsible for approvals, a recent staff grade position has been approved. The complexity of needs of children on the primary care list requires experienced clinicians to support staff grades. When will we be in a position to fill this role, which is needed? As I say, there has been a 12-month delay in the recruitment for this essential post, which is there to address what is a substantial, long waiting list and, indeed, long waiting times for families.”
“That is fine. I did not want to cut in because you were making a very important point. I wish to pass on the condolences of the Ceann Comhairle's office to both of the families mentioned. I thank the Deputy for raising the issue which is quite personal.”
“Deputy Maurice Quinlivan - To discuss the ongoing use and misuse of e-scooter vehicles in urban areas. Deputy Pa Daly - To discuss the demand for suicide crisis assessment nurse, SCAN, services for young people in Kerry. The matters raised by Deputies Brabazon, Conway-Walsh, Butterly, O'Donoghue and Daly have been selected for discussion”
“Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú - To discuss the statement by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau about the response to drug debt intimidation and violence. Deputy Séamus McGrath - To discuss section 254 licence applications in relation to telecommunications infrastructure. Deputy Barry Ward - To discuss the shortfall of special educational needs, SEN, primary school places in Shankill, County Dublin. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness - To discuss commercial rates bills for Waterford childcare providers participating in the early childhood care and education, ECCE, scheme. Deputy Louis O'Hara - To discuss the remaining sections of the Athenry relief road. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí - To discuss ongoing issues with the No. 15 bus route in north Dublin.”
“Deputy Erin McGreehan - To discuss the delivery of level 2 general palliative care services in County Louth. Deputy Michael Murphy - To discuss serious non-compliance with road traffic legislation. Deputy Peter Roche - To discuss access to supports for persons with an end-of-life medical card. Deputy Shane Moynihan - To discuss enhancing public transport links between Lucan and Dublin Airport. Deputy Paula Butterly - To discuss reopening the online portal for applications to special school places for the academic year 2026-27. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh - Chun plé a dhéanamh ar moill foilsithe na caighdeáin teanga do na seirbhísí poiblí de réir Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan - To discuss an enhanced influenza vaccination for older persons.”
“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 Tom Brabazon - To discuss section 39 arrangements for healthcare assistants. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue - To discuss waiting times for children awaiting speech and language therapy assessments in community healthcare organisation, CHO, 9. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh - To discuss funding for a nurture room at St. Brendan's College, Belmullet. Deputy Jen Cummins - To discuss the need for a secondary school in Meakstown. Deputy Michael Cahill - To discuss the need for additional beds in University Hospital Kerry. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil - To discuss special education in Kildare North. Deputy Albert Dolan - To discuss recurring electricity outages in north Galway.”
“The vacant properties refurbishment grant has been extremely successful since it was implemented by the Government, with nearly 15,000 applications up to the end of September. There were 200 in Longford and 300 in Westmeath, and over €200 million has been paid out under the scheme. However, I find that a significant number of individuals and couples are coming to my office who are struggling to secure finance to complete the works in order to create the drawdown. Could we consider stage payments within the grant scheme to allow young couples or individuals to use the scheme more effectively?”
“We have seen it in the work done by the Minister, Deputy Heydon, in securing a three-year derogation when people did not feel it would be got and I am confident in the ability of the Government and our representatives going out to Europe that we will get a strong and fair CAP deal for the farmers of our country.”
“Ultimately, the Government has concluded that the recent additions and the commitments were not sufficient for our agricultural sector, so it has stood behind the agricultural community throughout the country. We voted against the deal, which we committed to doing in the programme for Government passed here 12 months ago, so to say we only made decisions in the days leading up to last Friday is totally and factually incorrect. It is in the programme for Government and it is being supported by the Government. The other parties that are shouting and throwing their flags, as they did last weekend up in Athlone, are only coming to the table now. The Government has been committed to supporting the agricultural industry here.”
“We put into the programme for Government that we would not support it in the form it was in and we would work with like-minded countries in opposition to it. That is what we did as a Government, collectively, represented by our Minister for agriculture, Deputy Heydon. We worked with like-minded countries and when Italy got whatever sweetheart deal it got, our Minister went out to Europe batting in the middle of last week to work with other like-minded countries to make sure there was support, and a number of countries voted against this agreement. I support the calls that our MEPs, when it comes to the decision in a number of weeks’ time, support the decision that has been made by the Government.”
“Well done to Ciaran Mullooly MEP for organising the demonstration in Athlone, which I attended as a member of the Fine Gael Party and as a TD for Longford-Westmeath and to support the local Longford and Westmeath IFA organisations that I have worked with for a long time. I wish to highlight a couple of things. There was an Oireachtas committee meeting held with the IFA and the Irish Farmers Journal around mid-December to discuss the issue with the beef coming in from Brazil. There were very few Opposition Members at that and over 50% of the people at it were Fine Gael Oireachtas Members. A lot of people have got very vocal in the last couple of weeks but they were not vocal previously. The Government has been very clear about our concerns regarding the EU-Mercosur agreement for a long number of years.”
“All the large building companies and AHBs appeared before the housing committee. They all welcomed the changes and improvements made on the viability of apartment building. Is there any timeline on the legal challenge being brought on the changes to apartment sizes which will affect the delivery of tens of thousands of apartments?”
“Before I call on the Minister to open the debate, I remind the Members that two separate motions are being debated in this slot: the motion regarding the proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) Regulations 2025 and the motion regarding the proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Planning and Development (Exempted Development (Act of 2000)) (No. 2) Regulations 2025. The motions will be moved separately but debated together. They will be decided by separate questions.”
“I am seeking a commitment that the contract will be kept in place and that should an attempt be made to close the outreach surgery, the contract will be terminated and offered up again.”
“I concur with the comments of the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan, in extending our sympathies to the family of the late Paddy Cooney in Athlone. He served the people of Longford-Westmeath with distinction for decades. I also want to query an issue with GP contracts. I want to get a commitment that where new GP contracts are offered for tender, those who win the tenders commit to maintaining the existing surgeries that are in place. We have seen circumstances where a contract was taken on and a surgery was closed down six months later, leaving people having to travel up to ten miles in some cases. There is one case in my home county of Longford concerning a surgery in Lanesborough. I need a commitment that whoever wins the contract, a doctor will be in place to attend that surgery. The contract is currently up for tender.”
“I ask that we prioritise special school places being made available immediately for those families who do not have them and but badly need them.”
“I wish to raise the issue of the upcoming DEIS plus programme that has been announced. I am fearful that it will just be for the major cities. I want to highlight a number of schools, particularly those in Longford town. I ask that schools in towns like Longford, where there are many issues on the ground, are prioritised for the DEIS programme, particularly the national schools of St. Joseph's, St. Michael's and St. Emer's. Another issue I have raised previously is the lack of special school places. We have several families who have been on a waiting list for nearly 12 months due to the lack of places in the special school within Longford town, which covers not just the town, but the whole county and the counties surrounding it.”
“Would the people in the Visitors Gallery please desist from reacting to any comments that are made. I warn the Deputy and all Deputies not to make any comments about something that might be the subject of an ongoing investigation. I ask Deputies to be careful with comments in relation to that.”
“I know there was a consultation and the provider is back but we still have a major problem, particularly in north Longford. We have elderly people going into nursing homes for respite because the home help is not available in the house. I am looking for a commitment that we will look specifically at this and target this area in north Longford to make sure we have a sufficient service provided to those who are most vulnerable in our society.”
“The Taoiseach will be aware the provision of home help services is vital support that allows many older people and those with additional needs to remain living independently in their homes. Recent rankings from Home and Community Care Ireland place County Longford second, with the highest number of people on a waiting list for a service. In my constituency office, I continue to meet families. Some of these have no service and some are grateful for a limited service. There are staff shortages particularly at holiday periods and we are seeing hours reduced or even missed in cases. I fully recognise that efforts have been made in recent times through the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, to expand it. We had a care provider that gave notice to the HSE that it was no longer providing care.”
“The next item on our agenda is a Private Members' motion on the Office of the President from the Independent Technical Group. Before I call on Deputy Tóibín, I refer to a ruling made by the Ceann Comhairle on 7 October, to be aware that the President is beyond political debate as are the candidates running in the upcoming election. Both sides must respect that we do not delve into the current election or the President himself.”
“Deputy Shane Moynihan - To discuss the provision of new school buildings in Balgaddy, Lucan, County Dublin. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin - To discuss the closure of the meals on wheels service for Courtown and Gorey. Deputy Louise O'Reilly - To discuss the impact of delays in the coroner's court. The matters raised by Deputies Louise O'Reilly, Martin Daly, Ryan O'Meara, Barry Heneghan and Cian O'Callaghan and Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire have been selected for discussion.”
“Deputy Pa Daly - To discuss early intervention classes in Kerry. Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss ongoing human rights abuses against the Uyghurs. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú - To discuss the post of radiographer clinical specialist ultrasound at Louth County Hospital. Deputy Louis O'Hara - To discuss the ban on turf cutting in Barroughter, Clonmoylan and Ardraigue bogs in County Galway. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness - To discuss policing issues in Waterford. Deputy Ryan O'Meara - To discuss the need to establish the countryside forum. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan - To discuss the increased number of wandering and malnourished horses in urban areas of Limerick. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire - To discuss the docking of the MV Matthew at Marion Point and at Passage West dockyard.”
“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 Catherine Ardagh - To discuss the additional investment provided in budget 2026 for children’s respite supports. Deputy Joe Cooney - To discuss a recent court decision regarding the connection by the Ennis Plaza to the Clareabbey wastewater treatment plant, WWTP, system. Deputy Michael Cahill - To discuss the establishment of a dedicated pilot study on the health service in the Iveragh and Dingle peninsulas. Deputy Martin Daly - To discuss Portiuncula maternity services in Ballinasloe. Deputies Barry Heneghan and Cian O'Callaghan - To discuss the lack of autism class places at Stapolin Educate Together National School, Dublin 13.”
“I thank the Minister for that strong commitment. As he said, it has a massive impact in communities throughout the country, from playgrounds to tourism products - you name it. It has left its impact and it is important that we, the local action groups, LAGs, and the local LEADER companies working on the ground know that the Government is going to put in the matched funding to make sure they are able to staff themselves and are ready to roll out to the new programme when it comes.”
“My question is about the allocation of funding for the new LEADER programme from 2027 onwards. I have seen the success of the programme since it started in my county of Longford. We were successful in getting significant funding, all of which was drawn down for projects in the county. It has had a huge benefit and has improved communities throughout the county. I have been involved in a number of the projects in my own local area, including community centre funding and playgrounds that have been developed with funding through the LEADER programme. Great work has been done by the staff in Longford Community Resources. Could we get commitments on what Government funding has been put forward to make sure we get a strong allocation in the next LEADER programme?”
“I have a question about the LIS. The Minister stated that some counties are not spending their allocation. I come from the county of Longford, where we have huge waiting lists. We spend our entire allocation. I ask that any moneys not spent by a local authority be ring-fenced and sent back to those local authorities that are spending what has been allocated and have long waiting lists.”
“We challenged him on assessment of need; he provided €10 million in 2024 for over 1,000 assessments of need and only last week there was €20 million in budget 2026 for more. We need more people like Simon Harris in government who are dedicated to public service.”
“I too was in the audiovisual room yesterday where we were touched by the life experiences we heard of Ciara and others, including Harvey’s family. It is only right that we as a Government and a nation must do better. I fully support the motion of support in the Minister, Deputy Harris. He is honest and open. He is a leader; he is our leader and he is my leader and he turns aspirations into actions, as he said earlier. I chaired the Joint Committee on Autism and I challenged him to do more. We challenged him to provide more third level education and he did that. Eleven universities now provide courses for kids with intellectual disabilities and autism and one was just launched in Limerick on Monday. We challenged him for extra places; he provided over 100 places across the therapies not only in colleges here but also in Northern Ireland.”
“In budget 2025 funding was allocated for five additional family resource centres, FRCs. I was one of those involved in putting a management team together to put forward a proposal and an application from Longford. We advocated here a number of weeks ago for funding for additional FRCs in budget 2026. This was granted and there is funding in place for ten additional FRCs throughout the country. We need an FRC in Longford. We hit the top in every one of the matrices, from truancy rates to referrals to Tusla. A team from all the agencies in the county put together an assessment of needs project to highlight that need. It is imperative that Longford is on that list. Longford needs its FRC.”
“They are required across the regional towns of the county. I ask for support for those projects. I commend the Minister and his Department on bringing forward this amending Bill and am happy to support it.”
“It is not just making commitments but ensuring that the finance is there to back them up. By approving this increase, we are ensuring that thousands more families, older people and individuals across the country will have access to secure and affordable homes in the months and years ahead. Only in the past five minutes, the first home scheme posted interim results. Over 4,100 homes have been purchased in the past three years, with 8,300 approved. I mentioned affordable homes and in that context, I will take the opportunity to highlight the need in my own home county for additional affordable housing. Only in recent weeks, a scheme for affordable homes was put to the Department and the Housing Agency for approval. Such homes are needed across the county and not just in the county town of Longford.”
“As chair of the housing committee, I emphasise the need for the housing plan and those figures to be published in the very short term for the term ahead. In my own constituency of Longford-Westmeath, we are seeing the benefit of this kind of sustained investment. Projects funded through the AHBs and the local authorities are bringing new homes on stream within the towns across the two counties. The communities and people living there can see the progress. They want the momentum to continue and that is why this Bill is so important. It keeps the pipeline open, protects delivery capacity and ensures that local authorities and housing bodies can continue to plan with confidence. It is practical, responsible and necessary. It reflects a Government that is serious about delivery.”
“It ensures the continuity of funding, allowing social and affordable housing projects to proceed without disruption. By increasing the limit to €13.5 billion, we are enabling the delivery of an estimated 5,650 additional homes, which is significant progress in tackling our supply challenges. It is also important to note that this increase is an interim measure, bridging the period until mid-2026. Once the national development plan funding allocations and the new housing plan are finalised, the HFA will reassess its longer term borrowings as part of a need for its new corporate plan. The next phase will ensure that the HFA is fully resourced to support its expanded delivery targets that we will set out under the next housing strategy.”
“It does not rely on Exchequer convention; it borrows from the NTMA, the European Investment Bank and the Council of Europe Development Bank and adds only a small margin to cover its administrative costs, which makes it one of the most efficient and sustainable arms of our housing delivery system. Why does this matter now? The limit is €12 billion. It increased from €10 billion just last year and is already fully committed. That shows that we are delivering housing. Forecasts showed that this limit would be reached by early November 2025. Without an increase, the HFA would have no legal authority to approve any new loans, meaning that projects currently in planning or procurement would stall. That is not a position that any of us in this House wants to see.”
“The Minister and Minister of State are both very welcome. I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Housing Finance Agency (Amendment) Bill, which proposes to increase the statutory borrowing limit of the HFA from €12 billion to €13.5 billion. It is a necessary step to ensure that it can continue to do what it was established to do - to finance the delivery of social and affordable homes across our country. It plays a crucial role in our housing system. It is low-cost, long-term finance to our local authorities, AHBs and HEIs, supporting the delivery of thousands of homes each year under Housing for All and the cost-rental model. It is worth noting that it is self-financing.”
“I am looking for a commitment that in budget 2026 we will provide money for additional family resource centres and that Longford, which has the highest need in the country, and that need is factual, will be successful in what it needs, namely a family resource centre based in the town.”
“The programme for Government is supportive of the provision of family resource centres which provide community development and family support services in towns throughout the country. Longford town has a population of 10,000. It has the highest truancy levels in the State by population. It has the highest number of referrals to Tusla and it has the most diverse population in the country. Yet, in the recent application, we were unsuccessful in securing funding despite putting together a needs assessment with all the organisations working on the ground in Longford to highlight the need. The need we have for a family resource centre was shown. We have a building and we have a board but we do not have the money. We were not successful despite the highest need across all those levels in the country.”