Noel Grealish
Galway West · Independent · Ireland
“In this regard, the FAI has strongly represented the views of its membership that Israel should be excluded from international football competitions, including bringing a motion to UEFA to this effect last year.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta. I am taking this on behalf of the Minister for Education and Youth, Deputy Hildegarde Naughton. I will outline to the Dáil the current position on investments in school infrastructure in County Waterford. Waterford county is broken down into five school planning areas.”
“We will also continue to use our influence to persuade the international community to take appropriate action and stop this conflict. However, we should not reduce this issue to one or two football games or events.”
“Should the first fixture take place in Dublin, which again is ultimately a matter for the FAI and UEFA, I am fully confident that An Garda Síochána has the expertise and resources to police the game properly.”
“Of the total €7.55 billion investment, it is envisaged that approximately €5 billion will be used for project roll-out to support the delivery and modernisation of school buildings across the large-scale, additional accommodation, modular and annual September accommodation needs programmes.”
“Ireland had taken a strong stance in respect of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including recognising the State of Palestine, and the Government stands ready to play our part in working towards a sustainable peace between Israel and Palestine, through the realisation of the two-state solution.”
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“There are also 14 SLD classes in 11 mainstream primary schools located across the country, though mainly in urban settings, in counties Dublin, Clare, Louth, Galway, Kerry and Wexford. These schools and classes have a teacher-student ratio of 1:9 and are attended by students normally aged between eight and 12 years for a maximum of two years. Students will have a diagnosis of dyslexia and a score at the second percentile, or lower, on standardised literacy tests. They will also have an average or above average level of intelligence. It is important to note that these classes were established at a time when significantly fewer resources were available to mainstream schools. The inspectorate has evaluated provision in special classes for children and young people with an SLD.”
“A continuum of education provisions is in place covering the full range of need spanning placement in mainstream classes, with support to more specialist placements, either in a special class or a special school, depending on the complexity of need. It is important to note, though, that the majority of students with literacy difficulties currently receive additional teaching support from a special education teacher in a mainstream class. This is provided on the basis of the individual student’s learning needs, identified in schools, as opposed to being based on a requirement for a child to have a diagnosis or an assessment of a particular disability. There are four schools dedicated to supporting students with an SLD.”
“Guidelines for schools on the organisation, deployment and use of their special education teachers have been published on the Department’s website. There are 15,000 special education teachers allocated to primary and post-primary schools to enable them to support children with special educational needs. Funding is also made available to schools for the purchase of specialised equipment such as computers and software, or both, to assist children with special educational needs, including children with a specific learning disability, where relevant professionals recommend the equipment as being essential for the provision of education. Schools apply to the NCSE through their local SENO for such support.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Seanadóir. I am taking this on behalf of the Minister for Education and Youth, Deputy Naughton. It is Department policy, in accordance with the principles of inclusive education, that students with additional learning needs are supported in mainstream classes along with their peers, with additional supports provided as necessary. Schools are advised to provide the highest levels of additional teaching support for those students who have the highest levels of need, including students with literacy difficulties. The Department has invested considerably in ensuring that all recognised mainstream schools have been allocated additional special education teaching resources to support children with special educational needs, including students with a specific learning disability, SLD.”
“With the right framework, the right investment and continued co-operation with the agrifood sector, the agrifood sector will continue to play a vital role in the economic, social and environmental sustainability of our rural economy and rural communities. The family farm model has endured for generations because it adapts. Our responsibility is to ensure that the policy environment enables that adaptation, fairly, sustainably and confidently. If we stay focused on delivery, maintain open dialogue and keep the well-being and viability of primary producers at the heart of our decisions, I am confident that the family farm in Ireland will not only survive the challenges of this decade but will emerge a lot stronger. I thank the Deputies for their contributions and Deputy Kenny for bringing forward his proposal.”
“We must continue to make farming attractive to young people; support orderly and fair succession; ensure a strong and well-funded CAP; strengthen farmers' position in the value chain; encourage diversification and innovation; ensure that climate and environmental measures are practical and economically viable; and foster equality and inclusion across the sector. None of these objectives are stand-alone. They are interconnected economically, socially and environmentally. That is precisely why a food systems approach, as set out in Food Vision 2030, is so important. Ireland's agrifood sector has demonstrated extraordinary resilience and adaptability in recent years. We need to acknowledge and celebrate that achievement, rather than constantly engaging in negative commentary.”
“In my view, the answer lies in consistent implementation, continued engagement with stakeholders and policy certainty. Farmers need clarity and stability. They need to know that long-term strategies will be followed through, not replaced before they are fully delivered. For that reason, the Government has proposed a reasoned amendment to decline to give a Second Reading to the Bill on the basis that its objectives are already being comprehensively addressed through existing policy frameworks. The work ahead is substantial.”
“We are progressing its recommendations, from taxation measures to advisory supports, to make it easier for farms to transfer from one generation to the next. Through our national action plan on women in agriculture and our engagement with the International Year of the Woman Farmer in 2026, we are recognising that the future of farming must be inclusive, visible and accessible to all who wish to pursue it. Through targeted sectoral initiatives, in dairy, beef, sheep, tillage, organics, biomethane and water quality, we are ensuring that environmental ambition and farm viability go hand in hand. The question before us is not whether we care about the future of the family farm. We do. The real question is how best to secure that future.”
“Through Food Vision 2030, we have a clear, stakeholder-led roadmap for the sector. It is comprehensive and measurable, and it is being implemented. It places viable and resilient primary producers at the centre of policy. In addition, it is under active review to ensure that it remains relevant and ambitious as circumstances evolve. Through our CAP strategic plan, we are investing €9.8 billion over five years, with the majority of that funding directly supporting farm incomes and environmental delivery. This is a tangible demonstration of the Government's commitment to the family farm model. Through the work of the commission on generational renewal in farming, we have examined succession and demographic challenges in depth.”
“I will return to where we began, the central importance of the family farm to Ireland's identity, economy and communities. The family farm is more than a production unit; it is a multigenerational enterprise. It is a steward of land and landscape. It is a pillar of rural towns and villages. In addition, it is foundational to our global reputation as a trusted producer of high-quality, sustainable food. Nevertheless, we also know that the model faces real pressures, demographic change, income volatility, climate obligations, market concentration and changing societal expectations. Acknowledging these pressures honestly is not a sign of weakness; it is a prerequisite for effective policy. What gives me confidence is that we are not approaching these challenges without a plan.”
“Our task now is to continue delivering, ensuring that farming remains viable, attractive and sustainable, that young people see a future in the sector, that women are fully recognised and supported, that farmers receive fair returns and that Ireland leads globally in sustainable food systems. lf we remain focused, collaborative and ambitious, I am confident that the family farm model will not only endure but that it will also thrive.”
“The agrifood sector has shown remarkable resilience in recent years through Brexit, Covid-19, market volatility and climate pressures. What it needs now is policy certainty, continued investment and collaborative problem-solving. The future of the family farm in Ireland is at the very centre of Government policy. Through Food Vision 2030, our CAP strategic plan, the commission on generational renewal and its implementation, targeted taxation measures and a clear commitment to sustainability and equality, we have a coherent and comprehensive framework in place.”
“Strengthening the role of women in agriculture is not a side issue; it is central to generational renewal, innovation and community sustainability. In relation to the proposed Bill to establish a statutory commission on the future of the family farm, it is clear that its primary objectives are already being comprehensively addressed through existing policy frameworks, in particular Food Vision 2030, the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 and the ongoing work arising from the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming. While Deputy Kenny rightly highlighted these issues, the establishment of a commission would represent a duplication of existing work that is well under way. Our priority must be implementation, delivering on the commitments already agreed, refining them through the mid-term review and preparing for the post-2027 CAP period.”
“Women play an essential role in agriculture and agribusiness, yet continue to face barriers in land access, finance, training and decision-making. Gender equality is embedded in Food Vision 2030 and in our CAP strategic plan. Following the national dialogue on women in agriculture, we launched a 12-point national action plan in 2024 addressing leadership, visibility, education, financial and legal matters and sustainability. Implementation is progressing under a dedicated working group. In addition, 2026 has been designated by the United Nations as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, highlighting the essential roles women play across agrifood systems. Ireland co-sponsored the launch at FAO headquarters, reflecting our national commitment in this area.”
“Significant progress on climate action has been made through investment and application of research such as, for example, using genomic data to breed more efficient, lower methane cattle; promoting the use of protected urea, which has a much lower emissions profile; and helping farmers to reduce fertiliser usage by promoting the use of clover and multispecies swards. These are not imposed solutions but were developed collaboratively by the sector. It is important to emphasise fairness. Farmers must be supported to contribute to climate objectives in a practical and economically viable manner. That is the guiding principle of our approach. Let me also address gender equality, an area where real progress is being made but where more remains to be done.”
“We have launched a €1.3 billion forestry programme, a national organic strategy, a national biomethane strategy and sectoral reports from the dairy, beef, sheep and tillage groups to ensure sustainable pathways for each sector. Climate action, of course, is central to this discussion. Agriculture has a critical role to play in meeting national climate targets. Food Vision 2030’s first mission is explicitly focused on progressing a climate-smart, environmentally sustainable agrifood sector with climate neutrality by 2050 and verifiable progress by 2030.”
“As noted by the commission, this is an issue for all of the agrifood stakeholders to address to support the environmental, social and economic sustainability of farming and to enhance its image as a career. Income supports alone are not sufficient. Farmers must also occupy an appropriate position in the value chain. Under Food Vision 2030, we have taken steps to strengthen transparency and fairness in the supply chain, including the establishment of the Agri-Food Regulator and actions to enhance value creation and consumer trust. Diversification is another key theme. Food Vision 2030 encourages diversification into organic production, forestry, bioeconomy opportunities, renewable energy, horticulture, tillage expansion and mixed farming systems.”
“For example, in budget 2026, we extended the 100% stamp duty relief for young trained farmers to provide greater certainty, and agricultural relief has been retained to facilitate intergenerational transfer. These measures were worth approximately €325 million to farm families in 2024. At EU level, a new strategy for generational renewal in agriculture will inform the next CAP, thereby ensuring that young farmers remain central to future funding frameworks. Generational renewal is not simply about financial supports. It is about making farming an attractive, viable and respected career choice. That means addressing income stability, work-life balance, access to land, access to training and pathways into ownership and collaboration.”
“However, it is a challenge we must address with urgency and with practical measures. The programme for Government prioritises intergenerational farm succession. Food Vision 2030 recognises that generational renewal is critical to the long-term social and economic sustainability of rural Ireland. To inform policy, we established the independent Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming. It conducted a comprehensive analysis and made 31 recommendations spanning CAP supports, pensions, taxation, access to land and finance, advisory services, education, training, collaborative arrangements, gender balance and the overall attractiveness of the sector. An implementation group within my Department is progressing these recommendations. Some require action in the context of the next CAP. Others have already been acted upon.”
“These supports are not abstract figures; they are critical to sustaining family arms across the country, particularly in more marginal areas. The negotiation of a robust and adequately funded CAP for the period post 2027 is a priority for the Government. My colleague, the Minister, Deputy Heydon, will be in Brussels again next Monday discussing these issues at the AGRIFISH Council and progressing negotiations on the next CAP will be a priority for the Minister during Ireland’s Presidency of the EU in the second half of this year. Generational renewal is one of the most pressing challenges facing the sector. The demographic reality is clear. Only 4% of Irish farmers are under 35 years of age, while 37% are over 65. This is not unique to Ireland and reflects a wider EU trend.”
“The agrifood sector has experienced significant policy change in recent years. Food Vision 2030 provides a stable, agreed framework. The non-statutory nature of Food Vision 2030 allows the Government to adapt policy responses more efficiently, including through the current mid-term review. On incomes more broadly, Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 represents an investment of €9.8 billion over five years, which is the highest funded programme to date. Approximately 60% of that funding is directed towards income support through direct payments and support for areas of natural constraint. Additional funding supports environmental schemes such as ACRES, capital investment through TAMS and targeted sectoral schemes.”
“This review will involve comprehensive stakeholder consultation because Food Vision 2030 is, and must remain, stakeholder-led. Therefore, when we speak about the future of the family farm, we are not starting from scratch. We are building on an agreed national framework that already encompasses generational renewal, fair returns, diversification, gender equality, climate action and innovation. Food Vision 2030 provides a long-term integrated framework that addresses the economic, environmental and social sustainability of farming, including the future of family farms. The distinct advantage of Food Vision 2030 is that it was developed by the sector for the sector. Food Vision 2030 was developed through extensive stakeholder engagement and continues to be implemented collaboratively.”
“A high-level implementation committee, which is chaired by my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Martin Heydon, monitors delivery. Annual reports track progress and a new public dashboard provides transparency on environmental, economic and social indicators. The third annual report, published last year, showed that 79% of actions either have been completed or have had substantial action undertaken with the remaining actions under way. That is tangible, measurable progress. As we move into the second half of this decade, we have initiated a mid-term review of Food Vision 2030. This review is not about replacing the strategy. It is about ensuring that it remains ambitious, focused and responsive to emerging challenges and opportunities.”
“Food Vision 2030 sets out 22 goals and 218 actions, grouped under four high-level missions and encompassing environmental, economic and social sustainability. These missions address precisely the issues that matter most to family farms today. Mission 1 is "A Climate Smart, Environmentally Sustainable Agri-Food Sector"; mission 2 is "Viable and Resilient Primary Producers, with Enhanced Wellbeing"; mission 3 is "Food that is Safe, Nutritious and Appealing, Trusted and Valued at Home and Abroad"; and mission 4 is "An Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Agri-Food Sector, Driven by Technology and Talent". Mission 2, in particular, places primary producers, our farmers, fishers and foresters at the centre of the strategy with a strong focus on economic viability, resilience, diversification, generational renewal and well-being.”
“Issues such as generational renewal, farm incomes, farmers' position in the value chain, diversification, gender balance and climate action are key for the sector and are central pillars of Food Vision 2030. These issues are being actively progressed through the existing structures and funded policy instruments. Food Vision is grounded in a food systems approach, recognising that agriculture, food, the environment, climate, health, trade and rural development are interconnected, with a clear ambition for Ireland to continue to be a world leader in sustainable food systems. The stakeholder committee which developed Food Vision 2030 included relevant stakeholders from across the sector including the presidents of the farming organisations.”
“I commend Deputy Kenny on the intent of the Commission on the Future of the Family Farm Bill 2024, as the majority of issues raised are a priority for Government. However, its primary objectives are already being comprehensively addressed through existing policy frameworks, in particular Food Vision 2030, the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 and the ongoing work arising from the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming. For that reason, the Government has proposed a reasoned amendment to decline to give a Second Reading to the Bill. The family farm model is central to Ireland's agrifood sector and rural economy. Supporting its viability, sustainability and continuity has been a consistent priority of Government policy, reflected most clearly in Food Vision 2030, Ireland's stakeholder-led strategy for the agrifood sector.”
“I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "That" and substitute the following: "Dáil Éireann declines to give the Commission on the Future of the Family Farm Bill 2024 a second reading, on the basis that: — its objectives are already being comprehensively addressed through existing policy frameworks, in particular Food Vision 2030, the CAP Strategic Plan 2023–2027, and the ongoing work arising from the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming; — the family farm model is central to Ireland's agri-food sector and rural economy, and supporting its viability, sustainability and continuity has been a consistent priority of Government policy, reflected most clearly in Food Vision 2030, Ireland's stakeholder-led strategy for the agri-food sector; — issues such as generational renewal, succession planning, gender balance, farm incomes, diversification, farmers' position in the value chain and climate action are key issues for the sector and are already central pillars of Food Vision 2030, and these issues are being actively progressed through the existing structures and funded policy instruments; — Food Vision 2030 provides a long term, integrated and non-statutory framework, addressing the economic, environmental and social sustainability of farming, including the future of family farms, and the distinct advantage of Food Vision 2030 is that it was developed by the sector, for the sector, through extensive stakeholder engagement and continues to be implemented collaboratively, and it is underpinned by a robust governance, monitoring and reporting structure through a High Level Implementation Committee chaired by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine; — a mid-term review of Food Vision 2030 is currently underway, to ensure continued relevance and responsiveness, and this review, which will include full public and stakeholder consultation, will ensure that it remains ambitious, focused, and responsive to evolving challenges and opportunities; and — the agri-food sector has experienced significant policy change in recent years, and Food Vision 2030 provides a stable, agreed framework, with the non-statutory nature of Food Vision 2030 allowing Government to adapt policy responses more efficiently, including through the current mid-term review.".”
“Work is ongoing with the officials in the Department and the Decision Support Service to highlight the importance of advancing planning to ensure that those who face diminished decision-making capacity are able to retain as much autonomy over their lives as possible and have their wishes documented and respected. I will bring the issues the Senator raised back to the Department.”
“I again thank the Senator for raising this matter. I dealt with a similar case in my office where an individual had to come in and go through the process with us. I know it is important. I will bring this matter to the attention of the Minister. There will be a public consultation period. I am sure people will put in their submissions, particularly those who have an issue with this. I thank the Senator for raising this important matter, which is a priority. Every adult should consider putting in place an EPA. Only 8% of Irish adults have done that so far.”
“The primary concern of the 2015 Act is to deliver appropriate, safe, rights-based supports and that those wishing to avail of those supports are facilitated in doing so and the steps taken to implement the legislation reflect that.”
“The Decision Support Service intends to continue promoting and highlighting the importance of advance planning throughout 2026, having developed useful, easy-to-read and informative material to support all adults to plan ahead. A recent survey carried out by the Decision Support Service indicated that over 75% of adults would make an enduring power of attorney if they had more information and over 30% intend to make enduring power of attorney within three years. The material developed by the Decision Support Service along with its plans to further promote and spread awareness of the services it provides will assist in harnessing those intentions and will provide a clear pathway for people to have their wishes documented and fulfilled should it become necessary.”
“As of the end of December 2025, 5,075 enduring powers of attorney were fully registered by the Decision Support Service, with just under 90% of these registrations having taken place since the introduction of the accessibility policy. Encouraging adults to engage in advance planning is central to the work of the Decision Support Service. Enduring powers of attorney have proven to be the most popular type of decision support arrangement to put in place. This is encouraging as it indicates growing awareness of the importance of advance planning and the benefits it can bring when diminished decision-making capacity becomes a reality.”
“The new website will bring together existing resources onto one accessible and easy-to-use platform which has been designed specifically to bring people on a step-by-step journey through the process of creating enduring power of attorney under the Decision Support Service’s purpose-built digital system. However, the accessibility policy does not preclude the use of manual applications for all applicants. Those who are unable to utilise the online application portal whether due to accessibility or digital literacy reasons are facilitated in making an enduring power of attorney application manually, which ensures that no adult is excluded.”
“This enhanced help desk service was introduced to ensure that the application process is as efficient and user-friendly as possible and ensures that anyone in need of assistance at any stage of the application process is supported as necessary, including scenarios in which enduring power of attorney is required urgently. In addition to the help desk, instructional videos and other helpful guidance material on the Decision Support Service website have also been developed. In 2026, the Decision Support Service will launch a dedicated enduring power of attorney one-stop-shop website to help adults plan ahead and make their own enduring power of attorney with confidence, clarity and support.”
“Both the Department and the Decision Support Service have engaged with a wide range of stakeholders to understand experiences of the Act and to identify and address any difficulties that may be arising. In the main, experiences have been extremely positive but action has been taken to address barriers to accessing services and supports where they have arisen. Taking on board feedback, in July 2024 a new accessibility policy was implemented by the Decision Support Service. This includes a dedicated enduring power of attorney help desk service to ensure that individuals who require additional assistance in completing an online enduring power of attorney application are supported in doing so.”
“I thank Senator Duffy for raising this important issue. Enduring power of attorney is a vital advance planning tool that enables adults to plan ahead for a time when they may have diminished decision-making capacity, creating a record of a person’s wishes so that they are known and respected. Ensuring that the enduring power of attorney application process is accessible for all individuals is of the utmost importance in encouraging and enabling people to put enduring power of attorney in place. The Decision Support Service has responsibility for the processing and registration of enduring power of attorney under the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015. It has taken a number of steps to improve the enduring power of attorney application process and provide guidance to help people as they make their application.”
“This process has been informed at all stages by expert legal and environmental advice, as appropriate, with a view to ensuring the process is sufficiently robust in the event of any future challenges that may be brought. I concur with the Deputy on the issue of insurance. There are young couples who are trying to buy a house where there might have been a flood. It is a major issue that has to be addressed. I will bring that issue he raised to the Minister. I came across it in my own constituency as well.”
“While the delays in the delivery of this scheme will be a source of frustration for those in Blackpool, it is imperative that the consent process progresses in a manner that is compliant with the relevant regulations. In the period since the original consent decision was overturned following the judicial review challenge, the Department has implemented measures to ensure that the process is in compliance with the regulatory framework. This has necessitated the requesting of supplementary information from the OPW in order to ensure that a reasoned conclusion can be reached regarding the anticipated environmental impacts of the proposed scheme.”
“In total, over 1,000 individual submissions were received during this consultation and each submission can be viewed on the Department of public expenditure's website. The environmental impacts of the scheme are currently being examined by an independent team of consultants. This work is advancing and I expect to receive reports which detail the outcome of these examinations. These reports will form the basis of any decision I may take in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Any updates in this regard will be published on the Department’s website.”
“This request was made in February 2022 with the OPW supplying this information to the Minister in October of that year. Following an examination of the environmental reports and supplementary information provided, and acting on the advice of independent environmental experts, the Minister sought further supplementary information from the OPW in November 2023. The OPW submitted the supplementary information on 17 April 2025 and 25 August 2025. Due to the nature of the information supplied, a further round of public consultation was required in order to inform the confirmation process under the provisions of the Act. A period of consultation was opened on 5 September 2025 and concluded on 10 October 2025.”
“I am taking this on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Jack Chambers. The Deputy will be aware that ministerial consent for this scheme was provided in early 2021 but was subsequently overturned by a judicial review challenge taken by a local community group. The Department of public expenditure has sought legal advice and taken measures to ensure the consent process complies with national and EU environmental law in order to account for the issues raised during the judicial review process. On foot of legal advice received by the Department and the recommendations of its retained environmental consultants, the Minister sought supplementary information from the Office of Public Works on the environmental impacts of the scheme.”
“The Department uses data from a range of sources, including child benefit data, enrolments and information on new residential developments to plan for school place needs. As has been outlined, there has been a significant investment put into schools infrastructure across the Fingal county area, including in the constituency of Dublin Fingal West. The Department is continuing to plan for an investment in existing and new schools. I can assure the Deputy that the Department will continue to liaise with Fingal County Council in respect of its county development plan and any associated local area plans with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements across the county.”
“With regard to the Dublin Fingal West area, there are a number of active projects are primary level. These projects include St. Molaga's in Balbriggan, St. Michael's Special School in Skerries, Skerries Educate Together National School, Ballyboughal National School and Gaelscoil Bhaile Brigín, which will provide for both mainstream and special education needs. A number of large-scale school projects have been completed in the past six years, including Lusk Community College. Smaller scale additional school accommodation, ASA, projects were also completed across a number of primary and post-primary schools. There are also another 19 projects are primary and post-primary levels at different stages of architectural planning process for schools across the Dublin Fingal West area.”
“Over this period, a total of 244 schools have been upgraded either through provisions of new school buildings, large-scale extensions or modular accommodation. There are currently 64 school projects under construction in Dublin. Another 20 school projects will go to tender or construction in 2026 and 2027, which form part of the first tranche of the €7.55 billion national development plan sectoral implementation plan recently announced by the Minister. This summer, 53 schools are approved to undergo works as part of the summer works scheme climate action plan. Since 2020, a total of 459 special classes have been opened in Dublin, 58 of which were sanctioned for September 2026. The Department is continually planning for and investing in existing and new schools to ensure that every child in the State has access to a school place.”
“It should be noted that the underlying demographic profile of preschools and school-aged children residing in the Dublin Fingal West area indicates a declining demand for school places. The number of junior and senior infant pupils is approximately 20% lower than the number of children in fifth and sixth classes, with an additional average reduction of 15% a month in preschool-aged children. The demographic data will continue to be monitored by the Department's forward planning section and is subject to change in line with population trends, particularly those influenced by new housing completions. Between 2020 and 2025, the Department of Education and Youth has provided €1.79 billion in capital funding for Dublin schools.”
“When demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may be provided through utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools; extending the capacity of a school or schools; or provision of a new school or schools. If additional accommodation is required, the aim is to try to facilitate this as much as possible by way of expansion of existing schools rather than establishing new schools. The expansion of existing schools is consistent with wider Government objectives under Project Ireland 2040 for an increased emphasis and compact growth.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta. She is right; I am taking this on behalf of the Minister for education. I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. It gives me an opportunity to set out for the House the position with regard to school infrastructure in Dublin Fingal West on behalf of the Department and the Minister for Education and Youth. I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post-primary level, including children and youth people with special educational needs, is an absolute priority for the Minister.”
“Just under half of the actions are due for delivery in 2026. The remaining actions were delivered in 2025 or are scheduled for delivery from 2027 to 2030. This debate has been very useful. It is also useful - in fact, it is essential at times - to take a step back and look at our economic performance in context. Our economy does not operate in a bubble. We are heavily impacted by international sentiment and developments. Today’s unemployment numbers from the CSO are further evidence that we are getting a lot of things right. The fact the unemployment rate remained below 5%, at just 4.7% in January, despite the turbulent external environment, speaks volumes.”
“In response to international economic developments and in line with another commitment in the programme for Government, the Government expedited the action plan, which was published on 10 September 2025. It reflects a whole-of-government approach to domestic drivers of competitiveness, focusing on areas firmly within our domestic control. The development of the action plan has been informed by extensive consultation across Departments and with external stakeholders. It contains 85 actions for enhancing Ireland's competitiveness and productivity performance, with 26 of them identified as priority actions. The actions are grouped into six thematic areas, including productivity, sustainability and a focus on SMEs. There has been considerable progress in the relatively short time since the action plan was published last September.”
“Reflecting on the findings of that review, a range of measures were brought forward to assist businesses in adjusting to the increased costs as well as more generally to improve the cost competitiveness of firms. The implementation of those measures will improve the cost competitiveness of SMEs. For example, the Low Pay Commission is considering a lower employer PRSI threshold as part of any future minimum wage recommendations. In addition, the application of an enhanced SME test will ensure there is increased consideration of the business cost implications of future Government decisions. The Government also responded with last year's Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity.”