Tony McCormack
Offaly · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“I welcome the continued success of the agrifood sector. It is one of Ireland's greatest national success stories, supporting thousands of jobs, sustaining rural communities and making an enormous contribution to our economy. We are really proud of our Offaly food companies like Glenisk, Tullamore Dew and others.”
“Ireland's reputation as one of the world's leading food producing nations has been built over generations through quality, innovation and unwavering commitment to high standards. However, it cannot be taken for granted.”
“We all know the importance of the agri sector and in particular the agrifood sector. In the ever-changing geopolitical world we live in today, food safety is becoming even more important, while we must also focus on our economy and growing our exports.”
“Will the Minister outline what new initiatives his Department is bringing forward, working with the likes of Teagasc, Bord Bia and industry, to ensure Ireland remains among the world's most competitive, innovative and trusted food producing nations for the next generation?”
“I welcome the continued success of IDA Ireland in attracting foreign direct investment at a time when global competition for investment has never been more intense. Today, companies are looking for countries that can provide certainty, speed, skilled people and investment-ready sites. Offaly is well positioned to compete in this.”
“I commend the Minister and his Department on the priority they have placed on lifelong learning. It is something we should be very proud of. We now have the highest level of third level education attainment in the European Union, with over 65% of young adults holding a third level qualification.”
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“I am taking this question on behalf of Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere, a great Kilkenny sportsman in his day. I want to convey his congratulations to Offaly on their great performance at the weekend. He wants to wish Offaly well in the upcoming Leinster Championship. The question is to ask the Minister if the veterinary course at Kildalton College will have its first intake of students in 2026 and if he will make a statement on the matter.”
“I thank the Minister for his response. While AI presents enormous opportunities, there is also understandable concern among many workers and students about how it may affect future employment. I think it will actually increase employment, but it is important that our education system prepares people not just to adapt to technology change but benefit from it. Will the Minister outline what steps are being taken to ensure that students across all disciplines develop AI and digital skills while also maintaining the core fundamentals and professional knowledge that remain essential in the workforce?”
“Our education system must be agile enough to respond to the challenge and there is now a growing need not only for specialist AI and technology graduates, but also for broader digital literacy and adaptability across the workforce. At the same time as we embrace these new technologies, we also have to ensure we do not lose the core knowledge and fundamental skills on which industry will depend.”
“I welcome the focus on aligning higher education with current and projected skills shortages. Like the Minister said, it is about meeting with the industries to figure out what requirements are needed but also to find out and make sure that the courses we are providing at the moment are giving the students the proper skills when they actually finish those courses. It is clear that artificial intelligence is now fundamentally changing the nature of work and the skills that will be required in the years ahead. Across every sector, whether it is healthcare, manufacturing, finance, education, agriculture or retail, AI and digital technologies are rapidly reshaping how businesses operate.”
“As the Minister knows, the jobs requirements by companies are very fluid at the moment, especially with the introduction of AI. What steps are being taken to ensure that higher education courses are aligned with current and projected skills shortages, and will with Minister make a statement on it, please?”
“Ireland is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in helping multinational companies achieve their carbon neutral targets. Nowhere is that opportunity greater than in County Offaly with Bord na Móna's landbank and the renewable energy capacity and scale to become one of the most strategically important locations in the country for sustainable industrial and enterprise growth. The Taoiseach recently described Offaly as a powerhouse in renewable energy and I believe that presents a major opportunity for the county and the wider midlands. International companies are actively seeking secure renewable and cost-effective energy to support them in the long term.”
“Will the Minister raise this with the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Health as a matter for urgency and examine the need for legislative reform to protect access to dental care for medical card holders?”
“I raise a serious issue regarding access to dental care for medical card holders. Corporate dental providers are withdrawing from the medical card scheme because, under current legislation, they cannot legally hold contracts directly with the HSE. The legislation governing this area has not been substantially updated since 1987 despite the fact that the structure of the dental profession has changed significantly in recent years. As a result, more than 200,000 medical card procedures that were previously carried out annually in these practices will now have to be provided elsewhere. These patients are finding it difficult to find replacements, as many traditional dentist practices are already operating at full capacity and cannot take on additional medical card patients.”
“Will the Minister of State outline what further expansion is planned under Connecting Ireland to increase frequency and coverage in rural areas, and specifically how counties like Offaly will benefit from those improvements?”
“I welcome the progress being made under the Connecting Ireland programme. I acknowledge the excellent work being carried out by Local Link services across the country. In rural communities in counties such as Offaly, Local Link has made a real difference in connecting people, particularly those who may not have access to a car. It has helped to address isolation and has provided vital links to services, employment and education. However, despite this progress, rural isolation remains a very real issue. There are still many areas where services are limited, infrequent or simply not available at the times people need them. For people living in rural Ireland, access to reliable public transport is not a convenience; it is essential.”
“It is great news that the majority of those who receive the benefit do not proceed to the second stage, which means the job market in Ireland is buoyant and people are able to find alternative employment. Building on that, I believe this approach should form a cornerstone of how we think about social welfare supports more broadly. It is about recognising contributions, supporting people through difficult periods and helping them to return to work in a sustainable way. Can the Minister outline whether there are plans to further develop or extend pay-related supports and how the Government intends to ensure the principle of recognising and rewarding contributions remains central to our social protection system?”
“People feel they are being treated fairly and that their contribution over many years of work and paying taxes has been recognised. That is an important principle. When people have contributed to the system, they should feel supported when in need. Can the Minister outline how the Department is assessing the early impact of the scheme, particularly in terms of supporting people in returning to employment while maintaining the sense of stability and dignity?”
“I welcome the introduction of the pay-related benefit and believe it is an important step forward in how we support people who find themselves unemployed, especially the 97,000 who have received the benefit in the past 12 months and the 34,000 on it at the moment. For many families, losing a job is not just a financial shock; it is also an emotional one. It creates uncertainty and pressure at a time when people are trying to get back on their feet and secure new employment. As I am hearing directly from people, the scheme provides stability during the period of transition. It allows people to focus on finding the right job rather than immediately falling into financial distress. From my interaction with individuals who have availed of the support, I believe there is a strong sense that it preserves dignity.”
“They are being left behind. The companies and businesses I spoke about previously, which have fleets of vans and taxis, which rely on vehicles and fuel to power their business, are being left behind. Looking beyond the immediate pressures, there are also broader concerns about competitiveness. If energy and fuel costs remain elevated, many SMEs will struggle to remain competitive, particularly when compared with businesses in other jurisdictions which may have lower operating costs or greater state support. Will the Minister of State outline what longer term measures are being considered to protect the competitiveness of Irish SMEs, especially in energy-intensive sectors like retail and hospitality? How will the Government ensure that small businesses are supported not just to survive this period but remain viable in the future?”
“Will the Minister of State outline what representations he has made to the Cabinet for small- and medium-sized enterprises as part of the package for agri-contractors, hauliers, bus companies and fishermen? Where is the package for companies with fleets of vans or cars, taxi companies and businesses that are the backbone of our community?”
“I welcome the supports that are in place but we need to recognise the immediacy of the pressure facing small- and medium-sized enterprises right now. For many small businesses, particularly those that deliver their own goods in a fleet of vans, the spike in fuel and energy costs is not something they can simply absorb. These are businesses operating week to week, dealing with rising bills, fluctuating costs and very tight cashflow. Unlike larger firms, many SMEs do not have the capacity to hedge energy costs or spread risk. They are exposed in real time and that is where the pressure is being felt most. They do not have the economies of scale enjoyed by bigger businesses. There is real concern about viable businesses being pushed to the brink, not because of poor management but due to external cost shocks that are outside their control.”
“Building on that, there is real concern that without further action, small, independent retailers will continue to struggle, particularly in regional towns and rural communities. These businesses are the backbone of our local economies, as the Minister of State said, and are vital to keeping our town centres alive. Are specific cost relief measures being actively considered for the sector, particularly in relation to energy costs, labour pressures and the added impact of auto-enrolment? Will the Government engage directly with retailers to ensure the supports being developed truly reflect the reality they are facing day to day? Talk is cheap. We need to act now and act fast.”
“I started my first retail business at the age of 21. I was born into the retail business sector through a family shop at home. I know what it feels like to open the doors every morning wondering if enough will be made to cover the costs. I understand the responsibility that comes from employing people, the weight of knowing that others rely on you for their livelihood. I have lived it. Right now, many retailers feel that they are not being heard. What additional targeted measures are now being considered to support the retail sector in the face of rising costs, including energy, labour and auto-enrolment obligations, so that viable businesses can survive?”
“I welcome the supports that are in place and acknowledge the strong work being done for small and medium-sized enterprises by local enterprise offices, LEOs, and Enterprise Ireland in supporting businesses across the country. However, we have to be honest about the reality facing the retail sector. Over the last 12 months in particular, retailers have been hit from every angle. Rising energy costs, increases in the minimum wage and now the additional burden of auto-enrolment are all adding to the pressure on businesses already operating on very tight margins. I have raised this issue with the Minister of State previously on the floor of this House, and while the supports are appreciated, there is a clear sense across the sector that more needs to be done. I say this not just as a public representative but on a personal level.”
“What supports are currently available to the retail sector and are any additional measures being considered to assist retailers facing increased operating costs? I have asked this question previously on a lot of occasions, and the answers the Minister of State gave me, to be honest, just do not land with retailers on the ground.”
“Given some of the anti-EU sentiment that has emerged in recent times, it is vital that we continue to clearly communicate just how important EU membership has been and continues to be for jobs, trade and economic opportunity. Can the Taoiseach outline how his engagement at Davos has been used to strengthen Ireland's position?”
“I welcome the Taoiseach's attendance at the World Economic Forum. It is an important platform for Ireland, particularly as part of the European Union where we benefit from being part of one of the largest and most influential trading blocs in the world. Our EU membership gives Ireland real weight on the global stage. It allows us to engage at forums like Davos, not as a small, isolated economy but as part of a powerful collective with real influence in trade and investment in global policy. In that context, it is important to acknowledge that without the European Union, Ireland would be far more limited in its ability to compete internationally, attract investment and influence global decisions.”
“I have been contacted by a number of women in County Offaly who are experiencing significant delays in accessing screening through BreastCheck. I am informed that mobile screening is not due in Offaly for at least six months, meaning that some women are now waiting well beyond the recommended two year interval for a mammogram. This is causing real anxiety and raises serious concerns about equitable access to cancer screening services in the midlands. Will the Taoiseach raise this matter with the Minister for Health and the HSE and seek urgent action to ensure timely BreastCheck screening is restored in County Offaly?”
“Communities want certainty that these delays are being tackled with urgency and that the providers of these utilities, especially in water, electricity and transport, are capable of doing the work that is needed. Will the Minister confirm when people can expect to see reduced timelines in practice, particularly for projects linked to housing and regional growth? How will the Department ensure that the acceleration of infrastructure delivery is felt across County Offaly, and indeed, across the whole island of Ireland?”
“I thank the Minister for the response. One of the key issues facing communities is the length of time it takes for major projects to move through the system. At present, pre-planning stages for major road projects can exceed one year, while electricity, water and wastewater infrastructure can take three or four years before delivery even begins. These delays are having a direct impact on housing and enterprise development and the ability of communities to grow and remain vibrant. Will the Minister outline the immediate actions being taken to reduce these timelines, as well as the new target timeframes he expects for roads, energy and water infrastructure?”
“While the creation of the unit is welcome, what people want is delivery. We in the committee on infrastructure and the national development plan voted not to have pre-legislative scrutiny because we realised this needed to be done and we needed to set an example. We need to move this fast. Will the Minister provide a clear timeline for when these reforms will begin to have an impact? What measurable reductions in approval and commencement timelines does the Minister expect to see in the coming years?”
“I thank the Minister. I welcome the establishment of the regulatory simplification unit and the clear focus on accelerating the delivery of critical infrastructure. For too long, overlapping consenting, permitting and licensing processes have delayed progress on vital infrastructure projects. This is particularly evident in key sectors such as transport, energy and water services, all of which are essential to housing delivery, economic growth and balanced regional development. Communities across Offaly and regional Ireland want projects to move more quickly from approval to delivery. Will the Minister outline what specific reforms will be prioritised by the unit to remove duplication, improve co-ordination across Departments and agencies and shorten the time it takes for critical projects to commence?”
“One of the most important tests of NSO 5 is whether it helps regional towns to retain populations and attract sustainable employment. For areas in the midlands, keeping our communities vibrant depends on meaningful local jobs, strong services and infrastructure that supports family life and business growth. Will the Minister outline how progress under NSO 5 is being measured in terms of employment creation, population retention and local service provision in regional towns? How will the Government ensure that counties like Offaly receive their fair share of future national development plan investment?”
“Will the Minister outline the specific progress that has been delivered under NSO 5 for the midlands region to date and what future investment is planned to ensure that counties like Offaly continue to grow and will retain vibrant communities in which people can live and work?”
“I welcome the update on the progress made under NSO 5. The key issues for communities across the midlands is whether this is translating into real delivery on the ground. For counties like Offaly and towns such as Tullamore, Birr, Edenderry and the surrounding rural areas, balanced regional development must mean more than policy commitments. It must mean visible investment, meaningful jobs, improved infrastructure and stronger public services. People want to see tangible progress in areas such as transport connectivity, housing delivery, enterprise investment and town centre regeneration. They want to know that regional Ireland is genuinely being prioritised.”
“Will the Government now facilitate urgent engagement with the relevant Minister to ensure this outlet is restored without further delay?”
“I would like to raise the continued delay in reinstating full An Post services at Doolan's in Blue Ball, County Offaly. This matter has been ongoing since Christmas. It is causing real hardship, particularly for elderly and vulnerable residents who rely on having essential services available within their community. While An Post has indicated that the outlet will be reinstated, the length of time this process is taking is increasingly difficult to understand. This is especially the case given that An Post has acknowledged that the level of business previously conducted there exceeded that of many of its own full post offices nationwide. My concern is that this prolonged delay may be a tactic to have people become accustomed to travelling elsewhere only for a decision to be taken not to reinstate the service.”
“How will the Department ensure that diversification efforts translate into real and sustained growth in trade with new partners rather than remaining at the level of policy ambition?”
“While strategy for diversification is welcome, the reality is that Ireland remains highly concentrated in terms of trade exposure. Around one third of exports go to the United States and Ireland holds over €1 trillion in foreign investment stock, the majority of which originates from US-based multinational firms. At the same time, the UK and the European Union collectively remain by far our largest overall trading partners. This level of concentration creates a significant vulnerability in periods of global economic or political disruption. Can the Minister outline what measurable progress is being made in reducing Ireland's exposure to a narrow set of markets and sectors?”
“In that context, the diversification is not simply desirable; it is essential for safeguarding long-term economic stability, employment and investment. Can the Minister outline how the Department is actively positioning Ireland to benefit from new EU trade agreements and emerging global markets, while also mitigating the risk arising from tariff instability and energy market volatility?”
“I thank the Minister. I welcome the continued focus on market diversification, particularly given the increasingly uncertain global trading environment in which Irish businesses are operating. Recent progress on the EU-Australia trade agreement demonstrates the opportunities that exist for Ireland to broaden its international trading relationships. However, this must also be viewed in the context of ongoing uncertainty around tariffs internationally and continued volatility in oil and gas markets, all of which create real risks for a small, open and highly export-dependent economy like ours. Ireland's growth model has been strongly export-led for decades. While this has delivered enormous benefits, it also leaves us particularly exposed to geopolitical and economic shocks.”
“As the atmosphere grows here in Ireland but also out in Prague, I wish the Irish team and the management all the best as they try to qualify for the world cup. We all remember the previous competitions we qualified for and the pride it brought to our great country. I am back to the day job now so I would like to ask the Minister what progress has been made in implementing the market diversification action plan and the measures being taken to support Irish exporters in accessing new international markets?”
“A recycling plant rebuilt after a fire and a major State infrastructure project are now sitting idle in Offaly while everyone waits months just to find out whether the electricity can be turned back on. That cannot be acceptable.”
“At the same time, a major State infrastructure project could remain delayed, leaving taxpayers to continue to bear the cost while construction timelines slip further and further. Businesses and public bodies understand that infrastructure takes time. What they cannot plan for, however, is the situation where it takes months just to be told a review is to take place and then potentially months or years more before a connection can be delivered. Will the Minister of State engage urgently with ESB Networks and the CRU to determine whether temporary capacity solutions, interim connections or accelerated network upgrades can be put in place to ensure these projects in Cappincur are not left waiting indefinitely? The workers, employers and public bodies involved have done everything asked of them. They now need the system to deliver for them.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I hear what he is saying but the concern locally is that this situation could drift for a long time. I understand the Government does not have any say over what ESB Networks does but, at the same time, it has influence. Both projects have effectively been told that ESB Networks needs two months simply to complete a capacity review and only after that will it be known whether further reinforcement works are required. If that review concludes that upgrades are needed, we could be looking at delays of one year or more. That is not acceptable. It means that a recycling plant, which has already been rebuilt after a devastating fire and has been engaging with ESB Networks since last September seeking a reconnection, could remain idle with workers waiting to return to employment.”
“ESB Networks has a major capital programme to upgrade the network to support electrification, economic development and the transition to renewable energy. While all of that investment and reform are welcome, the situation in Cappincur raises a fundamental question - does the system currently have the capacity to deliver connections efficiently and effectively? We cannot have businesses, public bodies and workers left waiting indefinitely for connection or, worse again, a reconnection. What exactly are the grid constraints affecting the Cappincur area of Tullamore? Why are both projects now subject to two-month capacity reviews before any connection timeline can even be indicated? What immediate steps can be taken to ensure connections at both Cappincur recycling centre and Waterways Ireland are delivered without further unnecessary delay?”
“How can it take nearly six months for customers to be informed that a review is required before a connection or reconnection timeline can even be considered? The longer this situation continues, the more precious taxpayers' money is wasted through delays to a major State infrastructure project. That money should be delivering infrastructure and services for the public. Certainly, it cannot be redirected to resolve the reconnection issue facing a private recycling plant that is ready to provide employment. The Government is investing significant sums into electricity infrastructure through the national development plan, with billions of euro directed towards strengthening and expanding the electricity grid.”
“Depending on the outcome of that review, delays of up to 12 months or longer may arise. Another aspect that is particularly concerning is the timeline involved in even notifying these organisations about the review process. In the case of both the recycling plant and Waterways Ireland, engagement with ESB Networks has been ongoing for months. In the case of the recycling plant, engagement has been ongoing since last September. In the case of Waterways Ireland, it has been for more than two years. However, it was only recently confirmed that a two-month capacity review was required before any timeline could even be provided. In fact, it was only when my office made direct inquiries that clarity was provided that such a review was even under way. That raises a very fair question.”
“The operators have been engaging with ESB Networks since last September seeking that reconnection. Workers are ready to return to their jobs, yet the facility remains unable to open. The second issue concerns Waterways Ireland's new craft centre of excellence, which is also located in the Cappincur area. This is a major public infrastructure project that will support the maintenance of 120 locks across the 420 km of navigable waterways and provide a base for approximately 70 staff. Waterways Ireland has been engaging with ESB Networks for over two years, with a formal connection estimation in August 2025. Both of these projects have now been informed that ESB Networks requires a further two-month review of grid capacity in the Cappincur area before it can confirm when connections or reconnections can be delivered.”
“I wish to raise a serious issue relating to electricity connections in the Cappincur area of Tullamore, County Offaly, where two important projects are currently stalled due to ESB capacity constraints. The first concern is the Cappincur recycling centre, which suffered a devastating fire on 1 March 2024. Anyone who has experienced a fire in a workplace understands the uncertainty and hardship it creates for both workers and owners. To their credit, the owners rolled up their sleeves, rebuilt the facility, complied with every regulatory requirement, completed all necessary works and are now ready to reopen and provide employment again in what is a critical environmental sector. However, despite everything being ready, the plant cannot reopen because it is still awaiting a reconnection from ESB Networks.”
“While these schemes are very welcome, their success ultimately depends on local authorities fully buying into them and driving them on the ground. Does the Minister of State believe all local authorities are engaging with the scheme to the same extent? Are there areas where uptake or processing is slower than expected? If there are differences, what steps is the Department taking to ensure best practice is shared and that every council actively supports applicants so that we can maximise the number of vacant homes brought back into use?”
“Will the Minister outline if the Department monitors processing times across local authorities and if there are differences between these areas? What steps are being taken to ensure local authorities have the resources and guidance necessary to process applications quickly so that these homes can be brought back into use without unnecessary delay?”
“I recognise what the Minister of State and his Department are doing and that he is doing everything in his power to speed up housing delivery. The vacant property refurbishment grant and the croí cónaithe fund are important initiatives in that regard. Bringing vacant and derelict homes back into use in many respects should be the low-hanging fruit in tackling the housing crisis. These homes already exist within our communities and with the right support they can be turned back into homes relatively quickly. However, a number of applicants have contacted me to say the application and approval process can take quite a long time and there can be uncertainty around timelines for decisions and payments. For people trying to organise building works and financing, that uncertainty can create real difficulties.”
“My question is about the number of applications received for vacant property refurbishment grant and the croí cónaithe fund since the launch of the scheme, the number of applications approved to date, the total amount of funding allocated and drawn down under both schemes, and if the Minister of State will make a statement on it.”
“What clear, practical step can be taken now to reassure these businesses that their contribution is recognised, and that they will not be left behind?”