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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“No business should feel invisible when it comes to Government support, yet many service-based SMEs believe they are overlooked simply because they do not manufacture or export. These businesses face significant overheads before they even open their doors, from licences and regulatory requirements to insurance, energy, wages and other rising costs. Despite these pressures, they continue to provide local employment and play a vital role in keeping town centres alive. If we are serious about supporting them, we need to commit to delivering at least one new practical support specifically for service-based SMEs this year, and to engaging directly with business owners on the ground so the supports reflect the real challenges they face. Listening is important but it must lead to action.”
“One measure that is frequently raised is the reintroduction of a scheme similar to the Power Up grant, which provided straightforward assistance when businesses needed it most. Will the Minister give consideration to bringing back a targeted grant to help SMEs manage ongoing cost pressures? There is also growing concern about rising employment costs. While increases in the minimum wage are important, small employers are asking that future changes be linked more closely to inflation and introduced in a predictable manner, so they can plan ahead with confidence. Above all, we must continue listening to people on the ground.”
“I welcome the work being carried out by the local enterprise offices and Enterprise Ireland. Their support and engagement with businesses is widely recognised and is making a real difference. However, when speaking to SME owners, particularly in rural towns, the message is clear: they need more practical, easy-to-access supports that help with the real cost of doing business. Many enterprises, especially those that provide services rather than manufacture products, feel they are often left in the wilderness when it comes to qualifying for certain schemes. Retailers, hospitality providers and other local service businesses are the backbone of our communities. They create jobs, drive footfall and sustain town centres, yet some believe that existing supports are not always designed with their needs in mind.”
“As the Minister knows, small and medium enterprises are the backbone of our economy. Many of our young people end up getting their first job or first experience in these businesses. What specific supports are available to indigenous small and medium enterprises operating in rural towns to ensure their long-term sustainability?”
“Will the Taoiseach confirm the Government will match Offaly's national contribution with full support for local infrastructure and investment needed to ensure the county secures the economic benefits of helping to power Ireland's future?”
“Despite accounting for just 2% of the national landmass, County Offaly is on course to provide approximately 30% of the energy needed to power the country, including 1 GW each from wind and solar. At the moment, we supply 11% of the country's power. Last month, Offaly was the largest wind energy provider in the country. That is a very significant national contribution. Yet, Offaly remains 10% below the national average for disposable income and it is important that the communities driving this transition are supported to share in the prosperity it can bring. At a time when international investors and multinational employers are seeking locations that can provide carbon neutral and cost-effective energy, Offaly is uniquely positioned to attract major enterprise and long-term employment.”
“Will the Taoiseach ask that resourcing and deployment arrangements for the area be examined to help ensure timely responses and maintain community confidence in policing across rural Offaly?”
“I have concerns regarding the deployment of Garda resources in rural towns in County Offaly, including Banagher and many other smaller towns. It is not the remit of the Minister for justice to say where gardaí are deployed. That is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner. Following approximately ten recent break-ins in Banagher and the surrounding areas, we know that the slow response time is due to gardaí having to be dispatched from Birr. While operational police decisions, as I said, are down to the Garda Commissioner, does the Taoiseach acknowledge the concern locally that Offaly received no members of An Garda Síochána in the past two Templemore allocation tranches?”
“Far too many people remain unaware that these supports are available and continue to believe that home ownership is out of their reach when, in reality, it is not.”
“There was great news today with the announcement of 36,284 new housing unit completions, a 20% increase on the 2024 figures and the largest number since we started recording these figures. I meet people every day who believe that owning their own home is beyond their reach but when we sit down and go through the figures, it often becomes clear that with the help-to-buy scheme and the first home scheme, home ownership may be achievable for them. I have no doubt that a huge number of people out there do not know these schemes exist or do not understand how they work and as a result, they never even try to buy a home. We need to review how these schemes are promoted because the evidence on the ground is that the current approach is not working.”
“Many young people enter mainstream third level education and subsequently drop out for a range of reasons, including being pushed into or choosing the wrong course. There remains a degree of snobbery within our educational system and wider society that prioritises traditional college routes at all costs, even where apprenticeships would better suit a young person's skills, aptitude and learning style. Given that many young people are well suited to apprenticeships and would thrive in that model, what steps is the Minister of State taking to challenge this mindset, ensure apprenticeships are presented as an equal and respected option in schools and better capture those students who disengage from traditional third level education but could succeed through apprenticeship pathways?”
“We also know that many qualified tradespeople are now earning substantially more than their peers who pursue other degree pathways, with strong job security and clear progression opportunities. Apprenticeship is no longer a second-best option. It is increasingly an attractive and viable first-choice career. Given this reality, can the Minister of State outline how her Department is actively promoting apprenticeships?”
“I thank the Minister of State for her reply. I wish to briefly underline the importance of apprenticeships in the context of the very significant investment the Government is making in infrastructure and housing. If we are serious about delivering on our housing targets, retrofitting programmes, transport projects and wider public capital investment, we must ensure we have a strong and sustainable pipeline of skilled tradespeople to match that level of ambition. In that regard, I wish to acknowledge the excellent work being carried out at Mount Lucas in County Offaly, where the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board is delivering high-quality apprenticeship and training programmes that are making a real difference for learners, employers and the local economy.”
“What progress has been made on expanding apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities? Are additional measures planned to increase participation and completion rates? I ask the Minister to make a statement on the matter.”
“This is a vital national project, currently projected to begin in 2028 and conclude in 2032, all going to plan. If our country is to grow and develop sustainably, it is essential that this project happens. As part of this project, there are proposed spurs for Tullamore and Mullingar and a connection to Nenagh. That is under phase 2. I am asking clearly and firmly that these spurs be delivered as part of phase 1. We have all seen what happens with so-called phase 2 projects. They are delayed by maybe 20, 30 or even 40 years or never happen at all. These spurs are not optional extras; they are vital to the future growth of Tullamore, Mullingar and Nenagh and to achieve balanced regional growth. We cannot afford more delays, more broken promises or more communities left behind. Infrastructure must lead development, not block it.”
“Irish Water says it has completed a survey in Tullamore and will put in over 3 km of wastewater piping, starting in the fourth quarter of this year. I want the Minister of State and the Minister to make sure this happens and that Irish Water cannot put it on the long finger. As we know, Irish Water is very good at that. What about Birr, Cloghan, Banagher, Ferbane, Kilcormac, Rhode and Edenderry? When are we going to get help to allow these towns to grow? Even where temporary measures have worked so far, they are exactly that - temporary. At some point they will fail and we will be back to square one. That is not good enough. The people of Tyrells Road and Tullamore deserve better. The message is simple: stop managing the problem - get it fixed and get the work done now. I want to address the Shannon water supply project.”
“In other areas, the situation is even more serious. We have raw sewage coming up through manholes, destroying roads and footpaths and flowing directly into the canal. If this were a private company, the State would be all over it, using every environmental regulation available. It would be shut down until the problem was solved, yet Irish Water has been allowed to get away with this year after year. Recently, during very heavy rainfall, sewage again surged up through the manholes and reached as far as people’s front doors. Residents were left distressed and angry, and rightly so. Irish Water has failed to give proper assurances to residents or councillors that the system will be actively monitored during periods of heavy rainfall, pipes will be kept clear or meaningful temporary measures will be put in place to protect homes.”
“I acknowledge the significant work being delivered by the Minister, Deputy Browne, the Minister of State and the accelerated infrastructure programme brought forward by the Minister, Deputy Chambers. That programme is about unlocking funding, removing bottlenecks and clearing whatever is holding up progress on critical infrastructure projects. This work is welcome and necessary. However, the reality on the ground in County Offaly tells a very different story. Across our towns and villages, expansion is effectively frozen. Homes cannot be built because communities are waiting years, and sometimes decades, for water treatment plants. This has left developers, local authorities and approved housing bodies unable to meet housing demand. In the middle of a housing crisis, that is simply unacceptable.”
“In County Offaly, renewable energy developments are mainly located on peatlands around Rhode, Croghan, Edenderry, Banagher and Cloghan. These projects require abnormal load vehicles of up to 135 tonnes on 16-axle trailers. The damage caused by one trip of one of these vehicles is equivalent to one year of normal traffic. As a result, these peat-based roads now require annual maintenance, placing major pressure on our local authority roads budget and taking funding away from other roads that also need work. Offaly has historically carried the heaviest load in providing power to this country and we are doing so again through renewable energy. We are simply asking for a fair crack of the whip and that separate, dedicated funding be provided to Offaly County Council for these road projects.”
“I want to raise the serious gap in primary care services in the midlands. There is no primary care occupational therapist in counties Offaly or Laois. As a result, children with mild to moderate developmental or sensory needs have no access to occupational therapists locally. Families are being told that unless their children's difficulties worsen to the point where they meet the criteria for disability services, no support is available. That means children are being left without care until their needs escalate when early intervention could have prevented that outcome. I have raised the issue repeatedly through parliamentary questions but responses continue to refer to general recruitment challenges rather than address the reality on the ground. Will the Taoiseach help with providing these services in the midlands?”
“A core feature of the new infrastructure plan is to improve transparency and accountability. For Offaly, we need clear visibility that the Shannon pipeline spur and the wastewater upgrades are progressing together and not in staggered phases. Will the Minister commit to a county-level delivery reporting, so communities in Tullamore, Edenderry, Birr, Clara and Banagher can track progress and gain confidence that these projects will be delivered in one integrated programme, unlocking real regional development for Offaly?”
“The cost of doing this work would be cheaper now than it would be if it is done in the future. We have seen from other projects previously, second phases sometimes do not proceed for many years. If we want balanced growth in the region, we need to do this now, rather than in a second phase. The key point is that Offaly needs that spur, those integration works and the wastewater upgrades delivered together as one co-ordinated package, not in separate phases.”
“I thank the Minister. The accelerating infrastructure report and action plan outlines significant reforms aimed at improving delivery of major projects, including streamlining approval processes, a single decision pathway for water investment and stronger co-ordination across agencies. These reforms are welcome. For Offaly, infrastructure is key for future economic development, enterprise growth and balanced regional progress. The water supply project for the eastern and midlands region is central to this and will cross Offaly, with Dunkerrin and Tullamore identified for future outtakes. However, the spur connections and local system upgrades required to utilise that supply are currently planned in later phases. If delivered sequentially, the benefit to Offaly could be realised an awful lot sooner.”
“While we prioritise electricity, water and transport, digital connectivity must now be treated equally. It is essential for Ireland's competitiveness. Europe has fallen behind the US and China. 5G stand-alone is under 2% in the EU and 0% in Ireland, compared with 20% in the US and 80% in China. AI, ehealth and advanced manufacturing cannot run on yesterday’s networks. If we want future investment in next-generation technology, connectivity must be prioritised. Will the Cabinet committee on infrastructure evaluate 5G stand-alone as a national priority? During Ireland's EU Presidency, will the Government push for strong, pro-investment digital policy under the digital networks Act?”
“Edenderry now needs reassurance through action by way of a visible policing presence and strengthened Garda numbers. Criminals do not operate on office hours and safety should not either. I ask that Edenderry Garda station would operate 24 hours a day. Let this tragedy be the moment that confidence is rebuilt in Edenderry, not the moment when we simply mourn or move on.”
“I want to acknowledge the wider trauma surrounding this event. Another woman remains in hospital with serious injuries. Her life has been changed forever and she will need support in ways we cannot measure yet. I also want to acknowledge the first responders, gardaí, paramedics and Offaly fire service officers who entered that scene. They faced what most people could not. They acted with courage and humanity and they deserve recognition and support for the trauma they now carry quietly on behalf of us all. Neighbouring families are shaken. Children in the estate are frightened. Homes that should be now filled with Christmas excitement are instead filled with fear and unanswered questions that no parent should ever have to answer. Edenderry Garda station does not operate on a 24-hour basis.”
“I sincerely acknowledge the work the Minister for justice is doing in his Department in terms of gardaí recruitment. It matters and I thank him for that. However, given what has happened in Edenderry, I ask the Minister to request the Garda Commissioner to examine the establishment of a dedicated task force for Edenderry focused specifically on dismantling drug-driven criminality. I am not directing but I am respectfully asking that it be considered. People deserve protection in life, not only in law. They deserve peace in their homes and on their streets. They deserve the right to enjoy the simple things like sitting in their own sitting room to watch television without fear. We owe that to Mary and little Tadhg. We owe that to every resident in Edenderry.”
“It is soulless, selling misery, addiction and violence for profit. It destroys families, businesses, relationship and hope. It underpins so many of the issues we debate in this Chamber - housing, poverty, mental health, domestic abuse, crime and inequality. The raw reality of that world without filters or fantasy burnt a four-year-old child alive on Saturday. That is the cost; that is the truth. While nothing can undo this tragedy, we can influence what happens next. I have complete confidence in the gardaí. They will find those responsible. When they do, the full weight of the law must land heavily on them. Justice must be seen, and justice must be felt. However, justice must also mean prevention. It must mean restoring confidence, protecting children and rebuilding peace.”
“I firmly believe the true weight of this tragedy will fall most painfully when the town sees a tiny white coffin - heartbreakingly small - carried to its final premature resting place. In that moment, the darkness of what has happened will become real in a way none of us ever wished to witness. This did not come from nowhere. This is down to drugs and the drugs trade. It is glamorised in music, film, social media and entertainment. It is portrayed as fast money, status, power and designer labels. Hard working people see individuals who have never worked a day in their lives live with the trappings of wealth. They ask themselves, "What am I doing wrong?" Young people see this and believe it is success. However, the truth is not glamour. It is terror, drug debt, threats, children being groomed into criminality.”
“I rise deeply saddened by the horrific murders that occurred in Edenderry on Saturday evening. Two innocent lives were taken - Mary Holt, aged 60, and four-year-old Tadhg Farrell. I wish to pay my respects to Mary and Tadhg. May they both rest in peace and may their memory guide our response through this moment of darkness. I visited the scene and it is something I will never forget. A room recently alive with an excited young heart giddy with the joy of Christmas, toys imagined, stockings planned and innocence undisturbed now stands as a haunting reminder of a future robbed. The silence was heavy. The air felt cold carrying the memory of a terror no child should ever face. The people of Edenderry are not just grieving, they are angry, heartbroken, traumatised and confused.”
“One area feeling the impact of tariffs more directly is the Irish whiskey sector. Irish Distillers, Tullamore Dew and other smaller whiskey producers are paying higher tariff rates in the American market than Scotch producers while American bourbon enters the EU with no equivalent tariff. Irish whiskey is an export success story and a major employer across rural Ireland. Will the Tánaiste work closely with our EU partners to secure improved tariff conditions for Irish spirits so brands like Tullamore Dew can compete fairly and continue to grow on the world stage?”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Tánaiste. Our economy has shown remarkable resilience in recent years and Irish exports have held up strongly despite global tariff uncertainties. That is a credit to our businesses. However, SMEs and retailers are operating on very tight margins and tariff-linked increases in import costs risk eroding their competitiveness on the ground. Will the Tánaiste outline what steps his Department can take to support SMEs and retail businesses in managing tariff-related cost pressures in order that they can remain competitive, protect jobs and continue contributing so strongly to Ireland’s economic performance?”
“I thank the Taoiseach for his response. I acknowledge the significant work he, the Minister, Deputy Chambers, and their two Departments are doing on infrastructure reform, particularly the steps being taken to modernise planning, reduce delays and ensure major projects move forward. Infrastructure reform is vital, but businesses and especially SMEs are also calling for a more streamlined regulatory environment. These firms consistently cite overlapping rules, slow approvals and heavy administrative demands as major obstacles to growth. Building on the work already happening on infrastructure, will the Taoiseach update the House on what specific measures his Department is pursuing to simplify compliance for SMEs, reduce unnecessary paperwork and make it easier for businesses to operate and expand?”
“St. Brendan's Community School in Birr is facing ongoing uncertainty around long-promised works, including an ASD wing and a major school extension. This project was first approved in 2018. Since then, the school has moved through various stages but the works have not begun. Most recently, the school was told the project could not proceed until the national development plan implementation programme was published. For a school that has already waited seven years, this is yet another frustrating delay. Parents, children and the people of Birr and the surrounding areas have waited long enough. They deserve more than repeated hold-ups and changing times. Can the Taoiseach explain why an already approved project is now subject to further delay? How does he believe the new infrastructure reform plan will help to expedite this project?”
“Ireland's own peace process culminating in the Good Friday Agreement was built on dialogue, patience, international support and the difficult work of building trust between communities. With negotiations now taking place between Russia and Ukraine, does the Department see scope for Ireland to share the lessons we learned from our experience in areas like mediation, inclusive dialogue, confidence building and reconciliation? Is the Government prepared to offer that expertise through purely civilian and diplomatic channels to international partners supporting this peace process?”
“The Minister of State mentioned Ireland's commitment to peace and human rights. Given that negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are now under way, can Ireland use its strong reputation for principled diplomacy to support these efforts? Does the Minister of State see a role for Ireland within the EU, UN or OSCE in helping to reinforce the conditions for a credible, just and durable peace, including humanitarian protections and respect for international law?”
“I appreciate the Minister's commitment to ensuring that My Future Fund is implemented effectively. The focus now must be on consistency, keeping the guidance visible, practical and accessible beyond the initial roll-out. Regular updates through payroll providers and local enterprise offices and clear online resources will make a real difference in keeping the process smooth and understandable. With that continued engagement, I have every confidence that under the Minister's leadership, this reform can strike the right balance, strengthening long-term retirement savings for workers while ensuring the administrative side remains straightforward and workable for employees throughout the country.”
“If My Future Fund remains simple, practical and easy to follow from the start, it will stand the test of time and deliver real value for both employees and those administering it on the ground.”
“This is a significant reform. I acknowledge the work that the Minister and his Department have undertaken in developing My Future Fund. It represents a real step forward in helping workers to plan and save for their retirement. However, as with any major change, the real test will be how it is rolled out. We have had well-intentioned schemes in the past that began strongly but then faded from view, leaving uncertainty around what was required and how to comply. I know the Minister is conscious of that. Clear, consistent communication will be key. Employers need straightforward forward guidance, plain-language information and ongoing support as the system beds in.”
“That kind of practical, person-to-person guidance could make a real difference in helping SMEs to build confidence and plan ahead.”
“That is encouraging but it is not what I am hearing on the ground. The feedback that I am getting from business owners is that they often do not know where to start. The Minister of State mentioned the local enterprise offices, which do great work in County Offaly and other counties around the country. We need to make sure that people know about these places. Whether they are applying for funding, going digital or managing rising costs, this needs to be made clearer to them. Would the Minister of State consider developing a more hands-on, locally focused SME guidance programme where trained mentors or advisers could visit businesses directly, offer tailored advice and connect them quickly to the right grants or supports?”
“Will he outline what fresh supports or initiatives are being considered to help small businesses invest, grow and feel confident about the year ahead, particularly in rural counties such as Offaly where SMEs are the backbone of the local communities?”
“While Ireland's balance sheet looks good on paper and the country is doing well at the moment, some small- and medium-sized businesses, including in retail, are anxious. They are doing their best to keep their doors open, but margins are tight. All the schemes the Minister of State mentioned need a bit of investment from the businesses, which is just not there at the moment. Many tell me that they are not looking for handouts, but a bit of help to steady the ship, practical supports and clearer direction. Schemes like the power-up grant the Minister of State mentioned earlier made a real difference in the past.”
“What additional supports is the Department considering to help small and medium enterprises to manage current cost pressures and restore business confidence and will he make a statement on the matter?”
“The issue of a new school building for Ardscoil Chiaráin Naofa in Clara has been raised in the House in past. This project has been on the agenda for several years and has recently reached stage 2a of the design process. This is something I have been pushing for since I was elected. The people of Clara have been hearing about this new school for far too long. The students and teachers are working in buildings that are long past their best and they deserve a modern, fit-for-purpose facility that meets educational and inclusion standards. I welcome that the project has reached stage 2a but progress has been painfully slow. This has been going on for years and we need to have real movement, not more reports or reviews. The new school in Clara will serve 400 pupils and include a four-classroom special education unit.”
“It is great to hear of all the services the Government will provide and that it is working with the employees and franchise owners. I suppose the franchise owners are left on their own. There is not an awful lot of help for them. Unfortunately, in a lot of cases, they are not able to apply for social welfare payments. Given the scale of the collapse and the severe impact on employees and especially on franchise owners, many of whom have lost their livelihoods and are now facing debt and insolvency, will the Government consider establishing a support mechanism or emergency relief fund for those affected?”
“In fact, it sounds like something you would see in a Netflix documentary rather than in a modern Irish business. Both employees and franchise owners have been left abandoned without pay, without recourse and without clarity. Will the Tánaiste tell us whether there is currently any investigation under way into the management, ownership and conduct of Fastway since its takeover in 2022? If there is not, will he push for one to be launched to establish the facts, to hold those responsible to account and to ensure justice?”
“What is particularly cruel is that franchisees who only joined the company recently had made large financial investments, often borrowing heavily or using personal savings to buy into what they believed to be a growing business. They are now left with huge losses and no way to recover the money. One franchise owner I spoke to is now facing personal insolvency. He is owed around €50,000 by the company and owes roughly the same amount to Revenue. He had been in the process of selling his franchise earlier this year, hoping that a busy Christmas and new year period would allow him to clear his debts and move on. Instead, with the closure, he is left with nothing but debts. This is increasing stress and his livelihood is gone. The more I hear about how the system was run, the more it sounds like a pyramid scheme.”
“Over the past two years, conditions within the company have clearly deteriorated and many people now question whether the takeover of Fastway in 2022 was a case of vulture capitalism and whether fraud or serious mismanagement was involved. Franchise owners and employees have described a situation that became more chaotic and unfair as time went on, with invoices going missing, payments being delayed or held back and commissions not being paid at all. Many were struggling just to keep their businesses afloat while waiting on money that never came. I have also been told of polygraph machines, that is, lie detector machines, being used in franchise interviews and of large cash payments being requested as part of the purchase process, raising serious questions about transparency, legality and oversight.”
“Before I begin, I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Noel Bourke. Noel was a former councillor in Edenderry and a former cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council who passed away last week. Noel was a dedicated public representative and a proud community man. His passing is a great loss to Edenderry and the county of Offaly. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. I raise the issue of the closure of the courier company Fastway, which has caused enormous hardship for employees and franchise owners right across the country. My office and I have been in contact with many of those directly affected since the closure and what we have heard is deeply troubling.”