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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“Our national success in enterprise depends on our competitiveness and our competitiveness depends on reliable energy infrastructure. In County Offaly we have a great energy infrastructure that is close to capacity. EirGrid is under real pressure to expand it. Offaly’s central location and long history in energy generation means it is ideally placed to help to meet that challenge. Bord na Móna, with its expertise and local presence, could play a key part in strengthening grid capacity across the midlands. I urge the Government to work with Bord na Móna and EirGrid to unlock Offaly’s full potential as an energy investment hub.”
“The SEAI better energy warmer homes scheme is crucial for tackling climate change and energy poverty but in Offaly and across the country families are waiting up to two years for works to be completed - 12 months for a BER assessment, 14 months for a survey and further delays for retrofitting. Could the Taoiseach outline what steps are being taken, be it increasing the number of assessors and surveyors, streamlining the process or boosting delivery capacity to shorten waiting times so households can benefit much sooner from warmer, more energy efficient homes?”
“Earlier this year, I raised concerns regarding the capitation grant and was told it would be considered in the upcoming budget. With the budget approaching, I want to return to the issue. I have been speaking with school leaders across County Offaly, including St. Broghan's National School, Scoil Mhuire in Tullamore and Offaly School of Special Education. They are managing rising costs with a grant that simply has not kept pace. Fund-raising is now covering essential non-extras and that is not sustainable. It is pulling teachers and principals away from the core focus, which should be students. I ask the Government to take this seriously in the upcoming budget to increase the capitation grant and begin work on a more sustainable, long-term model for school funding.”
“I thank the Minister of State for the offer of a meeting. Unfortunately, when I have had meetings with IDA Ireland, I get very little information because it is withheld due to it being of a sensitive nature. IDA Ireland-supported employment in the midlands fell last year by 0.45%. Offaly’s only IDA Ireland business park is already full. We need another park. Without new sites and investment, Offaly simply cannot compete with neighbouring counties. What commitment can the Minister of State give today that Offaly will see targeted IDA Ireland investment, including a newly expanded advance business park in Tullamore, with a clear timeline for delivery, as part of its new national plan? Tullamore was earmarked for an advance unit. Without the space to build, however, this will not happen.”
“In the past ten years, IDA Ireland has made 240 site visits to Westmeath but only 45 to Offaly. That is a more than a five to one imbalance between two neighbouring counties in the midlands. IDA Ireland is also overnighting most of these itineraries in Athlone, where it wines and dines potential clients and, therefore, has a better chance of landing them in the area. The people of Offaly will not stand for being ignored or pawned off by a State agency that is supposed to treat all counties equally. Does the Minister of State accept that this looks like favouritism? What immediate steps will she take to ensure that IDA Ireland directs more visits and resources to Offaly? To be honest, over the most recent period, it has been a case of everything being the same. We need that to change.”
“Each of these policies might be manageable on its own, but together, and introduced so quickly, they are putting huge pressure on small businesses. These are the very businesses that will now be asked to take on the extra cost of auto-enrolment. The Government has tried to support businesses, and I welcome that, but I believe we need more targeted help for SMEs as auto-enrolment is rolled out. This could mean phasing in supports, temporary reliefs or other measures that give small employers the breathing space they need. I support My Future Fund. It is the right thing for workers but we must also protect small businesses that employ those workers. If they cannot survive, then the system has failed before it has even started.”
“I welcome the introduction of auto-enrolment and the new My Future Fund. This is an important reform, as too many workers today have no pension savings beyond the State pension. People deserve peace of mind that, when they retire, they will not face a big drop in their standard of living. With contributions from employees, employers and the State, auto-enrolment is a fair way to achieve that. I wish to highlight the series of challenges for small- and medium-sized businesses. SMEs are the backbone of our economy. There are no employees without employers, yet in a short space of time, SMEs have faced an increase in the minimum wage, extra paid sick days and an extra bank holiday. Some workers see the extra sick days as extra holidays. There are also rising costs across the board.”
“I ask the Minister whether the Government is considering further measures or updated legislation in this area, such as vehicle registration for traceability, possible insurance requirements and education for parents and young people, to ensure e-scooters will be used safely and responsibly and not misused for antisocial behaviour and criminal purposes.”
“Yesterday on Eden Quay, a 17-year-old boy was stabbed by a group of four or five men. Disturbingly, those involved used e-scooters as getaway vehicles. They were dressed in black clothing and were able to leave the scene quickly. This is not an isolated issue. Across the country, e-scooters are increasingly linked with antisocial behaviour, drug activities and reckless use on footpaths, creating a real risk for families and especially older people. We also know from Temple Street hospital that 20 children under the age of 16 have already presented this year with head injuries from e-scooter incidents, many of them serious, despite the fact they are under-16s and not permitted to use them.”
“I appreciate the Minister of State's answer. One business owner even told me he is considering not paying insurance at all. Smaller businesses like landscape gardeners, plumbers and electricians are in the same position. This is all because they want to keep the doors open. That is how desperate some SMEs feel. How can we reassure these small employers that there is a plan to make insurance both fair and accessible so they are not forced to consider such risks?”
“I thank the Minister of State for the update. I was speaking with business owners whose premiums have gone up exponentially over the last four years, even without any claims. It is hard for them to see the impact of the reforms on the ground. Could the Minister of State outline how his Department is working to make sure reforms generally bring premiums back to sustainable levels for businesses like that?”
“In County Offaly and across the country, farmers are increasingly alarmed by the spread of bovine TB, with one in five farms nationally now affected. Given the established role of badgers and deer in transmitting this disease, what specific measures is the Department taking to prevent further outbreaks, particularly in high-incidence areas like Offaly? How can we ensure this does not become a bigger problem for Irish agriculture and a threat to long-term food security?”
“I ask that the specific needs of SMEs, especially in areas like staffing, digital transformation and access to supports, remain front and centre in the LEEF's upcoming work programme. This collaborative approach is the right one. I look forward to seeing practical outcomes that will make a real difference to businesses on the ground.”
“I thank the Taoiseach for his update and welcome the reconvening of the Labour Employer Economic Forum under his chairmanship. It is clear the forum plays a vital role in bringing Government, employers and unions together, especially in times of uncertainty. As someone who engages regularly with small business owners and retailers across the country and in my county, Offaly, I welcome the recognition of the need to support sectors most exposed to global pressures. SMEs and retail businesses in our towns are the heart of our local economies. They create jobs, drive community life and have shown remarkable resilience in recent years. I am encouraged by the Taoiseach's commitment to ongoing dialogue.”
“That could mean help with start-up costs, targeted grants for fitting out vacant units, supports for marketing, rent, or even pop-up retail pilots in empty spaces. What plans does the Department have to support and revive high street retail? Will the Minister work with his Cabinet colleagues to make this a priority in government?”
“I now turn to the issue of high-street retail, which is in serious decline. In towns like Tullamore, Birr, Edenderry and similar towns all over Ireland, we see more and more shops closing. Footfall is down, rent and staffing costs are up and the result is that once thriving town centres are slowly emptying out. This is visible, urgent and deeply worrying. The reality is that this cannot be solved by one scheme or Department alone. We need a national joined-up plan that looks at how to bring life back to our high streets. That includes cross-departmental action, enterprise, housing, local government and finance. We need real incentives for retail on the high street, not just to keep existing shops afloat, but to make it attractive for new retail businesses to open.”
“Will the Minister look at simplifying the application process and at rolling out a strong national and local awareness campaign through the local enterprise office, chambers of commerce and media? We need to meet these businesses where they are, and not just on the websites. Will the Minister also provide figures on how many businesses nationwide and in Offaly have made use of the wage subsidy scheme and upskilling programmes like Skillnet or others under the national training fund? I want to ask about commercial rates. Small businesses in towns are still under major pressure from inflation, energy bills and wage demands. Will the rates relief continue into next year? They need certainty now.”
“I thank the Minister and compliment his Department for all its hard work. We are in an economy with full employment. That does not happen by chance. I refer to all the work that has been done in the past and needs to be done in the future. We are in uncertain times. We are looking at tariffs. We are working with our European partners to negotiate tariffs with the United States. Now, more than ever, we need to be supporting our smaller businesses. I welcome the supports mentioned, but many small businesses in County Offaly and across the country are still not sure how to access them or whether they even qualify for them. I have spoken with business owners who are unaware that certain schemes exist in the first place, and that is a real gap.”
“It would be helpful to know about what consultations will take place to ensure that people with disabilities are meaningfully involved in shaping that report.”
“I appreciate the update on the Department's engagement with the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The UNCRPD is not just about legal commitments; it is also about meaningful lived change for people with disabilities throughout the country. The first report in 2021 was an important step but real transparency and accountability come from continuous engagement with the committee and stakeholders here at home. Organisations like the IHREC and the disabled persons' organisations, DPOs, have a critical role in this. Can the Minister of State clarify whether the Department has received feedback on recommendations from the UN committee following the 2021 submission? When is the next periodic report due to be submitted?”
“The implementation of the UNCRPD is to be monitored by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, IHREC, and the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Can the Minister of State assure me that this is going to happen?”
“I welcome the Department's leadership in advancing the national disability strategy. The shift towards to a whole-of-government approach embedding the UNCRPD into policy across Departments is critical to making rights real for people with disabilities. The move of disability policy from the Department of Health to the Minister of State's Department was a significant step towards a right-based model and the upcoming strategy is a real opportunity to build on that momentum. However, the key to this success will not just be policy alignment but real implementation and measurable outcomes. Many individuals and disability organisations are anxious to see concrete timelines. Thankfully, the Minister of State was able to provide me with those.”
“It may be time for a new national plan rather than leaving it to the individual schools to sink or swim. Just because it is the way we have always done it does not mean it is the right way. Let us fix this for our schools and for our students.”
“The capitation grant is no longer fit for purpose. I know it has been brought up in the House quite a lot, even earlier today, but I add my voice to that. I have met with the INTO and spoken to principals from Bracknagh National School, High Street National School in Belmont, Scoil Mhuire in Tullamore and the Offaly School of Special Education, to name but a few. Schools are under serious financial pressure just to meet basic running costs. Fundraising, which should be for extras like trips, equipment and enrichment of the school experience, is now being used to just keep the doors open. That is not sustainable and it is draining time and energy from teachers and school leaders who should be focused on their students. We need to review how we fund schools, not just to tweak the existing grant.”
“I am looking for the Taoiseach's support for a new school building at Ard Scoil Chiaráin Naofa in Clara, County Offaly. The existing school building is simply not fit for purpose. It is outdated, overcrowded and lacking in proper facilities. The school community, including teachers, parents and local residents, have been calling for a new building for years. There is a proposed site at Drayton Villa. This site was purchased by Offaly County Council years ago and is to be purchased by the Department of education, but nothing has happened. We need clarity on this. Has this project moved beyond the design stage? When can the people of Clara expect real progress on this urgently needed development? I sent in written PQs and the replies I got were only waffle. We need proper movement on this, and I am looking for the Taoiseach's support on it.”
“I welcome the Government's plans to make it easier and quicker for new teachers to become permanent - that is a positive step - but I ask the Government to also look at bringing in a rule that new permanent teachers must wait five years before taking a career break. Principals and teachers I have spoken to in County Offaly are very clear on this. Early career breaks are causing problems with staffing and making it harder to plan ahead. It is also upsetting for students who need stability in the classroom. Will the Government review the career break policy as part of these changes?”
“I wish to highlight one example which reflects the broader issue. I refer to the sharp decline in the number of young farmers. Farming is still the backbone of rural life, in particular in Offaly, yet fewer young people see it as a viable future. They face high entry costs, housing challenges and limited local supports. This is not just about agriculture, it shows how rural Ireland is becoming less accessible for the next generation. If we do not act, we will not just be losing farmers but community leaders, volunteers and local families that hold rural life together. I urge the Department to recognise that rural regeneration depends on a strong, diverse rural economy, one that includes farming, but also services, trades and small enterprises.”
“The continuing loss of young people from rural areas like Offaly is deeply worrying. The truth is that we are educating our children to live elsewhere. We equip them with the skills, ambition and drive but the jobs, housing and services they need to build a future in the locality are not in place. This trend is affecting everything - from school enrolments to local businesses and the fabric of rural community life. The longer it continues, the harder it becomes to reverse. There is no silver bullet for this: it demands joined-up thinking and a real commitment across the Government. Will the Minister take the lead in his Department to work with the Departments of housing, education, enterprise and Transport to ensure young people have genuine opportunities to live, work and stay rooted in their communities?”
“We need to think creatively and act decisively if we are serious about protecting rural life and supporting our ageing population.”
“Following up on this, I wish to highlight the decline of rural services such as shops, post offices and pubs has done more than hurt the local economy. It has deeply affected the social fabric of rural life. These were not just businesses but gathering points and places where older people in particular had a chance to interact, feel valued and maintain a sense of belonging. This role has now largely fallen to local GAA and the church which do commendable work but it is simply not enough. Rural isolation is real and we must be honest: it is a public health issue that costs lives every day. Will the Department consider incentivising the operation of small rural shops and services that act as social hubs for the community?”
“I thank the Minister for his response. I acknowledge the valuable progress made through initiatives, such as the Local Link service which has provided vital transport connectivity for rural communities and older people in particular. Rural ageing, however, must be placed more centrally within the Minister's Department agenda. Rural Ireland is ageing at a faster rate than urban centres and while transport is critical, it is only one part of the picture. We need an integrated strategy that addresses rural housing, access to health services, digital skills and opportunities for social participation. Will the Minister's Department consider the development of a targeted rural ageing strategy to ensure older people in rural communities can age with dignity, independence and meaningful connection to the places they call home?”
“I know we have made a lot of progress in these areas recently but I ask that the issue of rural ageing be placed firmly on the Cabinet committee agenda going forward.”
“Like my fellow Deputies, I congratulate the Offaly minor football team on its great performance last night. Commiserations to Louth. It has had a fantastic year and it is not over yet. Best wishes to the team in the all-Ireland. There was a fantastic finish to the game and it was a fantastic game of football. I thank the Taoiseach for his response. As he knows, many rural communities, particularly in counties such as Offaly, are ageing rapidly. This is no longer a distant trend but a reality now shaping local needs and priorities. We need to ensure that ageing in rural Ireland is matched with proper supports, accessible healthcare, rural transport, housing and community services that allow people to age with dignity and connection.”
“I thank the Taoiseach for his reply, and I commend the Garda. I have noticed more gardaí on the streets in Offaly and across the country recently. That visibility has a real and positive impact. It helps people feel safer, builds community trust and serves as a strong deterrent to crime. With that in mind, I ask the Cabinet Committee on Justice, Migration and Social Affairs to consider the specific needs of smaller rural towns like Banagher, Daingean, Clara and other towns across Offaly and the country. While these towns are assigned gardaí, in practice officers are often drawn away to larger population centres, leaving little or no regular presence locally. More consistent Garda presence in these smaller towns would significantly improve community confidence and security.”
“Will the Taoiseach, through his Department, commit to support the training and upskilling needed to fully unlock the benefits of MMC and meet our housing needs?”
“I thank the Taoiseach for the update on the NESC. As he is aware, NESC has identified modern methods of construction as a key to reducing the cost of apartment delivery and supporting more compact sustainable urban growth. In order to realise this potential, however, we need to invest in our workforce. The national modern methods of construction, MMC, training centre in Mount Lucas in Offaly, run by the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board, is already leading on this. Important work is also being done in the University of Galway. By expanding the Mount Lucas training centre and providing real incentives for existing construction workers to upskill, we can modernise the sector, lower costs and reduce environmental impacts. It is often said that we should work smarter and not harder but in truth we should always aim to do both.”
“We know that transformers and other critical components are not necessarily in short supply right now, but they are being ordered and manufactured globally. If peace were to emerge in places like Ukraine and Palestine, as we hope, global demand for these infrastructural goods will increase sharply. Will the Government act now and secure orders to invest in future-proofing our grid? Can the Tánaiste provide an upgrade on any promised legislation and policy to accelerate these upgrades in line with our housing ambitions?”
“I wish to comment first on a comment by Deputy Doherty regarding my colleague, Deputy Ardagh, and her non-attendance in the Chamber. Deputy Ardagh is not here; we do not know why she is not here. I do not think anybody should be commenting on that. I have tabled a question for the Tánaiste on defence in the afternoon and I cannot be here because I am attending my uncle's funeral. I do not, therefore, think any of us should be judge and jury on that. I acknowledge the Government's continued efforts to meet housing targets and strengthen our national infrastructure. One key issue we are facing, especially in the midlands, is the need to upgrade our electricity grid to support new housing and developments.”
“Will the Minister explore a longer-term funding programme to focus on community-led regenerative tourism in just transition counties? Can we look forward to Offaly being prioritised for future pilot projects in sustainable rural tourism, given its diversity in assets and the strong local momentum?”
“I thank the Minister. While his continued support is appreciated, it is crucial that we move from potential to progress. The Offaly tourism plan is a strong foundation but it needs national-level commitment to truly deliver. The Book of Durrow, one of Europe's oldest illuminated manuscripts, deserves to be celebrated in its original home, yet Durrow Abbey remains closed. Sites such as Lough Boora and the Slieve Bloom trails are ideal for ecotourism but lack the investment and infrastructure to thrive. The EU just transition tourism regenerative fund sparked remarkable engagement from local businesses and community enterprises but its tight deadlines were a barrier for many. The appetite is there; we just need the tools.”
“While I welcome all we have done, we need to concentrate more on smaller counties like Offaly to promote tourism in the country.”
“While investment in Clonmacnoise and progress on Birr's telescope are welcome, Offaly remains one of the most underpromoted yet richly endowed counties for tourism in Ireland. We have an incredibly varied and beautiful landscape, including the Slieve Bloom Mountains, lush farmlands, boglands, greenways, rivers and lakes. Our heritage is world class - Clonmacnoise, Birr Castle, Croghanhill and Durrow Abbey, which is the original home of the Book of Durrow, one of Ireland's most treasured manuscripts. We are also home to Tullamore Dew, which is a globally recognised whiskey brand, and vibrant waterways with towns like Banagher and Shannon Harbour. When I hosted New Zealand's ambassador to Ireland recently, he was taken aback by Offaly's natural beauty and untapped tourism potential.”
“What specific measures is the Department taking to support and grow the tourism sector in County Offaly, including investment in local attractions such as Lough Boora, the Slieve Bloom Mountains and the Grand Canal greenway?”
“I ask the Minister to consider how pilot programmes or enhanced outreach in rural counties might support that transition, further making sure that every person who wants the work feels that the system is behind them.”
“I thank the Minister for his constructive response and his clear understanding of the challenges people face in making that transition into employment. It is encouraging to hear that the Department is actively reviewing how supports can be better structured. We know that work brings more than just a wage. It brings confidence, self-worth and a sense of purpose for families and communities in Offaly and elsewhere. That matters deeply. The Minister is right to focus on ensuring that supports do not fall off a cliff when someone takes up work. A well-managed, tapering system and clear communication are key to giving people confidence to take that next step.”
“Will the Minister confirm whether his Department is reviewing the income thresholds and tapering of supports to ensure that work always pays and that the move from welfare to wages is a step up and not a step back?”
“I thank the Minister for his response. While the supports outlined are welcome, we need to recognise that getting back to work is about more than just income. Employment plays a vital role in improving mental health, giving people a sense of identity, routine and purpose. It also sets a powerful example for children and others in the community, showing that work pays, that ambition is valued and that the opportunity is real. For many in County Offaly and beyond, the move from welfare into employment still seems like a risk. The poverty trap is real. When people feel it will cost them more to take up a job than to stay on social supports, something is fundamentally wrong. We need to create genuine incentives to work, with supports that are accessible, clearly communicated and designed to reward effort rather than punish transition.”
“Will the Minister outline the range of back-to-work supports available for jobseekers in County Offaly and the measures that are being taken to improve the uptake of and access to schemes such as the back-to-work enterprise allowance and the part-time job incentive?”
“I thank the Taoiseach for the information. It is essential to acknowledge the tremendous efforts farmers have made and continue to make to improve water quality. Last week, when I met the Offaly branch of the Irish Farmers Association, members made a compelling case that this committee can achieve and that now is the time for industry, State agencies and local authorities to match those efforts and provide real assistance. This issue is not solely caused by farmers, yet they stand to suffer the most if they do not get it right. Will the Taoiseach fully commit to doing everything in his power to retain the nitrates derogation at EU level?”
“We already know that the infrastructure here in Dublin is creaking and needs updating whereas down the country we have infrastructure that is well able to take care of the foreign direct investment companies that need to locate there.”