Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach Gníomhach. I am delighted to see the Minister of State appointed. This programme for Government is an ambitious document. If it is significantly implemented, it will positively transform the lives of people right across the country. The challenge for all of us is in delivery, and the message to the State agencies has to be that they must help in achieving the results we desire in terms of the ambitious targets we have set out.

This programme addresses domestic issues, including housing, which is our greatest national challenge. We are also committed to addressing the climate challenge and the biodiversity crisis. I welcome in particular the strong emphasis on renewable and offshore energy that will be critical for my own constituency of Wicklow-Wexford.

We know we are going to face global challenges. We are at a time when we are seeing much disruption in geopolitics, as well as the transformative power of new technologies, in particular, artificial intelligence. What has been happening in the US presents challenges but also opportunities for Ireland, particularly in the tech space. As the Minister of State knows well, Ireland is home to many of the companies operating in the tech space. They could be in President Trump's firing line in his desire to get them to return to the US. They will also be at the centre of the regulatory debate. What we need to focus on is how Ireland can act as a bridge between the United States and the European Union and how to achieve the right balance between regulation to ensure online safety and, at the same time, encouraging innovation.

It is right, therefore, that the programme for Government devote a significant section to developing those vital partnerships with both Europe and the United States. We want to maximise Ireland's EU Presidency next year but it should also be remembered that, during 2026, Ireland will be hosting a meeting of the European Political Community, the largest ever gathering on this island of Heads of Government and State, with potentially 47 governments being represented. European security is going to be big on the agenda, and it will also be a big security challenge for the State. I welcome the fact that the security theme is woven through the programme for Government and that there is a clear and timelined intention within the programme to review security issues within the State. We saw the attack on the HSE, which has cost the State at least €150 million to date but also impacted on the healthcare of tens of thousands of people. We can only expect a greater number of hybrid attacks on the State. We are undoubtedly going to see more Russian military vessels in the cobalt blue Irish waters, and there will be fringe groups that will continue to seek to undermine of the State through the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Therefore, that the Government is placing an emphasis on homeland security, the programme for Government proposes to establish a new national security committee established by the Taoiseach, and there will be a review of the national security structures within six months of the Government's establishment is particularly welcome.

The Minister of State and I have often spoken about the impact of artificial intelligence and digitalisation.

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It is critical that this forms part of the work of the Government. I welcome the fact that my friend and colleague, Deputy Niamh Smyth, has been appointed as Minister of State with responsibility for AI. It is not just her responsibility; digitalisation is the responsibility of all of Government. I am rather concerned by responses I received from Government Departments in the past few days to parliamentary questions on their approach to AI. With the exception of a small number of agencies, it has been quite limited.

I will mention some minor areas in the programme which are very welcome and important. On the arts and in terms of building community, the fact that the Government is committed to establishing an arts capital grant programme, similar to the sports capital grant programme, is welcome. I championed the idea of a young person's culture card, which is included in the programme and is welcome. Under sport, there is tax relief for gym membership. Vital to this country is to address funding our future, the funding mechanism for further and higher education. This is an ambitious programme and we need to deliver on it.

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