Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

This year's budget is about targeted investment to support those who need it most, while also ensuring that we plan wisely for the future. It is about looking after people today while securing the economic foundation for the generations ahead.

I welcome the strong focus on social protection, particularly the increase in weekly core welfare rates, which will benefit 1.5 million people. The expansion of the child support payment and changes to the working family payment threshold are targeted and sensible. These measures will support low- and middle-income families who are feeling the pinch more than ever. The increase in the fuel allowance will also bring real relief to many households.

Education has rightly received a major allocation, with increased funding for special education, new SNAs and additional special education teachers. Continued investment in the school transport scheme and DEIS supports shows a clear recognition of the need to back young people and their futures. Childcare and disability services have been prioritised too. Expanded access to childcare places, improved funding for Tusla and investment in disability supports will make a real difference to families on the ground. In disability services, the focus on additional residential care places, home support hours and respite services is welcome. These are practical and necessary measures that can transform people's daily lives.

Housing remains one of the biggest challenges facing the country. The investment by means of current and capital expenditure is essential. The delivery of more than 10,000 new social homes and funding for enabling infrastructure are steps in the right direction. The national development plan must continue to guide these investments, making sure what we build today will stand the test of time, not just for housing, but also for energy and water infrastructure.

Cuirim fáilte chomh maith roimh an infheistíocht sa Ghaeilge agus sa Ghaeltacht. Tá mé fíorbhuíoch go bhfuil maoiniú breise de €41.4 milliún curtha ar fáil don Ghaeilge agus do phobal na Gaeltachta sa bhuiséad seo. Tá sé seo riachtanach chun ár dteanga dhúchais a chaomhnú agus a threisiú. Cuirim fáilte roimh an maoiniú sa bhreis do Roinn na Gaeltachta agus do TG4. Is céim mhaith í seo chun níos mó infheistíocht a fheiscint i leith na Gaeilge.

This budget is also about preparing for the future. I strongly welcome the funding allocation for the national AI office. This is something I have been pushing over the past six months. I was about to introduce a Bill but, thankfully, the Minister for enterprise has moved ahead with establishing such an office. This office has the potential to ensure that Ireland becomes a leader in responsible and innovative use of artificial intelligence, supporting enterprise, jobs and competitiveness. However, if it is to truly succeed, further investment will be needed in the years ahead to match our ambitions. I would love to see a commissioner appointed to the office and for the office to be independent of the Department in order that it might work with all aspects of Government and society.

If we are serious about creating a resilient and dynamic economy, strategic investment must go hand in hand with targeted supports, as we saw this week. That is what the Government is attempting to do with this budget. The budget will protect the most vulnerable, support working families and build the foundations of long-term economic strength through infrastructure, skills and innovation.

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