Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The credit union consumer sentiment survey has shown this week the impact families are under as a result of the cost-of-living pressures. Some of those pressures have been brought on by the Government. Last month, it increased the price of petrol and diesel and it plans to do that twice more after the local elections. Insurance prices are increasing at an alarming rate, while the insurance companies are making bumper profits. In 2019, the then Taoiseach gave insurance companies six months to reduce their costs or else, he said, the Government would take action. Since that time, insurance costs for businesses, sports clubs and community groups did not go down but actually went up by 15%. Motorists are also being ripped off, with premiums increasing every month in the past ten months. The benefits of all the reforms that have been passed have been pocketed by the insurance industry to boost its profits, and I warned the Government of this.

Will the Government now stop opposing my legislation, which is currently before the finance committee, that will hold these companies to account to ensure they pass on their savings to consumers instead of boosting their profits?

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The matter of insurance reform is a really important one for the Government and we have been embarking on that further reform. We want to make sure consumers get proper value for money and that cost reductions are passed on to them. That is why the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, recently met representatives of the insurance sector again and they are to report back to him within two months, because we want cost reductions to be passed on to consumers through premium reductions as well. We have made significant changes in recent years with regard to ensuring savings on claims that are made are passed on to consumers. The Minister of State is engaged directly with Insurance Ireland and the insurance sector and they have two months to report back to him, and I am certain that will be brought to the House and, indeed, the finance committee.

Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I again raise the plight of thalidomide survivors. They have been waiting more than 60 years for justice and have become desperately frustrated. They are urgently seeking a Government commitment to re-engaging with them to achieve a resolution to seek a State apology and a compensation package, a fair deal. I have been raising this consistently for some time. The Minister met Finola Cassidy from the Irish Thalidomide Association last week. I pay tribute to her and her colleagues for their advocacy.

She has informed me how deeply anxious they are to reach a resolution. I am seeking a commitment that the Government will engage with the association in order to achieve that resolution. There have been positive noises on this in recent weeks, but I am now asking for a commitment.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am glad the Deputy raised this issue. I met with Finola Cassidy again last week. Other Ministers, including the Minister for Health, Deputy Donnelly, have engaged on the matter. I want the process to be restarted. Last year, the facilitation process, which is confidential in nature, made a great deal of progress. That has stalled now, however. I earnestly want to see it restarted. Finola and the members of the Irish Thalidomide Association deserve to see that happen. We have to agree what will need to happen to restart the process. The confidentiality aspect is very important. I know Finola and others completely agree with that and that we can move towards ensuring each survivor is looked after appropriately. We have brought in a range of supports over time and they have been welcomed, but I really do want to see the process restart.

I am glad the Deputy raised this matter. I will speak with the Minister for Health directly - many of us have already done so. I know the Minister is committed to moving this matter on.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the issue of the long-awaited of the new national children's hospital, which cannot open soon enough. The understanding all along has been that there will be 380 beds in the facility. This week, Children's Health Ireland, CHI, released an update video about the hospital that in which reference was made to 300 beds. Can the Minister clarify if that was an error on the part of CHI? If so, it would obviously need to be corrected. Are there any circumstances in which the number of beds could have been reduced from 380 to 300? That would be entirely unacceptable and would constitute a major problem. Will the Minister clarify the position? If he cannot do so now, will he come back with a clarification later in the day?

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I will get further clarification for her directly from the Minister for Health. My understanding is that there will be 300 individual inpatient en suite rooms, each of which will include a place for parents or guardians to sleep. In addition, there will be 60 critical care beds and 20 child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS, beds. That will be 380 beds. I have not seen the video. CHI may have just been referring to the 300 individual inpatient beds. I say very clearly to the Deputy that the information I have refers to 300 individual inpatient rooms, 60 critical care beds, 20 CAMHS beds and 93 day-beds. I will raise it directly with the Minister, Deputy Donnelly.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister.

Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Last night, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions described the Government's small business supports package as being anti-worker. The Government promised workers that the number of statutory sick leave days would rise next January from five to seven, and again in January 2026 from seven to ten days. However, the Minister has stated that he will review the ESRI research on the impact of statutory sick leave before deciding on any further increases. This is a broken promise to more than 1 million workers. The Government is downgrading a definite pledge to a mere possibility. Meanwhile, the Minister has written to the Low Pay Commission asking it to consider a report on rising business costs before making recommendations on next year's national minimum wage rates and has organised a review of the proposed roadmap for increasing minimum annual remuneration thresholds for employment permits. In other words, the Minister is busy undermining the rights of sick people-----

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Time is up.

Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

-----the low paid and migrants all at once.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Time is up.

Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My question is this-----

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Time is up.

Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I want to ask my question.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

No, time is up.

Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Let me ask my question.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The time is up, Deputy. Resume your seat.

Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Ceann Comhairle's inflexibility on this is unreal.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Resume your seat.

Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Is it because I am asking questions on behalf of workers?

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Resume your seat, Deputy. The Minister has one minute to respond.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Thank God the Deputy is not the only workers' representative here. All of us represent workers. We do so in a country where 90,000 new jobs have been added to the economy over the past year.

Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Answer the question on sick pay.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Éist liom.

Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Answer the question on sick pay.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Stop interrupting.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Relax for a second. I am trying to answer. Just relax. There are 2.7 million people at work, and we have to ensure there is an economy there to support good jobs for people. I am a firm believer in and always have been an advocate for workers' rights. The decision to increase statutory sick leave is not required until quarter 4 of this year. We have already made significant changes in respect of maternity and paternity rights, as the Deputy knows, that are supported by the budgets this Government votes on and passes and that he Deputy and his party oppose every year. We are taking a phased approach to this matter. The review is being carried, and rightly so, because we have to make sure we balance increased cost for workers and the increased cost of business, ICOB-----

Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government made a promise and has now paused it.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

ICOB grants support small businesses that employ people right across this country-----

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Time is up, Minister.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

-----and I am assuming the Deputy agrees with me-----

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am sorry Minister, the time is up.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Last night, I attended the public consultation on the designated marine area plans, DMAP, for the proposed four sites for the offshore renewable energy wind farms off the south coast. This matter relates to the south-east region encompassing Wexford, Waterford and Cork. The fishermen there were the only real stakeholders who attended. The reality is that this was a public consultation where no compensatory measures, if required, are being proposed at this stage. It is proposed to go to auction with this in November. If this plan is to be successful, and it is a very positive development for the region, we need to look at the negatives and address them in a serious manner. The board was asked about negatives during the presentation and it skirted around them. The process has to be open and transparent and the Department needs to know that. We need to have compensation, if required, in place for our fishers who own boats that cost upwards of €1 million-----

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. The time is up.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

-----and employ 130 people in Kilmore-----

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. The time is up. The Minister, please.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As Minister with responsibility for planning, I cannot address specific planning applications in there because I am precluded from-----

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I know that.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I understand the Deputy's concern, particular as brought forward the Marine Planning Act that was passed by this House. The Deputy is right there are great advantages for this country. There is a real need to expand our offshore renewable energy, ORE, capability. Indeed, there are very clear benefits for our communities and for our country. Public consultation with stakeholders is crucially important, including with fishers. I know there has been consultation with the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority, MARA, and others and with fishers right the way across the areas we are looking for DMAPs to be done and where we are looking for future ORE redevelopment. I expect that consultation will continue. I will not get into the space of compensation yet, but that would be something I expect will be dealt with through the process. Our fishers are obviously know our maritime area better than anyone else, and they will also understand the importance of energy security and stability and of ORE to our country. I want to make sure that all stakeholders can work on this.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There is a huge crisis at Tipperary University Hospital, TUH, which was previously know as South Tipperary General Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital. The embargo that is in place is preventing recruitment. According to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, INMO, safe working and other practices are being eroded. We need these posts. It is not a matter of funding. Those posts exist already but people have left, retired, are on sick pay or on maternity leave and the posts need to be filled immediately. Safe working practices have been eroded according to the hospital's own guidelines and the nurses' own guidelines. We need these posts filled immediately and do not talk about there being no embargo and they have all been recruited. This is happening in real time. These statements to the effect that 70 nursing position have not been filled were made by the INMO.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy may have missed my earlier response regarding the health budget. There are 3,000 additional staff are being recruited this year.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This is for 70 posts.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I understand.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Please.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I will raise the point the Deputy raised directly with the Minister, Deputy Donnelly. Everyone understands that in order to fill posts across the sector, it can take some time because, effectively, we have full employment.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is 70 posts.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I will bring the matter up with the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, and I will ask him to respond directly to the Deputy because he has raised an important point. We want to make sure staff safety and patient safety is paramount. I will raise it with the Minister, Deputy Donnelly.

Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise again Francis Street development in Ennis. These are the six houses that were purchased with a view to knocking them down and eventually building a mixed-use development. On 23 March last year, I raised the matter with the leader of Fianna Fáil, the Tánaiste, Deputy Micheál Martin, who stated: "we should be making those houses fit for habitation and allocate them because development of the kind the Deputy mentioned will take a long time." Nevertheless, in March of this year, the day before a challenge to those plans was to be heard in the High Court, the houses were demolished by the council. Yesterday, the council held a meeting and stated that it would be three years before there would be shovels in the ground. The people who would otherwise be in those houses - including a three-bedroom house built less than 30 years ago - can look at fancy bollards paid for with their own taxpayer's money promising something into the future. Is the housing crisis over? Are these executives accountable to anybody or do they operate like sun gods in their own little realm?

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Clare County Council is the housing authority for County Clare.

I am familiar with this case. Thankfully, Clare County Council is building many more homes than heretofore. I have always told all local authorities to use existing stock where they can to house people. We are doing that across the country. The decision taken in respect of that specific scheme was taken by Clare County Council. As such, this is a matter for the council.

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A taxi driver in Bagenalstown was refused a licence because the NTA said there were nine existing services. There is only one taxi service in Bagenalstown; the other eight have to come from Carlow. The man in question spent more than €20,000 on his car. Some 50 or so people have signed letters calling for the service in Bagenalstown, which is a rural part of the county. Carlow County Council granted the licence because it said it was needed. Then the NTA refused it. Is the NTA forgetting about rural Ireland? We need taxis in rural Ireland. Can the Minister please help me on this? People want rural taxi drivers in Bagenalstown.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter regarding Carlow, which is of no surprise to me. A matter relating to Carlow is raised every day. This is a serious issue. I do not take it lightly. If the Deputy can give me the details, I will raise the issue with the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, and get him to look into it and respond directly to the Deputy.

Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The latest Daft report shows that rents in Longford have risen by a whopping 20% to an average of just under €1,350 per month. This represents the highest percentage rental cost increase in the entire country. It is an increase of close to 80% since just before the pandemic four years ago. Today, there are only 11 properties to rent in a county with a population of more than 45,000 people. A three-bedroom property would cost around €1,400 a month to rent. Even if they can get viewings, working families simply cannot afford these prices. What is happening is crippling those who simply need somewhere to call home. Those involved in industry tell us the same thing because what is happening is crippling their expansion plans. The median income in Longford is €36,000. These prices are not sustainable. What does the Minister intend to do to address the increase?

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

What we intend to do is to continue to build on the progress we are making. I have been in Longford and other places across the country many times. We have dealt with ten years of significant housing supply. Thankfully, since this Government came into office, we have delivered 110,000 new homes. I have been in Longford many times and have seen the fantastic new homes being built there. We need to keep working and double down to deliver more homes for people.

We will never turn this around in two or three years. We have a plan that is backed, that is being implemented and that is financed. What we are doing is in stark contrast what the Deputy's party has to offer. We have brought forward supports, such as the waiver of the development levy which Sinn Fein opposed. It then came in the following week and said it does not oppose the levy. To be fair, it is very serious issue. Across the board, we need a stable private rental market. Sinn Fein's housing spokesperson's comments on the private rental market are driving landlords out of and removing properties from the market. What people say has consequences.

Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This is happening on your watch, Minister.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome Minister Rabbitte's recent announcement about a waiting list initiative for assessments of need and the procurement of private assessments. I sincerely hope those assessments can be carried out as quickly as possible. We are all well aware that there have been totally unacceptable delays for many years in children getting assessments of need and follow-up therapies. We must ensure that these children get their assessments in time because they determine their school placement. If the Minister can use the National Treatment Purchase Fund, NTPF, or any other mechanism to buy in additional capacity to minimise the delays in children obtaining these assessments, it would be a good day's work. I cannot stress enough, as I have done so often in this Chamber, the urgency of ensuring that those children get assessments and the necessary follow-up treatments in a timely manner.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I agree wholeheartedly with Deputy Smith on this. All of us know of children who are waiting far too long for initial assessments of need. The Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, has brought forward a plan for an additional €12 million in funding to be able to purchase assessments through the private sector, as well as giving consideration to using the NTPF model. I want that stood up as quickly as possible, as does the Minister of State. We all of us know of families who have waited far too long for their kids to be assessed. I know of two in Dublin Fingal. I am dealing with families who want what is best for their kids. We will continue with additional funding to drive down waiting lists and, most importantly, get the supports those children need as urgently as possible.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ejiro O'Hare-Stratton came to Drogheda over 33 years ago with the Medical Missionaries of Mary. She qualified as a nurse and has a master's degree in hospital administration. She got married and has four children. Two are doctors and one is a dentist. Her son, who is in his first year of university, represents Ireland internationally in athletics. Ejiro is a fantastic woman. She set up Hands 4 Unity, a group which brings all communities, races and religions together in Drogheda. She is standing for Fine Gael in the local election. Last week, the Irish Freedom Party wrote the slogan "Ireland Is Full" on her poster. She said that sometimes the memes just write themselves. A great deal of racial abuse is being hurled at candidates of different colour and from different countries and religions. It is important that this Parliament and its Members, of all parties and none, stand up and condemn these actions and ensure they are dealt with.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I saw the attacks on the campaign of Ejiro O'Hare-Stratton and the racist tropes that are being at thrown at new Irish people and communities. Thankfully, more people from our diverse society are running for local authorities across all parties and none. All of us support that, and I certainly do. These types of attacks on campaigns and the abuse hurled at candidates, regardless of background, are absolutely abhorrent and should be condemned by every party and Member of this House. I wish Ejiro O'Hare-Stratton all the very best for her campaign and tell her to keep going, as I know she will. Suzzie O'Deniyi, a Fianna Fáil candidate in Limerick, puts up with some awful abuse. All of us have to stand united against this type of racial abuse.

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

What are the plans for Thornton Hall? Last week, we received notification from the community engagement team that it will be used as emergency accommodation and that this accommodation will be brought on stream in the near future. That is all of the information we have. I have spoken to the two Ministers involved. It has been reported that this will take four to six weeks and that it may require planning, depending on the units. There is a lot of other speculation, as the Minister might appreciate. There seems to be a drip feed of information to the media and no feed to public representatives, local communities or the local authority. What is the plan for engagement with public representatives, the local community and local authorities?

Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for the question. As soon as a Government decision was made last week, the community engagement team informed local TDs and councillors in Dublin Fingal. The site is close to me. I will check to see what was done there. We are operating on the basis that we give representatives all of the information when we have it. The reality of the situation is that it is a staged process. There will be stages where we do not have information. The community engagement team will set dates. I understand there are proposals to meet local representatives over the next week. The team will share the information it has at that stage. The downside of us being upfront and early with information is that we do not have all of the information upfront. My understanding is that an assessment is being carried out in respect of the site in order to see what will be viable. As soon as we have the information to share, we will do that.

James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I want to raise the national catchment flood risk assessment and management programme, CFRAM. Storm Babet caused major devastation in my constituency, in Cork North Central and Waterford. A number of the places in my constituency that were flooded as a result of the storm, including Castlemartyr, Mogeely and Rathcormac, had flood management plans in place. There were also plans to carry out relief works in these areas. However, they are caught up in what is referred to as tranche 2, which is another delaying mechanism used by the OPW in the context of funding. There has to be some prioritisation, where CFRAM is expedited for settlements which have already flooded. Could the Minister bring this to the attention of the OPW on my behalf and on that of my constituency? I refer, in particular, to Castlemartyr, Mogeely and Rathcormac and other parts of the county that are caught up in this issue with tranche 2.

Residents in those areas should not have to worry and wait any longer.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this. I actually visited Castlemartyr with Deputy O'Connor and I agree with him. I will certainly raise these three towns, and the other issues the Deputy mentions, with the OPW on his behalf. I know he has been advocating very strongly for them. Work we are doing within my own Department, separate to that, is to improve the flood forecasting in our rivers and river catchment areas, which is very important. I actually brought a memo to Cabinet very recently on that to review the response to, and the preparation in advance of, storm events like those we have seen already this year. I will raise this directly with the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW to see if these schemes can be advanced as a matter of urgency.

Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We are now at the end of the school cycle and the commencement of the 2024-2025 school cycle begins in four month's time. Every year the school transport scheme is significantly oversubscribed. Year after year this is repeated, causing financial and social worries for parents. Some parents have had to give up their jobs to bring their children to school. This week we had a major protest in north Gorey, with 150 families and 190 children directly involved who are in desperate need of a school transport system for the three towns of Gorey, Enniscorthy and Wexford. Have the Minister for Transport and the Minister for Education a plan in place to increase the number of seats available and expand capacity in the school transport system to ensure as many children as possible across County Wexford can get a seat on their local school buses this coming school year?

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I genuinely thank Deputy Mythen for raising this matter which is one that many Deputies have been raising with the Minister, Deputy Foley. In fairness, she is currently undertaking a review of the school transport scheme, and I believe that is nearing completion. It is important to note that every single day 140,000 children are able to access school transport across the country, but obviously, with a growing population and a younger population, we are going to need more. The review is more than under way and is nearing completion. I would encourage parents whose children need school transport to make sure they have applied, although the deadline has passed at this stage. I will raise this matter directly with the Minister, Deputy Foley, on behalf of Deputy Mythen, as I have been doing on behalf of students in my own area in Dublin Fingal.

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

First, I welcome the 52,500 new housing starts in the past 12 months, acknowledge the progress the Minister is making and welcome his openness to new ideas. In that context, I ask him to seriously consider a housing trust dedicated solely to promoting right-sizing for people who want to do so. Ireland is a country where 90% of people in my age bracket are overprovided with homes and would be better in smaller homes more suited to their needs. That amounts to 400,000 homes, so if we could see even a small fraction of occupants move to more suitable accommodation, we would make big progress. A document was produced by the Minister's Department in conjunction with the Department of Health in 2019 which outlines a route we can travel but, sadly, not enough progress has been made on those initiatives.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy raised this issue earlier this week or last week and it is a very pertinent point. The crucial issue with right-sizing is providing choice for people so that they do not feel that they must leave their family home. I know that is not what the Deputy is advocating. It is about choice. We do have schemes running through local authorities. Earlier this week Deputy Bruton referenced Dublin City Council and South Dublin County Council is also doing work in this area, but not enough. We have included that in our planning, particularly around the provision of more one- and two-bedroom homes, which we are seeing throughout the country. The Minister of State, Deputy Butler, is funding, through her Department, age-friendly officers in each of our local authorities. We certainly want to see how we can accelerate that choice. Certainly, that choice will improve as supply continues to improve and as we are designing estates and developments for communities. We need three-bedroom semi-detached houses, good terraced houses and a good mix of homes. I see that in my own area of Dublin Fingal but it is something we need to continue to focus on to accelerate its delivery.

Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

First, in light of the housing crisis and the many issues people are facing in relation to notices to quit, soaring rents and insecure housing, it was disheartening to watch Deputies shout across the House at each other. A level of respect for our constituents who are facing these situations is required.

I want to raise the fact we need to increase targets for social housing developments in County Clare. This year the target is only 153. In Ennistymon, a social housing proposal has been paused due to water infrastructure constraints. Last year only 31 such homes were delivered. I have raised vacancy issues in a number of towns in Clare with the Minister previously and will follow up with a note on same. In respect of affordable housing, the Minister mentioned that he was open to extending that to other towns and villages in County Clare and I would like to follow up on that with him.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

First, the targets are not ceilings. Many local authorities have exceeded the targets we have set them for social housing delivery and I want them to do that. A number of affordable housing schemes have been brought forward in Ennis and Shannon and we want to see more of them. As I mentioned previously, the vacancy grant is working very well across the country and in County Clare in particular. There are real opportunities to bring vacant stock back into use, either for people to buy or to rent long term, or for the local authorities to take them back into use. If the Deputy gives me specifics on the villages she mentioned to me, I am quite happy to engage with the local authority on her behalf. I encourage the Deputy to engage directly with the council.

Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A number of businesses in the Clanbrassil Street, St. Nicholas Quarter, Church Street and York Street areas of Dundalk received a text message at 10 a.m. today from Irish Water, telling them essential maintenance works would be taking place between 8 o'clock tomorrow and 8 o'clock on Monday and that this may cause disruption. I would be calling for a different intervention had I not managed to contact Irish Water. I ask the Minister if anything can be done to mitigate this. Obviously, the businesses and the town centre manager who have contacted me are incredibly worried. This is a busy time with many communion and wedding bookings. Salons have been told to close if they cannot access water themselves.

Irish Water is saying that a random sample was taken, elevated levels of manganese were found and it has to flush out the system. Is there a possibility of doing this at a different time? This brings up the wider issue of manganese levels in our water which is one that we need to address. I have dealt with Irish Water on this and many other cases.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Of course, given the weekend that is in it, we want to ensure there is a safe and secure water supply. Where essential maintenance is required, especially on the basis of scientific tests which show that work is required to the fresh drinking water system, that needs to happen. If the Deputy gives me the details, I can raise it directly with Uisce Éireann to see what mitigation measures can be put in place while the essential work takes place.

Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On 16 May Lucan Lodge nursing home management informed residents of the de-registration of the facility with HIQA. Families were understandably distressed and sought answers from a HSE representative at a meeting yesterday. They reported that the HSE representative refused to intervene or answer any questions. Lucan Lodge has 73 vulnerable residents, many of whom require significant support and forcing them to relocate would cause immense emotional and physical trauma. Families demand immediate action from the Government to secure Lucan Lodge's future. They want the Government to ask the HSE to acquire Lucan Lodge. This would guarantee long-term stability and prioritise the well-being of the residents.

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this really important issue. As we know, HIQA had to cancel the registration of Lucan Lodge nursing home last Friday at 10 o'clock in the morning. A minute later, the HSE was on site. The chief inspector of HIQA has taken action to cancel the registration as a care provider because of concerns relating to the supports and care being offered to residents. We have to take this very seriously. I met with the new regional health officer for that particular area, Ms Kate Killeen White, and the chief inspector this week to discuss this. I have written to the HSE and have asked it to explore every single option. I want to put on the record of the Dáil that the person who was running the facility does not own the premises. There is a receiver involved and the background is quite complicated. My primary focus is the welfare of the residents, their families and the staff working in the nursing home. The HSE is on site and is engaging with the families.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Minister for Transport is always boasting about the Connecting Ireland programme and, on the surface, it looks good that we are, at last, getting some rural public transport services. There are two services in Connemara from An Cheathrú Rua to Claremorris and from An Cheathrú Rua to Clifden. So far, so good. There is only one snag which is that, with a bus service, you need bus stops, but some of the bus stops are up to 10 km apart. That means, having got to the main road, people have to walk up to 5 km in one direction to get a bus.

One lady rang my office during the week and told me something that is typical of what is happening. She said she had to walk 3 km along the main road to get to the bus. If you are going to walk that far, you will probably take your car and go the whole way.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Thank you, Deputy. Time is up.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We were promised months ago that more bus stops would be provided. Bus Éireann will pick people up-----

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Time is up, Deputy.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

-----at any safe spot along the road. When will we get action in dealing with this problem?

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta Ó Cuív. Cuirfidh mé ceist ar an Aire Iompair faoin slí idir An Cheathrú Rua agus An Clochán agus Claremorris freisin. Tiocfaidh mé ar ais chuige go luath faoi sin.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Go maith.