Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Most students rent their accommodation in the private sector. Every autumn they struggle to find accommodation. Those who are lucky enough to do so pay extortionate rents. Others, who are not so lucky, face very long commutes. The consequences on their lives for their studies are very serious. In worst case scenarios, students have had to defer their course or have dropped out of their studies because of this financial pressure. Rather than supporting students, what the Government proposes to do is to make life even more difficult for them - to force rents up even further. We heard mixed messages from the Government last week. It was going to help students and then it was not. Now, we know it will not. How does the Taoiseach defend the Government's policy to students and their families, who face into extortionate rents and all of that pressure?

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

I thank the Deputy and call on the Taoiseach to respond.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

His message to them is that their rent is going to go up.

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

I thank Deputy McDonald. I call on the Taoiseach.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

No matter how often Deputy McDonald tries to misrepresent the reforms the Government announced last week in respect of the rental sector, it just will not cut it. There are very strong protections in the rent pressure zones, stronger than was the case previously, as a result of the reforms we are going to introduce. In particular, there is a cap of 2% for existing tenants and a cap tied to the CPI for future tenancies.

First, there is a significant expansion of support by the State on the way for universities in regard to bespoke student accommodation. We will continue to support students. We have a variety of mechanisms to support students, and we do.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government forces up their rent. It does not care.

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

This question is for both the Taoiseach and the Minister for justice. It relates to the new RTÉ "Doc on One" series, Stolen Sister.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am sorry. Could the Deputy please repeat that?

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

There is a new documentary podcast on RTÉ, which tells a very serious story about 23-year-old Elizabeth Plunkett from Ringsend who was murdered in 1976. She was a victim of Ireland's first serial killers, John Shaw and Geoffrey Evans, who acted in concert and also killed a second woman, Mary Duffy. Evans died in prison. Shaw was convicted of Mary Duffy's murder but was never convicted of Elizabeth's murder. Elizabeth's sisters, Kathleen and Bernadette, whom I know well, who I know have been in touch with the justice Minister have been seeking answers for years. They are not legally regarded as victims within the Parole Board process. This only came to light in 2023. The justice Minister is aware of this. An inquest was delayed for 50 years. I raised this issue in the Dáil last year. The inquest was finally held in January. I am glad about that. However, their solicitor, who wrote a follow-up letter to the justice Minister, the Garda Commissioner and others on 28 May has not yet received a response.

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

I thank the Deputy.

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

The family in particular seek a cold case review by the Garda and legislative reform-----

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

I thank the Deputy and I call the Taoiseach.

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

-----to address the anomaly in the Parole Board Act.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy for raising this very serious and sensitive issue for the family concerned. I will ask the Minister for justice to deal directly with Deputy Bacik and with the family as well in respect of endeavouring to bring closure to this for all concerned and a resolution of the issues outstanding.

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

I thank the Taoiseach.

Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Taoiseach has said that a key issue for him in the budget will be child poverty. I agree with the focus, but his words ring very hollow because we have heard all this before. The previous Government made reducing child poverty a priority. What has happened since? The number of children living in consistent poverty has nearly doubled to more than 100,000 in 2024. That is not a blip. While nearly 5,000 children are now homeless and living in emergency accommodation. That so many children are being failed and left behind at a time when the State coffers are overflowing is utterly shameful. The Government's policy is not just failing vulnerable children and their families in the present. What is it going to do in its term to set out a roadmap to end child poverty?

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In the past two to three years, some fundamental decisions were taken, for example, to provide free access to school meals, which is something that was not there previously on the current scale. Free access to school books has had a significant positive impact on low-income families. The Deputy does not acknowledge that at all.

The recent SILC report is concerning. I prioritised the reduction of child poverty for the next budget. We did take measures in regard to child support payments and gave the biggest increase ever in the last budget. We are looking at a range of measures to reduce child poverty in the forthcoming budget. We will see then.

Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The slaughter in Gaza continues this week. We still see innocent men, women and children mowed down by tank fire and massive aerial bombardments while they queue for food, but also in camps where people are trying to shelter, who have been displaced for the one hundredth time in the past two years. There is a moral and political responsibility on us to do all we can to put pressure on the terrorist State of Israel. Last week, the Government refused to back a measure that would do just that, by refusing to back a proposal to block the Central Bank from approving the prospectus for the sale of Israeli bonds. The Minister for Finance claimed his hands are tied and that the Government could not intervene with the State bank's approval of bonds. The Taoiseach went further. He stated: "that the Central Bank does not approve, issue, sell or oversee the sale of Israeli bonds." The Governor of the Central Bank, Gabriel Makhlouf, has said different. He has contradicted what the Taoiseach said. He states the Central Bank could decline to approve the sale of Israeli bonds if "national restrictive measures" were put in place.

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

I thank the Deputy. I call on the Taoiseach to respond.

Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The decision is with the Dáil.

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

I thank the Deputy. The time is up. I call on the Taoiseach to respond.

Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

He said we could provide a legal basis to do so. He said that he agreed to look closely at it.

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

I thank the Deputy. His time is way over.

Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In his view, the Central Bank does approve the prospectus for the sale of bonds.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

First of all-----

Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We must do the right thing.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Overall, the Irish people are very angry.

Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Anger is not enough.

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

This is not a back and forth exchange.

Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We must take action.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We have taken action.

Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That is not-----

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

It is not a back and forth. Would the Taoiseach like to respond? No. That is fine. I call Deputy Paul Lawless.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Taoiseach should respond.

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

The Taoiseach has not been given the opportunity. Everybody should appreciate the format of these questions is one minute and one minute and they should please stick to it.

Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That is no help to the people of Gaza.

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

I call Deputy Paul Lawless.

Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I very much welcome the publication of the endometriosis clinical guidelines that were published recently. This is a very positive step forward for the thousands of women who suffer with this condition. One in ten women in Ireland is believed to suffer from it. Many of them suffer in silence. The guidelines specifically state that the clinical guidelines should be used in conjunction with the national framework. However, the national framework has yet to be published. It was due to be published last year. From speaking with the representatives, my understanding is that the discussions have yet to commence between the GP organisation and the HSE. We are coming into the summer recess. I seek a commitment from the Taoiseach to progress with the discussions so we can get to a stage where the national framework can be published. From speaking to many GPs across my constituency, there is a significant level of backlog due to many retirements and additional work that has been heaped on them.

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

I thank the Deputy. I call on the Taoiseach to respond.

Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context

What incentives can be provided to GPs to engage with this process?

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

The Deputy must stay within his time. The Taoiseach should please respond.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Significant work has been undertaken in respect of endometriosis. It has been recognised as part of the work of the women's health task force. It was included in the women's health action plan 2024-2025. The previous Minister, Stephen Donnelly, did exceptional work on this issue. Regional hubs have been established in the Rotunda and Coombe hospitals, the National Maternity Hospital, University Hospital Limerick, and University Hospital Galway.

Severe cases can be referred to two supra-regional specialist centres in Dublin and Cork and Tallaght University Hospital in Dublin. They provide multidisciplinary care. The Deputy is talking more about the primary care side in terms of clinical guidelines in conjunction with the national framework.

Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The framework.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I will discuss this with the Minister for Health. The Deputy has mentioned the GPs, negotiations and discussions. There can be a number of issues on that agenda but there should be a mechanism by which the clinical guidelines can be adopted, but I will leave that to the Minister to discuss with the various interested bodies and come back to the Deputy on it.

Aisling Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Meath West commuters eagerly anticipated the new commuter fare zones being announced but they were disappointed in April to find out those only related to rail fares. We were disappointed again in recent weeks when the bus fares were announced. My own town of Trim only saw a minimal decrease in the fare but towns like Navan and Athboy saw an increase. The rationale given is that these fares now cover bus and rail. Unfortunately, as the Taoiseach well knows, we have no access to rail lines in towns like Navan and Athboy. I ask that an exception be made in areas that have no rail line and for these fares to be reduced. Meath has a huge amount of commuters leaving it every morning. We have the longest commutes in the country, mostly in cars, so we need that incentive for commuters.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank Deputy Dempsey very much for raising what is a very important point. If we look at our climate change objectives, I can see the logic of what she is advocating for. It might be difficult in terms of implementation. Navan does not yet have the rail line, although the Government is committed to it and work is under way. I will talk to the Minister involved and raise the point Deputy Dempsey has raised. I understand the motivation because Meath is a very significant county where a lot of people are commuting on a daily basis.

Joe Neville (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The issue I raise today is facing a lot of towns across the country, especially in my constituency and town. In the likes of Leixlip and neighbouring towns like Kilcock, we see the centre of our towns facing dereliction and us having to do them up. We have vacant homes and towns that need regeneration. I want to draw a couple of key points that were brought up in the programme for Government. We need to establish a new towns and cities infrastructure investment fund to replace the urban regeneration and development fund, URDF, because it seems we are not able to get anyone new onto the URDF scheme. If it is to be replaced, when will it be replaced? We must also have a fund available for towns to draw down. We have a lot of shovel-ready projects in our towns. When are we going to get the funds to do them and when will we be in a position to revitalise our town centres? That would involve above-the-shop living refurbishment schemes as well.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. There are a range of grants out there now for vacant houses and for dereliction. They are quite substantial, and there are a lot of applicants. I know they may be more on the individual level. There is the town centre renewal programme. I think there is a town centre renewal officer in Kilcock. I know that the Minister will, obviously in the context of the forthcoming Estimates and budgetary considerations, look to see what more we can do, but there are existing schemes that towns and county councils do not seem to have been successful in transforming into real projects. The town renewal scheme and so on are not getting us the return. I will come back to the Deputy on it.

Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The programme for Government commits, for the very first time, to providing capital investment to build or purchase State-owned childcare facilities to create additional capacities in areas where unmet need exists. I attended the launch of a childcare needs analysis in Boyle, County Roscommon, last Friday. Their analysis concludes that, in the Boyle catchment area, there are 20 childcare places per 1,043 children. A figure of 77% of children aged zero to four years have no access to a childcare place. For me, this is the definition of "unmet need". I understand some scoping work has been done by the Department to identify need and capacity issues. I ask that the commitment in the programme for Government to provide such investment be made available now where need is shown and proven already rather than taking the time to do the scoping. Where need is already identified, could that investment be released?

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government is essentially five months - close to six months - in office. This will require capital allocation and provision. We are working off the budget of last year in terms of the estimates that were provided to every Department, so there are limits to what the Government can do in 2025 if one takes on board that substantial additional capital moneys were allocated to housing - up to €700 million - and substantial additional moneys were allocated to education in respect of new school projects. I will talk to the Minister for children in respect of the specific area Deputy Kerrane has identified.

Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Both Cloughjordan and Silvermines in my constituency need playground facilities for young children. Both of these local villages have dedicated, skilled and ambitious voluntary committees that have been working on this for a number of years. Both have secured lands, namely, the Thomas MacDonagh Memorial Garden in Cloughjordan and the parish field in Silvermines. Both have considerable sums of money fundraised, both have acquired planning permission and both have detailed designs published. The Silvermines committee has already shown the public its plans. Cloughjordan is doing that this weekend from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. in St. Kieran's Hall. Both communities have very excited children who want their own local playground, but both have major problems accessing funding. The social inclusion stream of LEADER for north Tipperary has been maxed out and no other funding options are coming close to the funding required. Both playground groups have applied for funding through CLÁR and others, but have not been successful to date through no fault of their own. Considering the next Common Agricultural Policy is not due until 2028, I am asking for funding from the Exchequer to go into those empty streams to continue that funding in rural Ireland and get us our playgrounds in Cloughjordan and Silvermines.

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank Deputy O'Meara for raising this issue. Relating to LEADER in Tipperary, the Tipperary local action group, LAG, has received €10.8 million for the 2021 to 2027 period, which is an increase of 7% on the previous budget. As the Deputy knows, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht has no role in deciding on specific projects. That is done by the Tipperary LAG, which has the capacity to seek flexibility within the programme.

Relating to the specific projects in Cloughjordan and Silvermines, they expressed an interest in funding to Tipperary County Council. Potentially, there will be funding there. Tipperary County Council has not forwarded that on to our Department for consideration. I am happy to engage with the Deputy on it, but either the LAG needs to make a decision or Tipperary County Council needs to get it to our Department.

Michael Murphy (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The decision by Tipperary County Council, announced yesterday, to not contest the judicial review of the Dundrum House section 5 declaration substantiates my genuine concerns around the IPAS contract for this site that was given to a proxy company that was only incorporated in January. The ownership of this site is still being contested in the High Court. I fully accept and recognise the Government's obligations to international protection applicants, but they must be met in a way that is legal, transparent and sustainable. The Department's current position is untenable. It has executed a flawed contract on a legally uncertain site through a proxy company and has ignored valid environmental and planning concerns. I urge the Taoiseach to immediately suspend the contract pending the outcome of the High Court proceedings, launch an independent audit of the due diligence and procurement process, and halt further expansion of the site until full planning and environmental compliance is verified.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank Deputy Murphy. As he will be aware, Tipperary County Council declared the site an exempted development last January. As a result and following on from that, a contract was entered into with the Department. I believe it was last Monday that the local authority effectively gave into the judicial review applications and, as a result, the section 5 declaration will be quashed. My understanding is it will be quashed because the screening carried out was deficient. Obviously, the Department would need to consider the consequences of that court decision and, more imminently, Tipperary County Council must figure out what happens now, because it is no longer an exempted development. I will assess it within the Department and we will be discussing it with Tipperary County Council. I will revert to the Deputy on it.

Conor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The housing crisis is not just an urban crisis. It is also tearing out the very heart of rural Ireland. Young people are being priced out or locked out. They are being pushed into the larger towns or cities or, more often than not, they are being pushed abroad. GAA clubs and county boards are raising the alarm on this. Some are now appointing demographic officers to deal with rural youth depopulation. This week in my role as Sinn Féin spokesperson on rural affairs, I will be meeting with GAA president, Jarlath Burns, to discuss the very real impact on clubs, parishes and communities across the State.

The national planning framework that the Government pushed through the House actively promotes urban concentration at the expense of rural Ireland, deepening pressure on cities and depopulating the rest. The Our Rural Future strategy is silent on housing. It barely mentions it; there is only superficial mention. There is no ambition. There are no plans and no delivery. Virtually no affordable housing has been delivered in rural areas. In many towns and villages, no social home has been built in 30 years.

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

Thank you, Deputy. I call the Taoiseach to respond.

Conor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Local authority CEOs are telling the Government that the affordable serviced sites scheme is not working.

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

Time is up, Deputy.

Conor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As Head of Government, when will the Taoiseach acknowledge his housing policy is failing rural communities?

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

The Taoiseach to respond.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

First, more generally, the Minister for rural affairs will be meeting the Gaelic Athletic Association in respect of the new rural future design programme. The GAA is having a huge impact the length and breadth of the country on many fronts.

On the housing front, it is not fair to say that there is no focus on housing in rural Ireland. There is. The derelict grants and the vacant grants have been particularly used in rural Ireland to great effect. I have seen places myself. It was because I was walking through rural Ireland that I said to Darragh O'Brien in the last Government that we needed to develop such a derelict grant scheme, and it is having an impact. One can see it now in towns where houses have been refurbished and families have gone in to live in them.

On the bigger issue, depending on different areas, I do not think there are any applications from rural Waterford in terms of affordable housing schemes, but the more general help to buy scheme-----

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

Time is up, Taoiseach.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

All of those apply to rural Ireland. The first homes scheme applies to rural Ireland.

Conor McGuinness (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The issue is that local authority managers are saying it is not suitable or appropriate.

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

Deputy, it is not a back and forth.

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We saw recently the implementation of the new legislation on e-scooters. It needs to bed in, but I want to lay down a marker for the end of the year. At the moment, if a scooter weighs a maximum of 25 kg, travels at speeds of less than 20 km/h and has a certain wheel diameter, it is considered a personal transporter and not a vehicle that requires licensing. Anecdotally, however, I have seen situations where these 20 km/h scooters are going at speed on footpaths with impunity, as per our discussion on anti-social behaviour last week. In that context, could we look at, by the end of the year, designating them as vehicles that need licences or insurance or having some form of registration plate at the back of them so they can be identified if someone brushes past someone?

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

Thank you, Deputy.

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The other issue would be the reviewing of insurance if someone crashes into someone else.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. He is raising very legitimate concerns and I will ask the Minister for Transport to review this. I will also ask him to consult the Minister for justice in respect of any road traffic regulations and laws. I saw a situation yesterday evening. I could not believe my eyes. There were two guys on a scooter and a guy on a bike was hanging on to them to get propulsion on a main road, Baggot Street. I was saying to myself, "What is this about?" One could see the obvious safety concerns or safety implications and the dangers for someone driving behind them and so on.

We are trying to be reasonable in terms of regulation and regulatory frameworks but there are limits. The Deputy is correct. If there is not a regulatory framework, these scooters will be abused and danger will result. There have been fatalities, one very recently, the Minister for justice has informed me, of a young person. We need to be very careful about all of this.

Conor Sheehan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I raise the issue of policing, in particular in Limerick city. Recently, we have unfortunately had an escalation of violence in the Ballinacurra Weston area and a deterioration of the situation in King's Island following the very successful operations Capóg and Feabhsaigh. The continued refusal of a sanction for overtime, especially in King's Island, means the situation is getting worse. Last week, unfortunately, we had a situation in the city centre where a prominent employer was assaulted, causing him to take refuge in a hotel. He had to be escorted home. Despite concerns being repeatedly raised by everyone from businesses to community leaders, the lack of a visible policing presence has become a defining feature of the city centre. I am asking for additional funding for policing in Limerick, specifically for King's Island and the city centre,-----

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

Thank you, Deputy

Conor Sheehan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

-----and the approval of an application for CCTV that has been sent to the Department of justice.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy for his question. Four weeks ago, I was in Limerick city and met the chamber and members of An Garda Síochána. It is true to say that requests were made for further Garda visibility on the ground. I brought that message back to the Garda Commissioner. There was also a request for a community van, which would be of assistance. I am trying to see, through the Department, whether that can be done. I will take on board what the Deputy said, discuss it further with the Garda Commissioner and try to ensure that the visible policing the Deputy wants is put in place.

Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The average time from when a medicine is approved by the European Medicines Agency to it being available in Ireland is 617 days. Between 2004 and 2025, 402 new medicines were approved by the European Medicines Agency, of which 71% had applications made in Ireland. In other words, for 117 medicines approved by the EMA, no licence or approval has been applied for here. It is the whole delay in the process. I fully accept additional staff are being taken on, but the period the process takes is far too long, especially for new cancer drugs, which are available at European level but not in Ireland. We need to fast-track them. What action will be taken, especially to make cancer drugs available in an early timeframe?

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

First of all, I think about €3 billion is now being spent on medicines. I can clarify that. There is an ongoing issue, and there will be, because of the rapidity of discovery and new drugs coming onto the market. Ireland has a very significant pharmaceutical presence. I have engaged with most of the CEOs of the pharmaceutical companies in respect of tariffs, trade and so on and domestically, the European Public Health Alliance, EPHA, has made representations in respect of this, as have patients, particularly as regards rare diseases and orphan drugs. The Deputy, Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan and others have been looking at this for quite a while. The process we have through the pharmaceutical centre, headed by Professor Michael Barry, is diligent and so on. We need to look at it in terms of rare drugs, rare diseases and orphan drugs in particular, and new discoveries as well.

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

Thank you, Taoiseach.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We should work to improve our timelines.

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

Primary school principals across Cavan and Monaghan have raised with me consistently the ongoing challenges they face in meeting day-to-day expenditure requirements. There have been improvements in recent years in capitation payments and I hope that budget 2026 will provide for a further increase. School principals and boards of management outline clearly the need for further financial assistance. Energy costs, including for electricity and oil, and insurance account for a substantial proportion of the overall capitation grant. One principal said to me that insurance was a dreadful burden on the school's resources. Some schools do not receive a meaningful ancillary grant payment. There are many other calls on the capitation grant, including the purchase of essential teaching resources and ongoing maintenance costs. I am aware of small schools that have substantial professional fees to pay for the preparation of applications for emergency minor works projects, all coming from the capitation grant, without certainty of approval of such applications. Classrooms need to be properly resourced and there cannot be more and more demands on school staff, parents, boards of management, parents associations-----

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

Thank you, Deputy. The Taoiseach to respond.

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

-----and local businesses to meet day-to-day expenditure and annual costs.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank Deputy Smith for raising this issue. I know this is an issue close to his heart. The Department is committed to offering all available and appropriate supports to all schools. Last year, the then Department of Education provided per capita grants to all recognised primary and post-primary schools. There are two grants: the capitation grant and the ancillary grant. Schools have flexibility to manage these grants as a combined fund. The current capitation rate for primary schools is €200 per pupil and the ancillary grant is €173. As part of last year's budget for 2025, the Department secured more than €30 million for a permanent increase in capitation funding. This represents a 12% increase on current standard enhanced rates and follows a 9% increase on budget 2024.

From September this year, the new capitation rates will be €224 per pupil in primary schools and €386 per pupil in post-primary schools.

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

Thank you, Taoiseach.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

This is an important point. In addition, the capitation grant payment in June 2025, which will be a balancing payment for the period of January to December, will include the new increased rates effective from September 2025.

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

I have been contacted by Saint John of God Community Services regarding its approved housing body. It states that it has been privately renting a house in Meath since 2022. Four residents lived in the house, supported by staff. The owner of the property is selling the house and the Saint John of God Housing Association was in the process of purchasing the house and intended to use CAS funding to do so. This would give permanent tenure to the four residents. However, due to changes, it cannot use CAS funding. There are another two houses in the Louth County Council area where the same has happened. What has happened is that CAS funding is now within the social housing acquisition fund for county councils and they say they have insufficient money. The Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation has also spoken about the fact it wants new builds rather than buying previously owned properties unless it relates to something specific to vacant or derelict houses. There is a huge issue in regard to disability housing. I do not expect an answer today but it needs to be looked at.

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy can send that note to the Minister for housing and copy it to me, and I will talk to the Minister for housing in respect of it. The Deputy should try to take it up directly with him. I will alert him to the fact the Deputy has raised it.

Michael Collins (Cork South-West, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government yesterday announced the purchase of Citywest, the main hotel and conference centre, at a cost of €148 million. What are the projected running costs? Will the State still be renting the CityArk complex, which has 400-plus rooms, from Tetrarch? The cost per person per night is €84. How much is that per year? Doubling the capacity of the site would mean the population of the IPAS centre was equal to the population of Saggart, which the Independent Ireland councillor in that area, Linda de Courcy, tells me has the local residents stunned, as there was no consultation. Why has the Minister made no reference to the Lemongrass restaurant located on the site? The owners have tried to contact the Minister several times but he has not engaged with them. Where are the Government plans to expand the complex, as per the plan laid out in the Business Post? On all of these questions, I have pleaded for a debate on this issue for the last three or four weeks but it has not been afforded to me. It has left us with no choice. However, the purchase still went on without consultation in here or out there.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy Collins is correct in stating that yesterday I got approval from the Cabinet for the State to purchase Citywest for €148 million. The reason the Government approved that was because it was going to give effect to a saving of money from the point of view of the State. After four years, we will be making our money back in respect of it. We are spending far too much money renting private properties. As the Deputy knows, in the programme for Government, we have committed to buying or constructing State-owned accommodation where people will be able to live as opposed to us having to go out around communities, trying to rent places.

There will be extensive engagement with the local community. I will speak to the local TDs. Obviously, it is an issue where there will have to be a lot of community engagement in respect of it. I think people are prepared to do that and the local community will be satisfied with the response they get from me and the Government.