Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am sure the Tánaiste watched the "Prime Time Investigates" programme on the mental health service and the catastrophe within it. The families of Natalie McGuinness and Jimmy Loughlin, both of whom lost their lives as a consequence of failures within the mental health service, appeared on the programme. Both families live in my constituency, and I have their issues here several times. Many other families who appeared on the programme expressed their frustration at being stonewalled by the system and at not getting any accountability.

I recently tabled a parliamentary question about the number of people who presented at Sligo University Hospital with mental health issues in 2025. The reply indicated that 1,242 people presented to the emergency department but that only 198 were admitted. This is not a historical problem; it is happening now. People are being failed by the mental health service. I saw the Tánaiste on that programme. I can only say that his announcement was fraudulent. He stated that things would get better; they have got worse. People with mental health issues who approach the system get worse outcomes than they got 20 years ago because the Government closed everything down and replaced it with nothing. People are so frustrated and so annoyed.

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

Leave the Tánaiste time to respond.

Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am dealing with constituents who are in a situation where they have loved ones who are afraid they will lose their lives because the system is failing them-----

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

Deputy Kenny is using another Member's time.

Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

-----and the Tánaiste stands over that system.

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

We stick to the 60 seconds. If you cannot make your point, then you have asked the question in the wrong forum.

Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The programme was very clear.

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

Allow the answer, Deputy.

Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Tánaiste is stonewalling the families.

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

Please, Deputy.

Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Give them answers, then.

Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

People are dying.

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

Last week, on 5 February, the first annual report of the mother and baby institutions payment scheme was quietly released. It had been completed in June 2025 and relates to the year 2024. It had gathered dust on the desk of the Minister, Deputy Foley, for seven months. I had asked the Minister a number of times in parliamentary questions why the report had been delayed.

The special advocate, Patricia Carey, expressed strong criticism last week when the report was released. She said that the scheme is not achieving its goal of speedy, easy and trauma-informed access to redress for survivors and affected persons. She also pointed to the many failures of the redress scheme since its launch in March 2024. She further pointed to the fact that the redress scheme has spent less than 10% of its budget. Survivors have talked about arbitrary and narrow eligibility criteria and an unwieldy nine-step application process. Patricia Carey has called for the expansion of the scheme. Will the Tánaiste indicate whether this matter will be addressed and whether they scheme will be amended?

Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Maud Coffey was killed by her partner who was suffering from a severe and enduring mental health condition three years ago. They were a loving couple and life was looking very positive for them. Maud was a lovely, kind, creative person who loved her family. The family have only her best interests at heart in the context of what they would like to see happen. I grew up with Maud Coffey and her family, and I count them among my extended family. This family are coming from a place of care, for their sister they lost and for her partner, who was deeply unwell at the time he killed Maud.

The lived experience of this family is vitally important in the context of developing better practices and policies. They are not seeking compensation or to lay blame. They are seeking constructive engagement and change in order that similar tragedies can be prevented. The family are due to meet the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, in the coming weeks. I urge the Tánaiste to please ensure that the ten learning points the family will bring forward are listened to and that action is taken.

Charles Ward (Donegal, 100% Redress Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Raphoe is facing an immediate escalating flood risk and a very serious danger to life. During heavy rainfall, floodwater runs from the hill down into Frank McBrearty's property, then onward towards Irish Street heading downhill and then finishes up at Andrew Hunter's property. There is a 10 ft. hole underneath and it floods into a field in Magherahaan. I understand that the flood prevention works for Raphoe have already been approved and funding is available, yet no works have been commenced and funding has not yet been drawn down. This is leaving Raphoe in a precarious position. It is unacceptable. Will the Government now intervene to ensure flood prevention works in Raphoe proceed as a matter of urgency? Will the Tánaiste indicate a clear timeline for delivery?

Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My concern is that I want local authorities to be a watchdog over Uisce Éireann. It has been reported under health and safety that Uisce Éireann employees have turned up to plants with no risk assessments or method statements and without confined space training. This is putting people who work for Uisce Éireann at risk. We want a watchdog, so the likes of county councillors and TDs have a watchdog over Uisce Éireann to make sure it is compliant and makes sure our water services are kept up to the highest standard. We need to keep that connection. I want the local authority to make sure we have a watchdog over Uisce Éireann. It could then directly report to the Government to make sure compliance is kept. Under health and safety, there are massive concerns there.

Tom Brabazon (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have been contacted by deeply concerned parents who are waiting for a letter of eligibility from the National Council on Special Education post the 1 October parent notify deadline. As a result, these children are without access to a special class. Families are living in limbo. The stress and anxiety this is causing them are immense. These children need stability and access to education in an environment that meets their needs and their parents urgently need clarity and reassurance. I understand NCSE staff are awaiting further direction from NCSE senior management. Can the House be updated on when this directive will be issued and parents will be given peace of mind and certainty?

Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue of delays in Tailte Éireann's registration processes. In 2023, Tailte Éireann received 240,803, with 4,630 applications in arrears. By 2025, the volume had increased to 296,039 applications, but 57,612 of those were in arrears. We talk about the housing crisis. This is just another factor. The administration is gumming up here. Anything we can do to speed up these processes and move these registrations on would help because there is somebody out there waiting for an application to be finished so that they can occupy their home. I am just raising that with the Tánaiste.

Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Tánaiste stated earlier that he comes in here every day to do work. The Tánaiste has been in here 5,454 days, and for many of those he was Minister for Health. My local hospital, University Hospital Limerick, is in perpetual crisis. There were 131 people on trolleys in the hospital yesterday. If we had not opened the new bed unit in October last, we would probably have more than 200 people on trolleys. The figures for this year so far have been the exact same as last year's figures, so there has been no impact on the people presenting. February is probably going to be the worst February ever.

The Tánaiste will be well aware that in September 2025, HIQA released a report which set out three options, A, B and C. The Tánaiste will know what the options are. I want the Tánaiste to confirm today whether the Government is going to implement option A, B or C, meaning delivering extra capacity at UHL, delivering additional capacity adjacent to UHL and delivering a second hospital with an emergency department in the mid-west region. That is what the people of the mid-west and Limerick need and deserve.

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

I call the Tánaiste to respond.

Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The staff have been under huge pressure for years and it is not fair on patients and their families.

Martin Daly (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Figures I received in reply to a recent parliamentary question show that HSE west-north west accounted for 1,263 delayed transfers of care from hospital into the community due to lack of access to residential care, care in the community and rehabilitation. That accounts for one third of the national average in spite of HSE west-north west looking after less than one fifth of population. Of those delays, 938 related to residential care, which is roughly half the national figure for that category. This is the region that has the highest number of medical cards and the highest number of people in receipt of disability. We are talking about Roscommon, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal and west Cavan. We have the longest waiting lists for primary care, the longest number of hours on trolleys and the longest delay between diagnosis of cancer and getting to cancer treatment.

It appears the region with the most need is receiving the least resources.

Catherine Callaghan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I raise the matter of a Carlow sheep farmer who recently lost 15 sheep in the floods. That might sound like a small number to many but to this farmer, it will present a significant financial impact. One of the sheep was a pure-bred ram and the other 14 were replacements. I acknowledge the supports offered by the Government in the immediate aftermath of the flood, but none of them seem to be available to this Carlow farmer. In fact, the Irish Red Cross said we should go to the Department of Social Protection. That Department sent us to the Department of agriculture, which sent us to the Department of enterprise, and so far, everybody has said "No" Will the Tánaiste provide some guidance and direction on where this Carlow farmer can seek some redress for his lost flock?

Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Tá a fhios ag gach duine atá anseo ó Ghaelcholáiste Chiarraí an tacaíocht agus an chabhair a thugann SNAs do dhaltaí agus don phobal iomlán sna scoileanna.

I have been contacted by many schools, in particular, Fossa National School outside Killarney, which has lost four SNAs in that one school in the analysis provided to date. A review is coming up, but there seems to be an overly strict application of the meaning of "significant needs". I have also been contacted about this issue by schools in Glenflesk, Listowel and Portmagee, as well as schools in Donegal and Cork. I ask the Tánaiste to consider this issue and pass on that clarity is needed by SNAs and school communities. In Fossa National School, for example, there will be two SNAs left for 236 pupils after the proposal to cut four SNAs. Will the Tánaiste look at this and maybe relax the strict interpretation that is being made so that he can give some comfort to people? Pupils need to feel safe and parents need to know their children are safe in schools, and with help.

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

In west Cork, we are extremely lucky to have not one but two outstanding outdoor sailing and training centres, namely, the Fastnet marine and outdoor education centre in Schull and the Kinsale outdoor education centre. These centres are a lifeline for our young people, schools and local economy. In recent weeks, we have learned that the future of both centres is at risk because of a lack of funding. I ask the Tánaiste to work with the Department of education to ensure proper funding is channelled to Cork Education and Training Board so that both centres can run and be fully staffed separately, as was promised to the people. Cork ETB recognises the vital role these outdoor education services play. The impact they have had on young people's families and entire communities is enormous. We cannot afford to lose them. People travel to Schull - I know this because I live there - to bring their children specifically for sailing and kayaking. These centres are a massive draw for tourism, jobs and the social education and sporting life of our coastal communities. We need urgent action to protect them. Will the Tánaiste intervene to help ensure their long-term future is fully secure?

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Last week, I wrote to the Taoiseach to seek international co-operation for an inquiry into the recent release of a witness statement as part of the Jeffrey Epstein files, in which a young girl was trafficked through Ireland for "politicians and notable men" for the purposes of sex. We heard from Garda Headquarters yesterday that no investigation or inquiry is under way regarding this claim. This witness statement is not the only concerning document released in those files relating to Ireland. Within them is an email from one David Wassong to Ghislaine Maxwell which asks if she will send him "the names and numbers of people to play with in Ireland". Our State has a dark history when it comes to the abuse of children. We have seen a history of those in power, be it politicians, the clergy or police, that investigations can be shelved and victims and injustices ignored. We need to be proactive here at the very least. We need to see some form of action from the Irish State to fully explore what is in those statements and emails alone, and indeed, if there is anything further.

Rory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Tá an ghéarchéim thithíochta uafásach.

Today, it has been revealed by the Simon Communities Locked Out of the Market report that there are zero properties available within standard housing assistance payment, HAP, limits. This is the first time any Simon Communities report has shown there is not one property available. Where are people to go and how are they supposed to afford the extortionate market rents? It is an emergency, but the only emergency action the Government is taking is to allow landlords to hike up rents. In my constituency, I have people coming to me all the time who cannot afford the rent and are stuck in homelessness. We saw emergency action during Covid. We saw the eviction ban and short-term lets being used to house people. Will the Tánaiste take emergency action? Will he raise the standard HAP rates on an emergency basis so that people can afford a home?

Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I highlight and press an issue in County Louth, namely, the inadequate school accommodation across the entire county. In recent weeks, I have spoken to many principals and school communities in the county. Most recently, I met with St. Mochta's National School and Monksland National School. Their classes are being squeezed into spaces that were never intended for teaching children or learning. These include converted rooms, cupboards, shared areas and halls, as well as temporary solutions that are just not fit for purpose in Ireland in 2026.

The Department's responses reference an overall reduction to primary school enrolments. This is not helpful for County Louth. It is not what is happening in our county in areas such as Dundalk, Blackrock, Louth village, Cooley Peninsula, Ardee, Drogheda, Termonfeckin, Clogherhead and everywhere else. We are building in County Louth at unprecedented rates. Housing development is absolutely accelerating and we are not forward planning. Children are being squeezed into halls. I would really like some action taken on schools in County Louth.

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

Today I want to highlight the issue of school spaces, or the lack thereof, and the desperate need for joined-up thinking between Departments to ensure early indicators are there, so we know where we will have issues. More conversations are needed between the Department of Education and Youth and the Department of Social Protection, potentially, around the number of ECCE applicants we are seeing in local areas, which I do not believe is taking place. Otherwise we need to look at the census data from year to year to see who is coming on stream. Ultimately, these children are applying for schools but the schools do not know how many kids are coming in and we are left short of spaces. Currently in Leixlip the population is continuing to rise and there are over 40 children still without primary school places. In Naas all the schools have come together - the eight primary schools - and have said they do not have spaces. They are all making applications at this stage to the Department but, ultimately, this information should be known ahead of time in the local areas. If we have that data, we need to use it. This is the key point I want to make. We are not forward planning well enough. We are putting in the houses, as we said earlier, but at the same time in the likes of Leixlip, Maynooth and Celbridge, we are not seeing planning ahead.

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

The incessant rain is destroying our roads. They are in an awful state. This weekend we have a hard frost coming, which will only add to that. Very many roads are in a state of terrible disrepair, with potholes and craters. In my county, I could list them all off in north Meath, Cortown, Kells, Gravelstown and Baile Ghib. I would pay particular attention to Downstown Road in Duleek. The council has responded to requests and it repairs them but then those repairs are washed away. There is a need for a major increase in investment in roads maintenance and repair in light of the terrible weather we are having. Does the Tánaiste recognise this and will he respond?

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I call on the Government to urgently enforce the existing ban on sulky racing on public roads in light of the horrific cruelty and the dangers it poses to both the animals and the public. Just this month in Ballyfermot, a pregnant horse named Anne collapsed during an illegal sulky race, suffering severe cuts, blood loss and suspected broken bones. Despite the heroic efforts of My Lovely Horse Rescue and the UCD veterinary hospital, Anne and her unborn foal were euthanised after being tormented to death. Sulky racing endangers road users with high-speed carts on busy roads and it inflicts barbaric suffering on horses kept in unfit urban conditions.

The Government has moved swiftly, and rightly so, to impose a ban on scrambler bikes in public places under Grace's Law following the tragic death of young Grace Lynch. Stricter regulations are there. I call on the Government to adopt the same zero-tolerance approach to sulky racing.