Mike Kennelly (Fine Gael)

Today, I have two issues. The first is to seek a clear and urgent update following the Minister of State, Deputy Hildegarde Naughton's recent visit to St. John of God services in St. Francis's Special School and St. Mary's of the Angels in Beaufort, County Kerry. There is a need for new respite day services in Beaufort. That visit gave families, staff and the wider community some hope that the State and agencies, such as the HSE and St. John of God, are finally listening. We now need them to turn that hope into action. What is needed is not just the restoration of services but also the development of a new purpose-built respite day service on site in Beaufort. The demand is growing, the need is undeniable and the local commitment from staff and families is unwavering. Respite day services offer more than just relief to families; they offer dignity, routine and quality of life to those with complex needs. These families are not asking for extras but for basic support that should be the bedrock of any compassionate society. I am asking for the Minister of State to come to the floor of this House with a comprehensive and successful report on that, now that the stakeholders are meeting, which is good.

Second, I am looking for clarity and urgency on a matter that is not just critical for the north Kerry area, where I come from, but for national energy security and the status of the LNG project. As we all know, Ireland currently has no gas storage solution. That is an extraordinary and, frankly, unsustainable position for any modern economy, especially at a time when geopolitical tensions and energy market volatility are the new norm. I understand, very importantly, that Gas Networks Ireland has opened the door to private ownership of the proposed €900 million Shannon LNG terminal. This marks a significant shift, with the potential to begin the project's real momentum after years of delay and uncertainty. Equally noteworthy is that they are willing to consider a power-purchase agreement or lease agreement with a corporate partner, signalling a move away from the State-owned floating storage model. That could accelerate development, encourage private investment and, most important, secure our energy supply on the Shannon Estuary. What we now need is clarity for the investors and communities. I call on the Minister to outline the Government's current position on the Shannon energy project. Has there been meaningful engagement with potential private partners? What timelines are we working toward? What supports will be provided to ensure this project can move from planning to production? We are in the summer recess now. I call on the Minister to come and give us an update on that.