Budget Statement 2027

Budget 2027 sets out a pro-growth, fiscally cautious approach, with continued surpluses and an additional €1 billion for the Future Ireland Fund alongside major infrastructure investment. A €1.3 billion income-tax package, higher social welfare payments and targeted housing and family measures aim to ease pressure on households. To address energy costs, carbon tax on home heating fuels will be cut and held down, while reduced fuel excise rates are extended. The Government also plans to scrutinise day-to-day public spending more closely and accelerate delivery of transport, water, energy and housing projects.

Forty-first Amendment of the Constitution (Right to Housing) Bill 2026: Second Stage [Private Members]

Deputy Rory Hearne proposed a constitutional amendment guaranteeing every citizen access to adequate housing, arguing it would strengthen the State’s obligations and help address homelessness, evictions and unaffordable rents. Minister James Browne opposed the Bill, saying the wording raised legal and resource concerns, the Constitution does not prevent housing reform, and government efforts should focus on delivering homes rather than holding a referendum. Opposition speakers supported the Bill, citing record homelessness, vacant properties and policy failures, and arguing that a constitutional right would provide accountability and prioritise housing. No vote or final decision is recorded in the section.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate ›

Early Childhood Care and Education

Deputies urged urgent action to prevent Moatview Early Education Centre from closing due to funding shortfalls and inadequate engagement with its manager. The Minister of State confirmed €22,342 in sustainability funding had been approved and undertook to bring Pobal, the board, managers and childcare officials together to secure the centre’s future.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate ›

Childcare Services

Deputies urged TU Dublin and the Government to preserve Oakview Crèche in Tallaght, warning that its December closure would leave 44 children and families without viable alternatives. The Minister of State undertook to engage with TU Dublin, the provider, Tusla and South Dublin Childcare Committee to seek relocation or other immediate solutions, while supporting longer-term on-campus provision.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate ›

School Staff

TDs urged reversal of the planned loss of the 11th teacher at St. Patrick’s Junior National School, Skerries, warning it would create a class of 33 amid significant additional needs. The Minister of State said staffing rules and appeal procedures applied, but would review the school’s confirmed 30 September enrolment and liaise with it.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate ›

Tourism Industry

Deputy Michael Cahill highlighted the dangerous, underfunded condition of the Ring of Kerry/N70, seeking upgrades, footpaths, crossings, congestion measures, hedge-cutting support and planning funding. Minister of State Michael Moynihan agreed on the route’s importance and undertook to relay the concerns and funding requests to the Transport Minister and TII.

Ábhair Shaincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Matters

Selected topical issues include road safety, childcare, education posts, assessment-of-need delays and support for Moatview, with Michael Cahill’s Ring of Kerry road issue taken first.

Railway Safety Bill 2026: Referral to Select Committee

The Railway Safety Bill 2026 was referred to the Select Committee on Transport for consideration.

Railway Safety Bill 2026: Second Stage

The Railway Safety Bill 2026 would place the Railway Accident Investigation Unit on a primary legislative footing, modernise its investigative powers and update the Railway Safety Act 2005. It also aligns alcohol and drug limits and testing procedures for safety-critical railway workers with current road traffic law. Deputies broadly supported the Bill, while stressing that legislation must be matched by investment in infrastructure, regional services and accident prevention. Speakers highlighted weak connectivity, overcrowding, antisocial behaviour and delays to projects such as the western rail corridor, DART+ and Luas extensions.

Local Government (Control of Horse-Drawn Carriages) Bill 2026: First Stage

Sinn Féin proposed repealing outdated Victorian legislation governing Dublin horse-drawn carriages, allowing local authorities to introduce modern by-laws on licensing, safety, animal welfare and dung disposal. The Bill was unopposed and referred for Second Stage in Private Members’ time.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation ›

Recruitment of newly qualified nurses

Deputy Connolly says newly qualified nurses and midwives cannot secure jobs despite ongoing staffing shortages and reliance on overseas recruitment; the Tánaiste agrees that frontline health graduates should receive priority in HSE recruitment.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation ›

Fuel support for plant hire operators

Deputy O’Sullivan seeks inclusion of plant-hire operators and quarry workers in fuel-cost support; the Tánaiste says cross-departmental work is developing a proposal for Government consideration around the budget.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation ›

Garvaghy Road tensions and unity

Deputy Ó Murchú condemns the situation surrounding the Garvaghy Road march, recalls victims of violence and urges continued engagement with Britain and progress on Irish unity. The Tánaiste says the issue has attention at senior governmental and official levels and calls for calm and a resolution.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation ›

Diabetes care waiting times

Deputy Clendennen reports waiting times exceeding two years for diabetes care in Mullingar, including delayed insulin-pump access; the Tánaiste acknowledges severe understaffing and says recruitment efforts are under way.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation ›

Public sector action and special schools

Deputy McGrath links public-sector industrial action to pressures on two special schools in Cashel and seeks meaningful engagement; the Tánaiste reiterates that unions should enter talks without preconditions.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation ›

National youth work strategy

Deputy Farrelly seeks publication of youth-workforce data and progress on the national youth work strategy; the Tánaiste praises youth workers and will raise the concerns with the Education Minister.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation ›

Disposal of Defence Forces vehicles

Deputy Burke asks whether retired armoured vehicles can be tendered for sale or donated for humanitarian work in Ukraine; the Tánaiste outlines their withdrawal and confirms support for Ukraine while addressing the disposal process.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation ›

Commercial rates for equestrian centres

Deputy O’Meara highlights disproportionate commercial rates on equestrian facilities, including inconsistent treatment of outdoor areas; the Tánaiste will ask the Valuation Minister to engage on the issue.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation ›

Moyross CCTV funding

Deputy Quinlivan warns that Moyross CCTV staff face protective notices because funding is uncertain; the Tánaiste will ask the Justice Minister and Gardaí to review the service and respond.

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation ›

Job creation policy

Deputy Ó Muirí criticises the lack of Opposition focus on job creation and urges efforts to expand the economy; the Tánaiste says full employment should not obscure businesses’ and workers’ financial pressures.