Ireland remains one of the most competitive economies, ranking seventh in the world competitiveness rankings. However, significant challenges remain. The Government is committed to ensuring that Ireland's strengths are not taken for granted. In recent years, a range of measures have been introduced to support competitiveness and help businesses, particularly our SMEs, to manage rising costs and adapt to changing economic conditions. The key element of this work has been the establishment of the cost of doing busine…

I could not agree more. Our small businesses and SMEs are the backbone of the Irish economy. They account for 99% of all job creation in our communities the length and breadth of the country. We recognise that many businesses are feeling significant cost pressures. That is precisely why this Government, the Minister, Deputy Burke, the Minister of State, Deputy Smyth, and I have been proactive in bringing forward the cost of doing business advisory forum, establishing the small business unit within our Department an…

I agree with many of the points that the Deputy has raised. Scaling funds are really important. That is why we will bring forward measures to support SMEs and businesses to access finance and capital. Enterprise Ireland is now ramping up the startup Ireland programme. We have invested significantly in recent times in the new frontiers programme, especially in the likes of the south east. We have funded Enterprise Ireland to support local startups and the accelerate programme, which is managed on behalf of Enterpris…

No.

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Waste Management (Household Waste Collection Service) Bill. I thank Deputy Sherlock and the Labour Party for bringing this legislation before the House. At the outset, I acknowledge that the Deputy has raised issues that are of real importance to households across the country. Reliable, affordable and environmentally sustainable waste collection services are essential public services. Every household should have confidence that their waste is being collected efficiently and…

I thank all the Deputies who contributed to today's debate. I acknowledge and appreciate the thoughtful and constructive manner in which this debate has engaged with a really important issue. The one broad consensus and fundamental point that has been raised is that we all want a household waste collection system that is affordable, reliable and environmentally sustainable but also has the capacity to support Ireland's transition to a more circular economy. We want to continue to invest in ensuring we have cleaner …

I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. He is absolutely right to highlight the importance of this sector, particularly for the communities he represents in north Kildare, such as Leixlip, which has played a central role in Ireland’s technological success. The Government and I completely recognise the importance of this strategic sector. That is why in May 2025, the Minister, Deputy Burke, launched Silicon Island: Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy, which aims to make Ireland a global leader in…

I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter and for his work on the artificial intelligence committee, alongside the critical infrastructure committee. We recognise the importance Intel brings, not just to Leixlip and Kildare but also to Ireland in general. It is the cornerstone of Ireland's semiconductor ecosystem and one of the most significant industrial investments in the history of the State. It is one of the largest private sector employers, and we need to continue to support it through the Governmen…

I am pleased to address the House on Second Stage of the Development (Strategic Gas Reserve) Bill 2026. As Senators are aware, the main purpose of this Bill is to provide for a project-specific, bespoke consenting pathway for the strategic gas emergency reserve facility to be located at Cahiracon in County Clare. This will enable a development consent application to be submitted later this year, which will be critical in achieving the accelerated delivery of this project. Before outlining the provisions of the Bill…

I thank all the Senators for their contributions today. Certainly, as has been noted throughout the debate, especially on the Government side of the House, there is an urgent requirement to take action to mitigate this critical risk to Ireland's energy security. As I said earlier, the main purpose of this Bill is to provide for a project-specific bespoke consenting pathway for the strategic gas emergency reserve facility that will be located in County Clare. This will enable the development consent application to b…

As Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and at the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment, I am pleased to join the Minister, Deputy McEntee, in welcoming the opportunity to address the Dáil on the first day of Ireland's eighth Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This is a significant responsibility for Ireland and a moment of real opportunity for us to shape the European agenda at a time of profound change and challenge. Our Presidency priorities have been d…

I thank Senator Kennelly for raising this really important issue. I am very conscious of the significant pressures that pubs and the wider hospitality sector are facing, particularly in recent years as the result of rising costs across energy, labour, insurance and compliance. We need to be clear that the Government fully recognises the importance of the pub sector and specifically its social and cultural importance to communities right across Ireland rather than just its economic importance. I am aware of the prop…

I again thank Senator Kennelly for his contribution on this really important issue. I wish Kerry the very best of luck at the weekend. I know that he, a strong Kerry supporter, will be shouting for Mayo on Saturday. I know he will want us to get the job done. I am sure Senator Eileen Lynch, who is beside him, will have a different opinion on that. She is wearing red today. To get back to this really important issue, the pub sector and the wider hospitality industry remain a vital part of the Irish economy and the s…

I thank Deputy Clarke for the opportunity to address the House today on an issue that I know is of real importance to her constituents and to the midlands. I am taking this Topical Issue debate on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. The HSE recognises the vital importance of timely access to neurological services for patients across the midlands and acknowledges the significant impact that delays in accessing specialist care can have on patients and their families. The HSE has advis…

Again, I thank Deputy Clarke for raising this important issue. I fully acknowledge that too many patients are still waiting far too long for appointments and treatment. I recognise the real strain that is placing on individuals and families. As outlined, neurological services in the midlands are delivered through a combination of local supports in Mullingar and specialist regional services. Urgent patients continue to be prioritised and every effort is being made to reduce waiting lists for routine appointments. It…

I welcome the opportunity to address this important issue. I thank Senator Cosgrove for raising it. I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Further and Higher Education Research, Innovation and Science. I want to begin by acknowledging the vital work carried out by the staff in our community training centres. These staff play a critical role in respect of some of the most vulnerable young people in our communities, including early school leavers and those at risk of disengagement from education. I hav…

The Government supports and recognises the work of these educators. Notwithstanding that, this is a complex industrial relations matter involving independent employers, trade unions and funders. The Senator has to recognise that. It must also be recognised that the Department is not the direct employer here. A funder offer has been made, which is also important to recognise, and the dispute has been progressed to the WRC. Our priority in this House and in the Dáil is fairness and for a sustainable resolution to be …

I thank Senator Mark Duffy for raising this important matter, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for justice, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan. As the Senator stated, the immigrant investor fund was introduced by the Government in 2012, when the struggling Irish economy needed investment to create business and employment opportunities across the State. During its operation, it generated over €1.2 billion in investment for projects right across the country. The programme fulfilled its purpose and, as the Senator will…

Again, I thank Senator Duffy for raising this important issue and acknowledge his contribution in seeking investment into Mayo. The IIP, as outlined, was successful in its time. When the Irish economy had hit rock bottom, it generated significant investment when most needed, to the tune of over €1.2 billion. However, it has fulfilled its purpose, notwithstanding the recent announcements on Knockmore GAA, Westport United and, more locally to me, the Islandeady community development committee, which received €3.6 mil…

I thank the Deputies for bringing this important matter to the floor the Dáil. As they are aware, on 27 April 2026 Covalen informed its employees of its intention to reduce its workforce. My understanding is that the company has been impacted by a shift in client demand, resulting in a reduction in the volume of services required and a requirement to adjust operations accordingly. My first and most immediate concern, and that of the Government, is the potential impact on employees and their families during this unc…