I welcome the Department's leadership in advancing the national disability strategy. The shift towards to a whole-of-government approach embedding the UNCRPD into policy across Departments is critical to making rights real for people with disabilities. The move of disability policy from the Department of Health to the Minister of State's Department was a significant step towards a right-based model and the upcoming strategy is a real opportunity to build on that momentum. However, the key to this success will not j…

I appreciate the update on the Department's engagement with the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The UNCRPD is not just about legal commitments; it is also about meaningful lived change for people with disabilities throughout the country. The first report in 2021 was an important step but real transparency and accountability come from continuous engagement with the committee and stakeholders here at home. Organisations like the IHREC and the disabled persons' organisations, DPOs, have a crit…

The capitation grant is no longer fit for purpose. I know it has been brought up in the House quite a lot, even earlier today, but I add my voice to that. I have met with the INTO and spoken to principals from Bracknagh National School, High Street National School in Belmont, Scoil Mhuire in Tullamore and the Offaly School of Special Education, to name but a few. Schools are under serious financial pressure just to meet basic running costs. Fundraising, which should be for extras like trips, equipment and enrichmen…

I am looking for the Taoiseach's support for a new school building at Ard Scoil Chiaráin Naofa in Clara, County Offaly. The existing school building is simply not fit for purpose. It is outdated, overcrowded and lacking in proper facilities. The school community, including teachers, parents and local residents, have been calling for a new building for years. There is a proposed site at Drayton Villa. This site was purchased by Offaly County Council years ago and is to be purchased by the Department of education, bu…

I thank the Minister for his response. I acknowledge the valuable progress made through initiatives such as the Local Link service, which has provided vital transport connectivity for rural communities and older people in particular. Rural ageing, however, must be placed more centrally within the Minister's Department agenda. Rural Ireland is ageing at a faster rate than urban centres and while transport is critical, it is only one part of the picture. We need an integrated strategy that addresses rural housing, ac…

Following up on this, I wish to highlight the decline of rural services such as shops, post offices and pubs has done more than hurt the local economy. It has deeply affected the social fabric of rural life. These were not just businesses but gathering points and places where older people in particular had a chance to interact, feel valued and maintain a sense of belonging. This role has now largely fallen to local GAA and the church, which do commendable work but it is simply not enough. Rural isolation is real an…

What steps are being taken to address rural depopulation by encouraging young people to remain in, or return to, rural areas?

The continuing loss of young people from rural areas like Offaly is deeply worrying. The truth is that we are educating our children to live elsewhere. We equip them with the skills, ambition and drive but the jobs, housing and services they need to build a future in the locality are not in place. This trend is affecting everything - from school enrolments to local businesses and the fabric of rural community life. The longer it continues, the harder it becomes to reverse. There is no silver bullet for this: it dem…

I wish to highlight one example which reflects the broader issue. I refer to the sharp decline in the number of young farmers. Farming is still the backbone of rural life, in particular in Offaly, yet fewer young people see it as a viable future. They face high entry costs, housing challenges and limited local supports. This is not just about agriculture; it shows how rural Ireland is becoming less accessible for the next generation. If we do not act, we will not just be losing farmers but community leaders, volunt…

I welcome the Government's plans to make it easier and quicker for new teachers to become permanent - that is a positive step - but I ask the Government to also look at bringing in a rule that new permanent teachers must wait five years before taking a career break. Principals and teachers I have spoken to in County Offaly are very clear on this. Early career breaks are causing problems with staffing and making it harder to plan ahead. It is also upsetting for students who need stability in the classroom. Will the …

I thank the Taoiseach for his reply, and I commend the Garda. I have noticed more gardaí on the streets in Offaly and across the country recently. That visibility has a real and positive impact. It helps people feel safer, builds community trust and serves as a strong deterrent to crime. With that in mind, I ask the Cabinet committee on justice, migration and social affairs to consider the specific needs of smaller rural towns like Banagher, Daingean, Clara and other towns across Offaly and the country. While these…

Like my fellow Deputies, I congratulate the Offaly minor football team on its great performance last night. Commiserations to Louth. It has had a fantastic year and it is not over yet. Best wishes to the team in the all-Ireland. There was a fantastic finish to the game and it was a fantastic game of football. I thank the Taoiseach for his response. As he knows, many rural communities, particularly in counties such as Offaly, are ageing rapidly. This is no longer a distant trend but a reality shaping local needs and…

I thank the Taoiseach for the update on the NESC. As he is aware, NESC has identified modern methods of construction as a key to reducing the cost of apartment delivery and supporting more compact sustainable urban growth. In order to realise this potential, however, we need to invest in our workforce. The national modern methods of construction, MMC, training centre in Mount Lucas in Offaly, run by the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board, is already leading on this. Important work is also being done in t…

What specific measures is the Department taking to support and grow the tourism sector in County Offaly, including investment in local attractions such as Lough Boora, the Slieve Bloom Mountains and the Grand Canal greenway?

While investment in Clonmacnoise and progress on Birr's telescope are welcome, Offaly remains one of the most underpromoted yet richly endowed counties for tourism in Ireland. We have an incredibly varied and beautiful landscape, including the Slieve Bloom Mountains, lush farmlands, boglands, greenways, rivers and lakes. Our heritage is world class - Clonmacnoise, Birr Castle, Croghanhill and Durrow Abbey, which is the original home of the Book of Durrow, one of Ireland's most treasured manuscripts. We are also hom…

I thank the Minister. While his continued support is appreciated, it is crucial that we move from potential to progress. The Offaly tourism plan is a strong foundation but it needs national-level commitment to truly deliver. The Book of Durrow, one of Europe's oldest illuminated manuscripts, deserves to be celebrated in its original home, yet Durrow Abbey remains closed. Sites such as Lough Boora and the Slieve Bloom trails are ideal for ecotourism but lack the investment and infrastructure to thrive. The EU just t…

I wish to comment first on a comment by Deputy Doherty regarding my colleague, Deputy Ardagh, and her non-attendance in the Chamber. Deputy Ardagh is not here; we do not know why she is not here. I do not think anybody should be commenting on that. I have tabled a question for the Tánaiste on defence in the afternoon and I cannot be here because I am attending my uncle's funeral. I do not, therefore, think any of us should be judge and jury on that. I acknowledge the Government's continued efforts to meet housing t…

Will the Minister outline the range of back-to-work supports available for jobseekers in County Offaly and the measures that are being taken to improve the uptake of and access to schemes such as the back-to-work enterprise allowance and the part-time job incentive?

I thank the Minister for his response. While the supports outlined are welcome, we need to recognise that getting back to work is about more than just income. Employment plays a vital role in improving mental health, giving people a sense of identity, routine and purpose. It also sets a powerful example for children and others in the community, showing that work pays, that ambition is valued and that the opportunity is real. For many in County Offaly and beyond, the move from welfare into employment still seems lik…

I thank the Minister for his constructive response and his clear understanding of the challenges people face in making that transition into employment. It is encouraging to hear that the Department is actively reviewing how supports can be better structured. We know that work brings more than just a wage. It brings confidence, self-worth and a sense of purpose for families and communities in Offaly and elsewhere. That matters deeply. The Minister is right to focus on ensuring that supports do not fall off a cliff w…