Naoise Ó Muirí
Question:25. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Taoiseach the progress made by his Department in reducing child poverty and promoting well-being. [7636/25]
View answerChild Poverty
Questions (25)
Written answers
We are retaining the Child Poverty and Well-being Programme Office in the Department of the Taoiseach because we know we need to continue to build on the work to break down silos between departments and drive delivery.
We will not be able to make a decisive impact on child poverty without a whole of government and whole of society response.
From Poverty to Potential: A Programme Plan for Child Poverty and Well-being 2023-2025 was published in August 2023 and is the initial Programme Plan for the Child Poverty and Well-being Programme Office.
The Programme builds on six focus areas which have the potential to bring about significant change for families and children.
These are:
1. Income assistance and joblessness;
2. Early learning and childcare;
3. Reducing the cost of education;
4. Family homelessness;
5. Consolidating and integrating family and parental assistance, health and well-being;
6. Enhancing participation in culture, arts and sport for children and young people affected by poverty.
The Programme Plan is intended to be a living and dynamic document. As we need to, we revisit our priorities to make sure we are focusing on those things that will really make a difference.
In 2025, we will start to develop the second Programme Plan for the Office and will consider carefully what we have learned so far and what remains to be done.
The role of the Department of the Taoiseach is to co-ordinate and focus government action.
To help facilitate this, the Office has established a Cross-Government Network on Child Poverty and Well-being. The Network has met five times to date, with the next meeting due to take place soon.
On 23rd May last year, the Programme Office hosted the inaugural Child Poverty and Well-Being Summit. This was an important moment to take stock and shape the agenda for future action. I am very much looking forward to hosting the second Summit later in the year.
Budget 2025 is the second year spending plans on child poverty and well-being were coordinated through the Programme Office. The second Budget Report captures a wide range of initiatives in Budget 2025 which reflect the cross-government ambition to reduce child poverty.
I was delighted to recently publish the Programme Office’s first Progress Report, Child Poverty and Well-being in Transition: Learning and Adapting to Accelerate Change in Children’s Lives. The report presents progress updates for the six focus areas while acknowledging challenges and highlighting emerging lessons and priorities.
The impact of the Programme Office is also outlined. I am encouraged that the report shows the Programme Office has genuinely strengthened cross-government focus on addressing child poverty.
In the years ahead, I expect the Programme Office to report on even greater progress—progress that will transform the lives of children and families.
Questions Nos. 26 and 27 resubmitted.
Child Poverty
Questions (28)
Ruth Coppinger
Question:28. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Taoiseach to report on the work of the child poverty and well-being programme in his Department. [9487/25]
View answerWritten answers
We are retaining the Child Poverty and Well-being Programme Office in the Department of the Taoiseach because we know we need to continue to build on the work to break down silos between departments and drive delivery.
We will not be able to make a decisive impact on child poverty without a whole of government and whole of society response.
From Poverty to Potential: A Programme Plan for Child Poverty and Well-being 2023-2025 was published in August 2023 and is the initial Programme Plan for the Child Poverty and Well-being Programme Office.
The Programme builds on six focus areas which have the potential to bring about significant change for families and children.
These are:
1. Income assistance and joblessness;
2. Early learning and childcare;
3. Reducing the cost of education;
4. Family homelessness;
5. Consolidating and integrating family and parental assistance, health and well-being;
6. Enhancing participation in culture, arts and sport for children and young people affected by poverty.
The Programme Plan is intended to be a living and dynamic document. As we need to, we revisit our priorities to make sure we are focusing on those things that will really make a difference.
In 2025, we will start to develop the second Programme Plan for the Office and will consider carefully what we have learned so far and what remains to be done.
The role of the Department of the Taoiseach is to co-ordinate and focus government action.
To help facilitate this, the Office has established a Cross-Government Network on Child Poverty and Well-being. The Network has met five times to date, with the next meeting due to take place soon.
On 23rd May last year, the Programme Office hosted the inaugural Child Poverty and Well-Being Summit. This was an important moment to take stock and shape the agenda for future action. I am very much looking forward to hosting the second Summit later in the year.
Budget 2025 is the second year spending plans on child poverty and well-being were coordinated through the Programme Office. The second Budget Report captures a wide range of initiatives in Budget 2025 which reflect the cross-government ambition to reduce child poverty.
I was delighted to recently publish the Programme Office’s first Progress Report, Child Poverty and Well-being in Transition: Learning and Adapting to Accelerate Change in Children’s Lives. The report presents progress updates for the six focus areas while acknowledging challenges and highlighting emerging lessons and priorities.
The impact of the Programme Office is also outlined. I am encouraged that the report shows the Programme Office has genuinely strengthened cross-government focus on addressing child poverty.
In the years ahead, I expect the Programme Office to report on even greater progress—progress that will transform the lives of children and families.
Child Poverty
Questions (29)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:29. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach the progress made by his Department in reducing child poverty and promoting well-being. [10821/25]
View answerWritten answers
We are retaining the Child Poverty and Well-being Programme Office in the Department of the Taoiseach because we know we need to continue to build on the work to break down silos between departments and drive delivery.
We will not be able to make a decisive impact on child poverty without a whole of government and whole of society response.
From Poverty to Potential: A Programme Plan for Child Poverty and Well-being 2023-2025 was published in August 2023 and is the initial Programme Plan for the Child Poverty and Well-being Programme Office.
The Programme builds on six focus areas which have the potential to bring about significant change for families and children.
These are:
1. Income assistance and joblessness;
2. Early learning and childcare;
3. Reducing the cost of education;
4. Family homelessness;
5. Consolidating and integrating family and parental assistance, health and well-being;
6. Enhancing participation in culture, arts and sport for children and young people affected by poverty.
The Programme Plan is intended to be a living and dynamic document. As we need to, we revisit our priorities to make sure we are focusing on those things that will really make a difference.
In 2025, we will start to develop the second Programme Plan for the Office and will consider carefully what we have learned so far and what remains to be done.
The role of the Department of the Taoiseach is to co-ordinate and focus government action.
To help facilitate this, the Office has established a Cross-Government Network on Child Poverty and Well-being. The Network has met five times to date, with the next meeting due to take place soon.
On 23rd May last year, the Programme Office hosted the inaugural Child Poverty and Well-Being Summit. This was an important moment to take stock and shape the agenda for future action. I am very much looking forward to hosting the second Summit later in the year.
Budget 2025 is the second year spending plans on child poverty and well-being were coordinated through the Programme Office. The second Budget Report captures a wide range of initiatives in Budget 2025 which reflect the cross-government ambition to reduce child poverty.
I was delighted to recently publish the Programme Office’s first Progress Report, Child Poverty and Well-being in Transition: Learning and Adapting to Accelerate Change in Children’s Lives. The report presents progress updates for the six focus areas while acknowledging challenges and highlighting emerging lessons and priorities.
The impact of the Programme Office is also outlined. I am encouraged that the report shows the Programme Office has genuinely strengthened cross-government focus on addressing child poverty.
In the years ahead, I expect the Programme Office to report on even greater progress—progress that will transform the lives of children and families.
Child Poverty
Questions (30)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:30. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach for an update in respect of the programme plan for child well-being. [12275/25]
View answerWritten answers
We are retaining the Child Poverty and Well-being Programme Office in the Department of the Taoiseach because we know we need to continue to build on the work to break down silos between departments and drive delivery.
We will not be able to make a decisive impact on child poverty without a whole of government and whole of society response.
From Poverty to Potential: A Programme Plan for Child Poverty and Well-being 2023-2025 was published in August 2023 and is the initial Programme Plan for the Child Poverty and Well-being Programme Office.
The Programme builds on six focus areas which have the potential to bring about significant change for families and children.
These are:
1. Income assistance and joblessness;
2. Early learning and childcare;
3. Reducing the cost of education;
4. Family homelessness;
5. Consolidating and integrating family and parental assistance, health and well-being;
6. Enhancing participation in culture, arts and sport for children and young people affected by poverty.
The Programme Plan is intended to be a living and dynamic document. As we need to, we revisit our priorities to make sure we are focusing on those things that will really make a difference.
In 2025, we will start to develop the second Programme Plan for the Office and will consider carefully what we have learned so far and what remains to be done.
The role of the Department of the Taoiseach is to co-ordinate and focus government action.
To help facilitate this, the Office has established a Cross-Government Network on Child Poverty and Well-being. The Network has met five times to date, with the next meeting due to take place soon.
On 23rd May last year, the Programme Office hosted the inaugural Child Poverty and Well-Being Summit. This was an important moment to take stock and shape the agenda for future action. I am very much looking forward to hosting the second Summit later in the year.
Budget 2025 is the second year spending plans on child poverty and well-being were coordinated through the Programme Office. The second Budget Report captures a wide range of initiatives in Budget 2025 which reflect the cross-government ambition to reduce child poverty.
I was delighted to recently publish the Programme Office’s first Progress Report, Child Poverty and Well-being in Transition: Learning and Adapting to Accelerate Change in Children’s Lives. The report presents progress updates for the six focus areas while acknowledging challenges and highlighting emerging lessons and priorities.
The impact of the Programme Office is also outlined. I am encouraged that the report shows the Programme Office has genuinely strengthened cross-government focus on addressing child poverty.
In the years ahead, I expect the Programme Office to report on even greater progress—progress that will transform the lives of children and families.
Questions Nos. 31 to 46, inclusive, resubmitted.
Cabinet Committees
Questions (47, 51, 52, 53)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:47. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure will meet next. [8321/25]
View answer
Ivana Bacik
Question:51. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure will next meet. [9459/25]
View answer
James Geoghegan
Question:52. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure will meet next. [9827/25]
View answer
Emer Currie
Question:53. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure will next meet. [12073/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 47, 51, 52 and 53 together.
The first meeting of the new Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure took place on Monday, 24th March, and the next one will take place on Monday 28th April.
Membership of the Cabinet Committee comprises the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Minister for Finance, Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, and for Transport, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
The Committee will oversee Programme for Government commitments in relation to infrastructure delivery.
Delivering infrastructure effectively is vital for our national competitiveness, fostering regional development, delivering on our housing commitments, meeting social needs and achieving our ambitious climate goals.
Question No. 48 resubmitted.
Cabinet Committees
Questions (49, 54)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:49. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee that deals with transport will next meet. [9163/25]
View answerCian O'Callaghan
Question:54. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee dealing with transport will meet next. [12276/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 54 together.
The Government has recently agreed to establish a number of Cabinet Committees including a Cabinet Committee on the Economy, Trade and Competitiveness, a Cabinet Committee on Housing, a Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure, and a Cabinet Committee on Climate Action and Energy.
Transport-related issues may arise at each of these Committees, but in particular will be considered at the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure.
As with all policy areas, transport-related issues are regularly discussed at full Government meetings, where all formal decisions are made.
Question No. 50 resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 51 to 53, inclusive, taken with No. 47.
Question No. 54 taken with No. 49.
Questions Nos. 55 to 68, inclusive, resubmitted.
Cabinet Committees
Questions (69, 70)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:69. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Housing will next meet. [9293/25]
View answerCian O'Callaghan
Question:70. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Housing will next meet. [12277/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 70 together.
The Cabinet Committee on Housing works to ensure a coordinated approach to the implementation of Programme for Government commitments regarding housing.
The new Programme for Government sets out our ambition to accelerate housing supply, recognising housing as the biggest social and economic challenge. In the programme, we have set out our intention to ramp up construction capacity, implement the Planning and Development Act, increase the quantum of zoned and serviced land, remove unnecessary red tape, increase innovation, and provide predictable policy which attracts private investment, side by side with State investment.
We are moving forward with actions to accelerate the supply of housing and will leave no options off the table in our efforts to deal with the challenge.
The last meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Housing took place on Monday, 31st March. The Committee is due to meet again on 1st May.
Questions Nos. 71 to 79, inclusive, resubmitted.
Artificial Intelligence
Questions (80, 82)
Ivana Bacik
Question:80. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Taoiseach to report on his attendance at the AI Action Summit. [5755/25]
View answer
Shane Moynihan
Question:82. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Taoiseach to report on his attendance at the AI Action Summit. [10806/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 82 together.
I travelled to Paris for the AI Action Summit on 10-11 February, co-hosted by President Macron and Prime Minister Modi of India.
The AI Action Summit gathered key stakeholders to explore how we can develop artificial intelligence technologies and uses globally while ensuring that nobody is left behind. It also discussed preserving our freedoms in the AI revolution and ensuring that the technology serves society and the public interest.
The event included a working dinner at the Élysée on Monday evening, attended by political, business, and civil society leaders, and a closing ceremony at the Grand Palais on Tuesday morning, which was live-streamed.
The closing ceremony featured panel discussions and keynote remarks, including from President Macron, Prime Minister Modi, US Vice-President Vance, and European Commission President von der Leyen.
In my engagements I emphasised the need to embrace the opportunities that AI can offer across all sectors – for our start-ups, and enterprise base, and ultimately for our citizens, and their quality of life.
While it is important to focus on specific areas where regulation is needed, we must also enable Europe to access the full potential of AI and ensure that the EU is truly open for innovation.
Question No. 81 resubmitted.
Question No. 82 taken with No. 80.
Questions Nos. 83 to 87, inclusive, resubmitted.