Wednesday, 15 Apr 2026

Child Poverty

Questions (36, 37, 38, 39)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

36. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the progress his Department is making in tackling child poverty. [16475/26]

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Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

37. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the progress his Department is making in tackling child poverty. [18509/26]

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Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

38. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the progress his Department is making in tackling child poverty. [18788/26]

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Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

39. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the progress his Department is making in tackling child poverty. [20363/26]

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Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 36, 37, 38 and 39 together.

Reducing child poverty is a key priority for this Government, as set out in the Programme for Government.

In September 2025, the Government agreed a new and ambitious Child Poverty Target to reduce the child Consistent Poverty rate to 3% or less by the end of 2030, from the current rate of 7.8%.

This target is guiding decisions, action and investment across Government.

In Budget 2026, the Government prioritised targeted supports for those impacted by poverty. €28.9 billion will be spent on social protection this year, including over €1.15 billion of new measures to assist households and more than €320 million in targeted measures designed to tackle child poverty.

Key measures include the largest ever increases to Child Support Payments, higher income thresholds for the Working Family Payment, and expanded access to the Fuel Allowance and Back-to-School Clothing and Footwear Allowance.

These measures are in addition to cross-Government initiatives already underway, such as free school meals, free schoolbooks, free GP visit cards, and enhancements to the Early Childhood Care and Education schemes, including the development of our new DEIS strategy, which will include DEIS Plus.

It is very encouraging to see the effects of these measures starting to take hold.

SILC

Recent data from the Central Statistics Office’s Survey on Income and Living Conditions 2025, published on 11th March, shows a welcome reduction in the child Consistent Poverty rate in 2025 from 8.5% to 7.8%, demonstrating the impact of Government measures to date.

However, we know we have more to do to deliver our target and enhance long term outcomes for children and for our society generally.

Dashboard of Indicators

While consistent poverty is a very important metric, it is not the only way we have of measuring how children are doing.

The Programme Office on Child Poverty and Well-Being has compiled a Dashboard of Indicators that will be used alongside the new Child Poverty Target.

This captures the multi-dimensional nature of child poverty and well-being, as alongside income supports, we are also advancing actions in housing, employment, childcare, and public services.

Child and Family Homelessness Action Plan

The Government’s new housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities recognises that homelessness is the single most pressing social issue that we face.

It provides dedicated capital funding of €100 million which will be ring-fenced to support local authorities to acquire properties to tackle long-term homelessness. This funding will be used specifically to acquire suitable units to exit families the longest in emergency accommodation and for Housing First units for individuals with complex needs who are experiencing homelessness.

Given the importance of this issue for child well-being, the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are working together on a new Action Plan on Child and Family Homelessness, supported by relevant Government departments and State bodies.

There has already been substantial engagement with key stakeholders, and it is anticipated that the Plan will be published in Q2 2026.

Impact of the Programme Office

Last year, the Programme Office on Child Poverty published its first progress report, and its second report will be issued in the coming months. The Office has also recently undergone an OECD review. Together, these evaluations show that the Programme Office is significantly strengthening cross-government coordination and action on child poverty.

Most importantly, we know this work is already making a real difference in children’s lives across a wide range of areas. We intend to keep that pressure and momentum up so that the Programme continues to drive meaningful, lasting change for children and families.

Questions Nos. 37 to 39, inclusive, answered with Question No. 36.

Questions Nos. 40 to 48, inclusive, resubmitted.

Budget 2026

Questions (49, 52)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

49. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach for an overview of the ‘Budget 2026: Spotlight on Disability’ report recently published by his Department. [16476/26]

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Roderic O'Gorman

Question:

52. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Taoiseach for an overview of the ‘Budget 2026: Spotlight on Disability’ report recently published by his Department. [20364/26]

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Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 52 together.

The Budget 2026: Spotlight on Disability report was published by my Department in December 2025. This is the first Budget spotlight report prepared by the Disability Unit in the Department of the Taoiseach, which was established to bring a renewed focus, urgency and weight to disability issues.

Drawing on inputs received from Government Departments, the report outlines new or enhanced disability-related measures introduced in Budget 2026 that will support the implementation of the Government’s overarching strategy for disability, the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030.

The report finds that Budget 2026 had a particularly strong focus on investment in both disability and mainstream services.

A record €3.8 billion allocation to the Department of Children, Disability and Equality for specialist disability services represents a 20% increase in funding for disability services, which will improve both sustainability of the sector and delivery of residential, respite and therapy services for children and adults.

Special education also saw record investment under Budget 2026, totalling €3 billion, which will see an additional 860 special education teachers appointed along with over 1,700 Special Needs Assistants.

Other initiatives outlined in the report include increased investment in housing adaptation grants and in the public transport retrofit programme, along with enhanced supports for employers for the employment of disabled people.

In addition, Budget 2026 also contained targeted and mainstream social protection measures which will support households with disabilities, including increases in weekly rates, expansion of eligibility to schemes, and amendments to income disregards for carers.

Budget 2026 is a first step in the Government’s ambition to deliver the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030. I believe we have made a strong start in year 1 of our programme of work and investment. Future budgets are expected to build on this progress to ensure disabled people are supported, empowered, and enabled to fully participate in their communities and society.

Questions Nos. 50 and 51 resubmitted.

Question No. 52 answered with Question No. 49.

Questions Nos. 53 to 56, inclusive, resubmitted.

Official Engagements

Questions (57)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

57. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos. [16477/26]

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Written answers

The Taoiseach

I attended the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos from 21-22 January.

During my visit, I met with international and political leaders including Prime Minister Mustafa of Palestine who updated me on progress on the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict and the difficult situation in Gaza and the West Bank.

I also met senior representatives of multinational companies with operations in Ireland, including Meta, Apple, AstraZeneca, and Microsoft. I received updates on the progress of these companies with their respective Irish operations, and their future development plans.

I gave an address at the annual IDA Ireland dinner to business leaders from various sectors, including manufacturing, chemical, technology, and finance.

I also participated in a public panel on European growth and competitiveness which addressed economic challenges and opportunities for Europe.

Questions Nos. 58 to 66, inclusive, resubmitted.

Cabinet Committees

Questions (67)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

67. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach to provide an update on the work of the Cabinet offshore energy clearinghouse. [22080/26]

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Written answers

The Taoiseach

I established the Offshore Wind Energy Clearing House in September 2025. It is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and is composed of representatives of the Offshore Wind Energy Sector and the Secretaries General of those Government Departments that have a role in the successful deployment of offshore wind energy. It has met on three occasions and will meet again next month.

Its objective is to seek to resolve identified impediments to the timely delivery of offshore renewable energy through providing attention at the centre of Government. It invites the heads of relevant public sector bodies to meetings to discuss relevant issues. The Clearing House supports and reinforces the work of the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce, especially where issues cannot be resolved at Taskforce level.

Minutes and agendas for meetings of the Clearing House are published on www.Gov.ie.

Questions Nos. 68 to 72, inclusive, resubmitted.

Cabinet Committees

Questions (73, 74, 75)

James Geoghegan

Question:

73. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on the Economy, Trade and Competitiveness will next meet. [16478/26]

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Peter 'Chap' Cleere

Question:

74. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on the Economy, Trade and Competitiveness will next meet. [18442/26]

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Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

75. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on the Economy, Trade and Competitiveness will next meet. [22081/26]

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Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 73, 74 and 75 together.

The Cabinet Committee on the Economy, Trade and Competitiveness last met on Monday 2 March 2026 and is scheduled to next meet on Monday 25 May 2026.

Questions Nos. 74 and 75 answered with Question No. 73.

Questions Nos. 76 to 79, inclusive, resubmitted.

Cabinet Committees

Questions (80, 81, 82, 83)

James Geoghegan

Question:

80. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on EU and International Affairs will next meet. [16479/26]

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Mark Ward

Question:

81. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on EU and International Affairs will next meet. [16813/26]

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Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

82. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on EU and International Affairs will next meet. [22082/26]

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James Geoghegan

Question:

83. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on EU and International Affairs will next meet. [22084/26]

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Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 80, 81, 82 and 83 together.

The Programme for Government 2025, Securing Ireland’s Future, recognises the importance of Cabinet Committees to the policy development and oversight work of Government.

The Cabinet Committee on EU and International Affairs was established by the Government on 18 February 2025.

Its role is to oversee implementation of Programme for Government commitments in relation to the European Union, including preparation of Ireland’s Presidency in the second half of 2026, and international issues.

The Cabinet Committee last met on 26 February, and it is scheduled to next meet on 18 May.

Questions Nos. 81 to 83, inclusive, answered with Question No. 80.

Questions Nos. 84 to 96, inclusive, resubmitted.

Cabinet Committees

Questions (97, 98, 99)

Peter 'Chap' Cleere

Question:

97. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure will meet next. [14453/26]

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Mark Ward

Question:

98. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure will meet next. [16812/26]

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Peter 'Chap' Cleere

Question:

99. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure will meet next. [18443/26]

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Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 98.99 together.

The Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure works to drive infrastructure delivery, accountability and value-for-money, including the preparation and now the implementation of the revised National Development Plan.

Membership of the Cabinet Committee comprises the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and for Transport, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, and Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport.

As set out in the Programme for Government, Government is prioritising the delivery of critical, growth enhancing infrastructure. We have a responsibility to invest in the future, and delivery of modern, sustainable infrastructure is vital for our national competitiveness, fostering regional development, delivering housing and meeting social needs.

The revised National Development Plan committed over €275 billion to investment in infrastructure over the coming decade.

In Budget 2026 we announced €19.1 billion in exchequer capital investment, an increase of €2 billion on 2025. This represents the highest annual spend in the history of the state.

On 3rd December 2025 the Government published the “Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan”, setting out an ambitious, but achievable, agenda which will overcome the barriers to delivery. The plan will see wide ranging reforms, enabling us to bridge our infrastructure deficit and continue to build our resilience as a modern and thriving society.

There will be robust oversight of the Government’s performance in achieving these actions – with regular reports on progress to the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure.

In the period ahead the Cabinet Committee will therefore oversee both the investments and the reforms required to ensure that infrastructure is delivered as efficiently and quickly as possible.

The last meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure took place on 23rd February 2026. The Committee is due to meet again on 20th April 2026.

Questions Nos. 98 and 99 answered with Question No. 97.

Questions Nos. 100 to 111, inclusive, resubmitted.

Cabinet Committees

Questions (112, 113, 114)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

112. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Housing will next meet. [15024/26]

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James Geoghegan

Question:

113. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Housing will next meet. [22083/26]

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Paul Lawless

Question:

114. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Housing will next meet. [22118/26]

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Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 112, 113 and 114 together.

The Cabinet Committee on Housing works to ensure a coordinated, cross Government, approach to the implementation of Programme for Government commitments regarding housing policy.

The Programme for Government sets out our ambition to accelerate housing supply, building on progress already achieved, recognising housing as a major social and economic challenge.

The new National Housing Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030 was published on 13th November 2025, it aims to speed up the delivery of new homes and tackle homelessness. The plan targets the construction of 300,000 homes, including 72,000 social homes and 90,000 affordable housing supports. Building on the progress of Housing for All, which saw almost 149,000 homes delivered in the last five years, the new plan will enable the State, public bodies, and the private sector to further play a critical part in accelerating delivery.

The Cabinet Committee on Housing last met on Monday, 5th March, and is scheduled to meet again on Thursday, 30th April.

Questions Nos. 113 and 114 answered with Question No. 112.

Questions Nos. 115 to 118, inclusive, resubmitted.

Cabinet Committees

Questions (119)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

119. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Disability will next meet. [18786/26]

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Written answers

The Taoiseach

The Cabinet Committee on Disability has met seven times to date. It last met on 23 February 2026 and is expected to meet next on 27 April.

Questions Nos. 120 to 129, inclusive, resubmitted.

Cabinet Committees

Questions (130)

Peter 'Chap' Cleere

Question:

130. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Water Quality will next meet [18444/26]

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Written answers

The Taoiseach

The Cabinet Committee on Water Quality oversees implementation of Programme for Government commitments in relation to the range of issues affecting Ireland’s water, including from agriculture, forestry, land use change and wastewater treatment.

The last meeting of the Cabinet Committee took place on 30 October and the date of the next meeting has not yet been scheduled.

Questions Nos. 131 and 132 resubmitted.

Cabinet Committees

Questions (133, 134, 135)

Mark Ward

Question:

133. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Health will next meet. [22116/26]

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Paul Lawless

Question:

134. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Health will next meet. [22117/26]

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Barry Heneghan

Question:

135. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Health will next meet. [22119/26]

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Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 133, 134 and 135 together.

The Cabinet Committee on Health last met on the 2nd of March 2026.

The Cabinet Committee oversees implementation of Programme for Government commitments in relation to health, receives detailed reports on identified policy areas and considers health reforms including Sláintecare, the reform of Public Health and health system preparedness for future health threats.

It also receives reports in relation to Programme for Government commitments in the areas of mental health and drugs policy.

The membership of the Cabinet Committee on Health includes the Taoiseach, as Chair, the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, the Minister for Health and the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.

The Cabinet Committee on Health will meet again in due course

Questions Nos. 134 and 135 answered with Question No. 133.

Questions Nos. 136 to 153, inclusive, resubmitted.