Written Answers Nos. 326-340
326. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether full-time employees of statutory regulators such as ComReg are considered to be civil servants either as a matter of law or for the purposes of national wage agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32175/26]
View answerThe Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), which was established in 2002, is a "public service body", as defined by section 1 of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. Under the same section, a "public servant" is defined as, inter alia, "a person who is employed by a public service body". Therefore, employees of ComReg are "public servants" and are covered by the Public Service Agreements and any agreements therein relating to pay.
327. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a review of the current social housing application process will be undertaken to ensure it adequately captures the specific needs of adults with moderate to profound intellectual disabilities requiring bespoke accommodation. [31606/26]
View answer328. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if policies will be introduced to ensure individuals with intellectual disabilities can access housing within their local communities, in order to maintain family and social networks. [31608/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 327 and 328 together.
My Department jointly published the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People (NHSDP) 2022-2027 and Implementation Plan with the Department of Health and the Department of Children, Disability, and Equality. The Strategy and Implementation Plan may be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/60d76-national-housing-strategy-for-disabled-people-2022-2027/.
The Implementation Plan sets out the actions to achieve the vision of the joint Strategy for delivering housing and related supports for disabled people to 2027 operating under the new housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030.
It is open to anyone to apply for social housing support, applications for which are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended. The allocation of local authority dwellings, including the prioritisation of certain households, is a matter for the local authority concerned, in accordance with their allocation schemes made under section 22 of this Act and associated Regulations.
My Department brought forward the Social Housing Assessment (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. No. 116 of 2021) which adopted the HMD-Form 1. The form is for anyone applying for social housing or a social housing transfer due to a disability or medical grounds. It provides for a variety and wider range of healthcare professionals to complete the form than previous iterations. This can include professionals involved with the person with a disability or medical condition, such as a consultant, general practitioner, mental health nurse, public health nurse, occupational therapist or social worker. The purpose of the HMD-Form 1, including the requirement for two healthcare professionals from this wider cohort, is to obtain sufficient information to allow the local authority to assess the nature of the applicant’s circumstances and determine the most suitable housing solution for them.
Under existing legislative arrangements, a household may apply for social housing support to one local authority only, which may be the authority for the area in which the household normally resides or with which it has a local connection. However, the local authority may agree, at its discretion, to assess the household for support without the need to meet the 'normally resides' or 'local connection' criteria.
Disabled people who have met the eligibility and need criteria qualify for the suite of social housing supports, including HAP, and are placed on the housing list to be considered for the allocation of suitable tenancies in accordance with the authority’s allocation scheme.
My Department continually reviews the social housing eligibility framework and other related matters, as part of the broader social housing reform agenda to ensure that the social housing system efficiently delivers social housing supports that are fair, sustainable and prioritise those most in need.
Ultimately, decisions on the qualification of households for social housing support, the most appropriate form of such housing support, and the allocation of that housing support are a matter solely for the local authority concerned.
329. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the analysis in which his Department has been engaged, in relation to the raising of income threshold eligibility for social housing supports, has been concluded given his statement that it would be concluded in early 2026; if any increase in thresholds will apply to other supports such as the affordable homes, and cost rental, schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31494/26]
View answerThe baseline income thresholds increased by €5,000 for all local authorities with effect from 1 January 2023. The thresholds thus increased to €40,000, €35,000 and €30,000 for Bands 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
My Department has been examining the existing income limits in the context of current market and household income conditions, including the suitability or otherwise of the current framework having regard to the significantly changed landscape since the standardised income limits were introduced. This includes examining the findings of research commissioned by my Department and this work is ongoing.
These considerations are ongoing but I envisage that the analysis will be concluded shortly to facilitate a final determination on next steps. I am also keen to put in place a more structured and frequent process for the review of these limits going forward.
Any increase to the social housing income limits will be applicable to social housing.
In relation to Cost Rental, the primary condition for accessing Cost Rental housing is a net annual income under a certain limit, which since 1 August 2023 has been €66,000 per year for homes in Dublin and €59,000 elsewhere, set through secondary legislation. Net income is defined as gross income with income tax, USC, PRSI contributions and pension contributions deducted. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to keep the income criteria for cost rental under review, in order to ensure they remain fit for purpose and my Department is progressing this work.
In relation to the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme and the First Home Scheme, there are no specific income thresholds for this scheme. To quality for a Local Authority Home Loan (LAHL) an applicant must have an annual gross income of not more than €80,000 for a single applicant and €85,000 for a joint applicant. The LAHL limits were reviewed recently and these increased limits came into effect earlier this month.
330. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a homeowner letting a room in their own principal private residence as a short-term holiday let, will be impacted by regulations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31540/26]
View answerThe Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment (DETE) has drafted the Short Term Letting and Tourism (STLT) Bill General Scheme in full alignment with the EU Short Term Rental Regulation. The introduction of the STLT Bill will provide a more effective legal and administrative basis to regulate short-term lettings. This Bill when enacted will provide the statutory basis for the introduction of a register for all Short Term Lettings in Ireland, which will be implemented and managed by Fáilte Ireland. In line with the proposed introduction of DETE’s STLT Bill, all short-term letting accommodation providers will be required to register with Fáilte Ireland. As part of the registration process, accommodation providers will need to confirm that they are planning compliant. Homesharing (the letting of a room or rooms in a person’s principal private residence) will continue to be permissible on an unrestricted basis and be exempted from the planning requirements.
Homesharers will continue to be allowed to sub-let their entire principle private residence (house or apartment) on a short term-basis for a cumulative period of 90 days where they are temporarily absent from their home. Where the 90 day threshold is exceeded, change of use planning permission will be required.
331. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of Dublin City Council's application for funding under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund for works in the Clongriffin, Belmayne and surrounding areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31582/26]
View answerOn 5 March last, I announced a new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund which, while replacing the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), will continue to build on its success to date and apply many of the key criteria established by Government in 2018 for the URDF. The new Fund will continue to support urban regeneration projects and the development of sustainable communities through the provision of part-funding for applicant-led projects. In doing so, it will significantly contribute to the regeneration and rejuvenation of Ireland’s cities and other large towns, in line with the objectives of the National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan.
To date, there have been three calls for funding provided under the URDF which has resulted in the allocation of €1.9 billion of funding, with URDF supported projects now active in every local authority area in the Country. While Calls 1 and 2 were for specific regeneration projects, the third round of funding (Call 3) is specifically focussed towards addressing long term vacancy and dereliction, while supporting the key objectives of Housing for All and Town Centre First.
Dublin City Council (DCC) submitted a project for the Belmayne-Clongriffin area under the URDF Call 2 application process. However, it was unsuccessful at that time primarily due to issues with critical parts of the proposal. Given the priority afforded to and the transformational nature of the other Dublin City project proposals, it did not have the same potential for achieving compact urban growth or urban regeneration.
As set out in Delivering Homes, Building Communities, a further €500 million to 2030 under the updated NDP has been made available for the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund. Round 1 of the new Fund will be open for applications until tomorrow in that respect. With a focus on supporting policies such as ‘Town Centre First’ and City Task Forces, the new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund will deliver transformative and impactful projects that will regenerate eligible areas.
My Department will continue to work closely with local authorities in respect of project development under the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund. Clongriffin and Belmayne are areas that are eligible for funding under the new Fund. However, responsibility for the location and composition of applications for funding, and their advancement through the various stages of planning, development and completion remains, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant local authority (DCC in this case).
332. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the implementation of Part 3, Chapter 5, Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act 2024, which requires that local authorities prepare a strategy for allotments and community gardens in their area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31620/26]
View answerPart 3, Chapter 5 ‘Development Plans’ of the Planning and Development Act 2024 commenced on 31st December 2025. When preparing a new development plan under the Act of 2024, planning authorities will be required to prepare a strategy relating to creation, improvement and preservation of sustainable places and communities within their development plans. This includes the reservation of land for use and cultivation as allotments and prescribed community gardens and the regulation, promotion, facilitation or control of the provision of land for that use. All development plans that are currently in place were made under the Planning and Development Act 2000 and planning authorities will, in due course, commence the preparation of new 10 year development plans under the Act of 2024.
The provision and form of public open space is further addressed the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines, issued as Ministerial Guidelines under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act (as amended) in January 2024. The Guidelines state that all statutory development plans should include a strategy for the provision of an integrated hierarchy of multifunctional public open spaces and corridors across the plan area that meet the needs of the planned population.
The Guidelines state that public open spaces should be designed to cater for a range of active and passive recreational needs (including play, physical activity, active travel, cultural uses and community gardens and allotments, as appropriate to the context) and to conserve and restore nature and biodiversity. The Guidelines further provide that statutory development include an objective(s) relating to the provision of public open space in new residential developments with a requirement in the development plan for public open space provision of not less than a minimum of 10% of net site area and not more than a minimum of 15% of net site area save in exceptional circumstances.
These instruments enable local authorities to identify locations in development plans for allotment development, and to establish allotments as a part of local government’s role in promoting the interests of local communities.
Further guidance for local authorities on the provision of allotments and community gardens will be progressed in due course, having regard to the priorities, work programme and commitments of my Department.
333. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of people with a disability who have been housed in each local authority in each of the years 2020 to 2025 and to date in 2026; the number of disabled applicants currently on each local authority housing list, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31668/26]
View answerMy Department jointly published the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People (NHSDP) 2022-2027 and Implementation Plan with the Department of Health and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. The Implementation Plan sets out the actions across the themes of the Strategy, to achieve the vision of the joint Strategy for delivering housing and related supports for disabled people to 2027.
Data on allocations of social housing support to disabled people as a category of need in 2020 and 2021 is provided in the National housing Strategy for Disabled People 2022-2027 Implementation Plan, which can be found on my Department's website at:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/national-housing-strategy-for-disabled-people-2022-2027-implementation-plan/.
Social housing allocations for disabled people as a category of need have increased steadily over the last three years from 2022 to 2024 as set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Social Housing Allocations to Disabled People |
|
2022 |
1,917 |
|
2023 |
2,297 |
|
2024 |
2,924 |
Data in relation to allocations of social housing support to disabled people as a category of need in 2025 is currently being collated and will be published in due course. Social housing allocations to disabled people as a category of need to date in 2026 are not currently available.
Details on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority administrative area is provided in the annual statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA). Details of households qualified for social housing support with a main need for social housing support being a disability are included in the report and broken down per local authority. The most recently published summary for all counties, conducted in November 2024, is available on my Department's website, along with all summaries since 2011 at www.gov.ie/en/collection/62486-summary-of-social-housing-assessments/. The SSHA 2025 is expected to be published shortly.
334. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the new rural planning guidelines will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31674/26]
View answerI refer to my reply to Question No. 1716 of 14 April 2026, which sets out the position in relation to this matter.
335. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the length of time it takes Tailte Éireann to process land registrations when all the relevant documents are submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31679/26]
View answerTailte Éireann is an independent Government agency under the aegis of my Department. Tailte Éireann provides a property registration system, property valuation service and national mapping and surveying infrastructure for the State. Under section 8 of the Tailte Éireann Act 2022, Tailte Éireann is independent in the performance of its functions.
It is understood from Tailte Éireann that it is not possible to provide an average time for processing applications for registration as each application is different, and processing times vary as a result.
Applications for registration of title on the National Land Register must first meet the Tailte Éireann minimum requirements to proceed to registration. A significant percentage of applications lodged do not meet the minimum requirements which results in an administrative burden for Tailte Éireann and longer processing times for all applicants.
Applications for registration which involve a transfer, charge or release of registered lands, where no change to the registry map is required account for approximately 60% of applications for registration. These applications are typically processed within 15 working days where the application is lodged in order.
Applications submitted electronically through eRegistration account for approximately 18% of all applications received and are processed within 10 working days. eDischarges are typically processed within 2 working days. Tailte Éireann continues to promote electronic registration services to its customers to improve processing times for all applicants.
Processing times for applications which do require a change to the Registry map are improving due to the impact of additional resourcing and implemented procedural efficiencies throughout the registration application process.
Applications for first registration of title account for approximately 12% of Tailte Éireann’s overall intake. First registration applications are often complex and diverse, and the first registration process is often quoted as having a curative effect. Once a title is registered it is guaranteed under State indemnification provisions.
Average processing times vary depending on the type of application lodged. Applications for first registration on Form 3 of the Land Registration Rules 2012-2021 (LRR) which are certified by a solicitor and lodged in order, typically have substantially shorter processing times than those cases requiring an Examination of Title on Form 1 or Form 2 and where first registration is based on possession. These applications often involve clarifying queries, issuance of notices and dealing with objections, which can extend processing times significantly.
It is not possible to determine whether any delay in a particular case is, or is not, reasonable without knowing the history of progression of the case. In cases where any delay in registration could have a potential impact, Tailte Éireann make every effort to expedite applications where valid grounds exist, and where doing so does not impose a conflict in regard to priority given to any prior lodged dealing.
Lodging parties may contact Tailte Éireann in relation to a specific case by email at info@tailte.ie.
Further information in relation to specific cases may be obtained by Oireachtas members on behalf of constituents by contacting the dedicated e-mail address in respect of Tailte Éireann at oireachtas@tailte.ie.
336. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill 2024; the results of the retrospective costs pathfinder exercise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31807/26]
View answerGovernment approval was received on 18 September 2024 for the priority drafting of the Apartment and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill. The purpose of this legislation is to place the defects remediation Scheme on a statutory footing, further to commitments contained in the Programme for Government and Housing for All.
The Scheme will provide supports for the remediation of relevant fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose-built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 and 2013. It is envisaged that 100% of eligible remediation costs will be funded under the Scheme.
The General Scheme of the Bill has undergone pre-legislative scrutiny. I received the report from the Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage in January. I expect the statutory scheme to be in place later this year.
The Government is committed to consideration of remediation costs already incurred as part of the drafting of the Bill. Remediation costs already incurred or levied prior to the introduction of the statutory scheme will be covered, once such costs fall within the scope and defined parameters of the Scheme.
On 22 October 2024 the Government agreed the establishment of a Retrospective Costs Pathfinder Exercise from a representative sample of eight multi-unit developments, in order to identify and develop a potential appropriate process to address retrospective issues, based on fire safety remedial works completed.
The Housing Agency received a large volume of documentation from the respective Owner Management Companies (OMCs) which is being used to help identify an appropriate process to address retrospective issues more broadly. In particular, the Pathfinder Exercise supports development of a robust process around:
• Alignment with the existing Interim Remediation Scheme processes;
• Supporting Documentation and Timeframes;
• Certification and Standardisation of Evidence;
• Verification and Payment processes.
The Retrospective Costs Pathfinder Exercise is now complete and Government approval has been received on a number of policy recommendations on Retrospective Grant Payments.
These policy recommendations will now form part of the drafting process and will be incorporated into the statutory scheme.
337. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Social Protection the rationale for applying PRSI arrangements to individuals who continue in employment beyond the State Pension age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32407/26]
View answerIn 2023, legislation for a series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system was introduced in response to the recommendations from the Pensions Commission. This set of measures represented the biggest ever structural reform of the Irish State Pension system.
One of the key measures under these reforms, which came into operation from the 1st January 2024, was the introduction of a flexible pension system in Ireland.
Under this system, there is now flexibility for those reaching State Pension age from the beginning of 2024 to defer access to their State Pension (Contributory) at any age from 66 up to the age of 70, and receive an actuarially adjusted higher rate of payment.
Once an employee draws down their State Pension (Contributory) they will no longer have a PRSI liability on their earnings but their employer will pay PRSI at Class J (0.7%), which qualifies them for Occupational Injuries Benefits. Income from self-employment will have no PRSI liability, Class M (nil rate) applies.
A person can use the period between 66 and 70 years of age to build up additional entitlements and, if a person has less than 520 PRSI reckonable paid contributions, they may be able to use this period to establish entitlement.
Those who defer claiming their State Pension (Contributory) and continue to work, will have access to certain short-term contingency payments during the period of deferral.
Where a person reaches State Pension age (66) and does not satisfy the conditions to qualify for State Pension (Contributory) or qualifies for less than the maximum rate, they may instead qualify for one of the following:
• The means-tested State Pension (Non-Contributory) which is a means-tested payment (based on their share of household means) with a maximum payment of 95% of the State Pension (Contributory); or
• An increase for a qualified adult (based on their own means), amounting up to 90% of a full rate State Pension (Contributory) where their spouse has a contributory pension; or
• Where their spouse/civil partner is deceased, a widow's/widower's/civil partner's contributory pension, which they may claim either based on their spouse's or their own social insurance record. The qualifying conditions for this require fewer contributions paid (260) than the State Pension (Contributory) for the maximum personal rate for those aged 66 or over.
Full details of the State Pension (Contributory) and how deferment works are set out on the Department's website at www.gov.ie.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
338. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Social Protection whether consideration is being given to introducing a targeted or tiered increase in child benefit for low-income households or families with additional needs, including children with disabilities, in order to address persistent levels of child poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31683/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government includes the commitment to explore a targeted child benefit payment and examine the interaction this would have with existing targeted supports like the Working Family and Child Support Payments. Officials in my Department are currently advancing this work. It is my intention to publish a consultation paper on this proposal next week.
While a targeted child benefit payment is one approach to reduce child poverty, there are also existing schemes and mechanisms available to my Department to achieve this end. My Department knows, based on ESRI research, that increases in the Child Support Payment and Working Family Payment are effective at tackling child poverty.
These payments provide targeted assistance that is directly linked to household income, thereby supporting low-income families with children. As part of Budget 2026, the Government introduced the highest single increases to Child Support Payment rates in history, as well as significant increases to thresholds for the Working Family Payment, amongst other measures.
My Department also provides support to families of children with disabilities through the Domiciliary Care Allowance payment. Domiciliary Care Allowance is a monthly payment to a parent or guardian for a child aged up to 16 who has a severe disability. It is not means tested and it is not based on social insurance contributions. As part of Budget 2026, the monthly rate of Domicillary Care Allowance increased by €20 to €380, representing a total increase of €70.50 per month since January 2023.
In addition, the non-means tested Carer's Support Grant is also available to all full-time carers, whether or not they are in receipt of another payment from my department. The Grant is paid in June. As part of Budget 2025, the Grant was increased by €150 bringing this annual payment to €2,000, the highest rate since its introduction.
At a whole of government level, the Government has approved an ambitious child poverty target, with a consistent poverty rate of 3% to be achieved by the end of 2030. This would mean a reduction of 5.5 percentage points from the current child consistent poverty rate of 8.5%.
While of course, no level of child poverty is acceptable, the new Child Poverty Target will guide our cross-government policies and ensure investment is targeted at the children who need it the most, so we can lift as many children as possible out of poverty.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
339. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the merits of providing for cost-of-living supports for people with a diagnosis of dementia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31506/26]
View answer340. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the merits of providing for cost-of-living supports for people with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31507/26]
View answer341. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the merits of providing for cost-of-living supports for people with a diagnosis of early onset dementia, particularly for those very much short of retirement age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31508/26]
View answer342. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the financial support mechanisms in place for the over 4,000 people in Ireland that have early onset dementia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31509/26]
View answer345. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the support mechanisms that are in place for people that are diagnosed with early onset dementia and can no longer work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31517/26]
View answer348. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the merits of classifying early onset dementia as a disability, specifically for the purposes of social welfare supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31520/26]
View answer349. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the merits of classifying dementia as a disability, specifically for the purposes of social welfare supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31521/26]
View answer350. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Social Protection his views on the merits of classifying Alzheimer’s disease as a disability, specifically for the purposes of social welfare supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31522/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 339, 340, 341, 342, 345, 348, 349 and 350 together.
My Department provides a number of income support payments for disabled people. Eligibility for these schemes is not dependent on the type or category of illness or disability. Rather, entitlement to these supports is contingent on the extent to which a particular illness or disability impairs or restricts a person’s capacity to work. A person with Alzheimer's disease or dementia can qualify for these payments where they meet the qualification conditions.
Disability Allowance is a payment for people who are aged between 16 and 66 with an injury, disease or disability that has continued, or may be expected to continue, for at least one year and, as a result of this disability, the person is substantially restricted in undertaking work that would otherwise be suitable for a person of their age, experience or qualifications. The allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residency requirement.
Invalidity Pension is a weekly payment to people who cannot work because of a long-term illness or disability and are covered by social insurance. In order to qualify, a person must have been incapable of work for at least 12 months and be likely to be incapable of work for at least another 12 months, or be permanently incapable of work. The payment is payable up to age 66 where a person continues to satisfy the eligibility requirements.
Every application for the Department's schemes is individually assessed, in line with the provisions specified in the relevant social welfare legislation. In the case of disability related payments, the assessment includes the medical information provided by healthcare providers and the claimant, and takes into account the opinion of the Department’s Medical Assessor.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to introducing a permanent Annual Cost of Disability Support Payment. The National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 provides for a Strategic Focus Network Summit on the Cost of Disability which is a cross-government initiative.
On 20 February I launched a public consultation process on the cost of disability which ran until 7 April. I am very pleased that there was an exceptional response with over 1,000 submissions received. I want to thank all the contributors for taking the time to make a submission and for sharing their valuable insights with us.
The Strategic Focus Network Summit, which I will host on 13 May, and the submissions made through the consultation process will help inform the approach to be taken in delivering on the Programme for Government commitment. Following the Summit, a briefing paper will be produced outlining the key learnings and any tangible outcomes which will support how the whole of Government delivers in this area going forward and inform the future Action Plans under the strategy. The paper will also feed into the Budget 2027 process.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
