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Gnáthamharc

Thursday, 11 Dec 2025

Written Answers Nos. 609-633

Health Services Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (609)

Martin Daly

Ceist:

609. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each LHO area waiting for a dietetics appointment in primary care as of 1 December 2025 or the latest date available; and the number waiting 0 to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and the number waiting more than 52 weeks. [71250/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Services Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (610)

Martin Daly

Ceist:

610. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each LHO area waiting for a psychology appointment in primary care as of 1 December 2025 or the latest date available; and the number waiting 0 to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and the number waiting more than 52 weeks. [71251/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Health Services Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (611)

Martin Daly

Ceist:

611. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each LHO area waiting for a counselling appointment in primary care as of 1 December 2025 or the latest date available; and the number waiting 0 to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and the number waiting more than 52 weeks. [71252/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (612)

Martin Daly

Ceist:

612. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each Local Health Office area waiting for a child and adolescent mental health services appointment as of 1 December 2025 or the latest date available; and the number waiting 0 to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and the number waiting more than 52 weeks. [71253/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Ceisteanna (613)

Johnny Mythen

Ceist:

613. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 317 of 8 October 2025, the timeframe for delivery of the new 97-bed unit for Wexford General hospital; if she will intervene in relation to the decision to refuse the Wexford General Hospital’s application for a demountable 20-bed unit by the HSE in view of recent developments, where 14-ambulances were held up outside the accident and emergency department at the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71260/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (614)

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

614. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the average waiting time to see a consultant paediatric gastroenterologist at CHI Temple Street. [71270/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (615)

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

615. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of operating theatres at St. James's Hospital and St. Vincent's Hospital; and if each of the theatres are in full use. [71271/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (616)

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

616. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE public health nurses posts filled at Granard health centre in 2023, 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form. [71272/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Departmental Staff

Ceisteanna (617)

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

617. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant psychiatrists posts filled at Darndale Mental Health Services in 2023, 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form. [71273/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Departmental Staff

Ceisteanna (618)

Roderic O'Gorman

Ceist:

618. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE dentists and dental nurses, by grade posts that were filled at Corduff Primary Care Centre in 2024 and to-date in 2025 in tabular form. [71284/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Departmental Staff

Ceisteanna (619)

Roderic O'Gorman

Ceist:

619. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant neonatologists based at National Maternity Hospital in 2024 and to-date in 2025 in tabular form. [71285/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is an operational issue, this PQ has been referred to the HSE for response.

Hospital Charges

Ceisteanna (620)

Roderic O'Gorman

Ceist:

620. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Health the amount collected in public parking charges at Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown in 2024 and to-date in 2025 in tabular form. [71286/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Health Services Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (621)

Roderic O'Gorman

Ceist:

621. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Health the average waiting time for admission to residential addiction rehabilitation services in CHO7. [71287/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Departmental Reviews

Ceisteanna (622)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

622. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed and advice provided on the matter; if they can be moved to the local facility where they are on a list or remain where there are until a bed becomes available to avoid upset; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71293/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Health Services Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (623)

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

623. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adults on waiting lists for occupational therapy in Cork city and county in each quarter from Q1 2022 to the most recent quarter, broken down by service area (primary care, older persons, and mental health); the median and longest waiting times in each category; and the assessment of her Department on the impact of occupational therapist vacancies on access to assessment and treatment in Cork. [71648/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

“As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.”

Student Accommodation

Ceisteanna (624)

Jen Cummins

Ceist:

624. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a progress update of purpose-built student accommodation projects across all campuses. [66949/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In advance of the new Student Accommodation Strategy, my immediate priority has been to increase the supply of purpose-built student accommodation and ensure affordability for students from priority groups. Under the Short-Term Activation Programme, the initial target was to deliver circa 1,000 additional student beds. Following due diligence and value-for-money assessments, the revised total now stands at 967 beds that have either been delivered or are progressing. Maynooth University has successfully completed its 116-bed project. University College Dublin is advancing its 493-bed development, with approval to proceed to construction given in September 2025. Trinity College Dublin’s 358-bed project is progressing to the tender stage this year. These developments will provide additional capacity in the short term. The Dublin City University 405-bed project will not be progressed at this time, reflecting cost and value-for-money considerations. In parallel, the Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme, or TSSAP, is supporting technological universities to expand student accommodation. Phase 1, completed in 2025, generated 53 strategic proposals for future developments, while Phase 2, starting in early 2026, will develop preliminary business cases, including financial and operational models. This will ensure that future projects are strategically aligned, financially viable, and responsive to local demand.I will publish the new Student Accommodation Strategy 2025–2035 in the coming days. It will prioritise increasing supply and improving affordability for students facing the greatest financial challenges.The Strategy will provide a clear framework to expand provision nationwide and ensure student housing is sustainable, accessible, and responsive to need over the next decade. It will separately address affordability through supports such as Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) and targeted bursaries, and viability through private investment and state support to deliver high-quality, purpose-built accommodation at scale.

Departmental Contracts

Ceisteanna (625)

Jen Cummins

Ceist:

625. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to address precarious contracts for teaching staff. [66950/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am aware that academic career precarity can be a concern for those who work in the higher education sector.

It is however important to acknowledge that both our traditional and technological universities have autonomy in respect of human resource polices and that this operational freedom and flexibility is crucial in allowing them to fulfil their mission. There are many good reasons why not every post is filled on a permanent, full-time basis. These include secondments; time-bound or project-based roles; and short-term cover for sick leave and similar absences.

However, while acknowledging these operational realities, I am committed to addressing the challenge of precarity through increased, sustainable long-term funding, including through the Funding the Future framework. In addition to that, I am working with my officials to ensure more staff can be recruited into the sector. This is reflected in the increase in the ceiling for core-funded, permanent posts to over 23,800 in 2025.

It is only through such sustained, planned investment that it is possible to follow through on the commitment to provide stable and fulfilling employment for staff and to avoid the creation of a two-tier workplace.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (626)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

626. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide a complete list of funding and access supports made available by his Department to students in the international protection system and students who are beneficiaries of temporary protection; the total number of students who have availed of these opportunities and the total costs incurred for same from 2022 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67670/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department recognises the importance of access to further and Higher education for all students In Ireland. International Protection students and displaced persons from Ukraine who are Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection may be able to avail of tertiary education supports, including through the following schemes:-

• International Protection Students (IPS) Scheme;

• Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) Bursary for Displaced persons (Ukraine) Scheme;

• Student Grant Scheme and the Student Part-Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses;

• Temporary Tuition Fee Support Scheme for displaced Persons (Ukraine) (TTFSS); and

• Free Fees Initiative as well as the Beneficiary of Temporary Protection (BOTP) Stipend. Further details of these supports are provided in the tables following. International Protection Students (IPS) SchemeThe table below outlines the number of students qualifying for support and the funding provided for the academic years 2022/2023 to 2025/2026 under the International Protection Students (IPS) Scheme,

IPS Scheme

2022/23

2023/24

2024/25

2025/26*

Qualifying for Support

8

9

4

17*

Funding provided

€48,029.00

€76,553.45

€19,070.00

€14,154.00*

* Data is as of 26 November 2025. However, these figures are likely to change as SUSI continues to process applications for academic year 2025/26. PLC Bursary for Displaced persons (Ukraine) scheme.The following table outlines the number of recipients of the PLC Bursary for Displaced Persons (Ukraine) Scheme, and the funding provided for the academic years 2022/23 to 2025/26. To be eligible, students must be in attendance of a SOLAS approved PLC Course.

PLC Bursary

2022/23

2023/24

2024/25

2025/26**

Qualifying for support

479

613

718

210**

Funding provided

€2,660,007.60

€3,503,192.64

€2,296,275.39

€137,324.82**

** Data is as of 26 November 2025. However, these figures are likely to change as SUSI continues to process applications for academic year 2025/26.The Student Grant Scheme & the Student Part-Time Fee Scheme for Specified UndergraduateCourses for 2025. For the 2025/2026 academic year, BOTP students who meet the residency criteria of the Student Grant Scheme, along with all other criteria, must apply through SUSI for financial support. Grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in higher education institution and who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.

The Student Grant Scheme

2022/23

2023/24

2024/25

2025/26**

Qualifying for support

n/a

n/a

n/a

1093**

Funding provided

n/a

Na/

n/a

€1,106,277.29 **

** These figures are likely to change as SUSI continues to process applications for academic year 2025/26.The Temporary Tuition Fee Support Scheme for Displaced Persons (Ukraine). The Temporary Tuition Fee Support Scheme for Displaced Persons (Ukraine) is in place in the academic year 2025/2026 to support eligible new entrant and continuing undergraduate students.

Temporary Tuition Fee Support Scheme

2022/23

2023/24

2024/25

2025/26*

Qualifying for support

310

563

1340

1692*

Funding provided

€1,700,000

€2,800,000

€6,300,000

€7,600,000*

*Final numbers and costs for the 2025/26 academic year will be confirmed at the end of the academic year. Current estimates, which are subject to change, indicate that 1,692 Ukrainian students may avail of the scheme at an estimated cost of circa €7.6 million.The Free Fees Initiative. Full time undergraduate students that are Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection may be eligible to avail of the Free Fees Initiative subject to meeting the scheme criteria, including residency. To meet the eligibility criteria for the Free Fees Initiative residency criteria a student must have been resident in a qualifying jurisdiction for 3 of the previous 5 years prior to starting their course. For the 2025/2026 academic year, new entrant students whose initial Temporary Permission was granted by the Minister for Justice more than 3 Years before the start of the 2025/ 2026 Academic Year fee support is via the Free Fees Scheme rather than the aforementioned Temporary Tuition Fee Support Scheme. Nationality information is not collated as part of the Free Fees Initiative claims process, as administered by the HEA, and information on the number of BoTP students or persons with an International protection, such as official refugee status, availing of free fees is not currently available. BOTP Stipend The BoTP Stipend is a Temporary Scheme for the Academic Year 25/26 for eligible BOTPs whose Temporary Protection Permission was granted less than 3 years before the start of the 2025/2026 Academic Year and have been resident in the State for the preceding six months prior to the 1st of October 2025. In the case of students in this cohort whose primary address is less than 30kms to their college, the stipend will amount to €3,230 per annum. For those living 30kms or more from their college, it will amount to €7,586 per annum.

The BOTP Stipend

2022/23

2023/24

2024/25

2025/26***

Qualifying for support

310

527**

1291**

697****

Funding provided

€1,700,000*

€4,587,239**

€10,832,028**

€3,462,426****

* Funding was provided in 2022 was co-funded through the ERASMUS National Grant

**Figures to be finalised these are expected figures

***Final numbers and costs for the 2025/26 academic year will be confirmed at the end of the academic year.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (627)

Eoghan Kenny

Ceist:

627. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department, and agencies under the Department’s remit, purchase data on the habits and activities of social media users and other platforms; if so, the reasons for purchasing such data; the amount spent in 2024 and 2025 year to date on such expenditure, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70866/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My department has not purchased data on the habits and activities of social media users and other platforms.

The information in respect of the state bodies within the scope of the Deputy’s question, is not held by my Department. Contact details for these bodies are set out in the attached document should the Deputy wish to contact them directly with his query.

Contact E-Mail Addresses for State Bodies under the Remit of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Name of Body

Dedicated Email address for the Members of the Oireachtas

Designated Official Responsible for assisting Oireachtas Members

Higher Education Authority

Oireachtas@hea.ie

Padraic Mellett*

Grangegorman Development Agency

Communications@ggda.ie

nora.rahill@ggda.ie

SOLAS

oireachtasinfo@solas.ie              

Maria Walshe maria.walshe@solas.ie

Skillnets Ireland

oireachtasmembers@skillnetireland.ie

tracey.donnery@skillnetireland.ie

Quality and Qualifications Ireland

ceo@qqi.ie

ceo@qqi.ie

Léargas – The Exchange Bureau

oireachtas@leargas.ie

fbroughan@leargas.ie    

Research Ireland                                            

oireachtasqueries@researchireland.ie

Donna McCabe

Departmental Properties

Ceisteanna (628)

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

628. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the performance and evaluation framework for the National Demonstration Park for Modern Methods of Construction at Mount Lucas; the date on which this framework will be approved; the baseline data and target indicators that will be used to measure outcomes; the reporting structures that will be applied; whether any phase of construction commenced prior to the finalisation of these metrics; and the reason construction proceeded in advance of an agreed evaluation framework. [71045/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In order to help the adoption of innovative solutions in housing delivery, the Government’s Housing for All and the Roadmap for Increased Adoption of MMC in Public Housing Delivery detailed a National Demonstration Park for MMC as a deliverable.

Located at the National Construction Training Campus in Mount Lucas, the Park will serve as a national hub to showcase MMC housing and systems. The Park will be central to advancing the take-up of MMC in Ireland as a physical showcase for these technologies and processes. The project is being led by the Laois–Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB), which manages the National Construction Training Campus, and which also delivers relevant MMC course provision.

Underlining the unique nature of the project, joint ministerial approval for completion of Phase 1 was granted by Minister Lawless, Minister Burke and Minister Browne in March 2025 and I was delighted to attend the official breaking of the ground ceremony in June 2025.

The Project Advisory Group is co-chaired by SOLAS and LOETB and comprised of my Department; Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment; Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; SOLAS, and LOETB. This group fulfils the role of ‘Steering Group’ as per the Capital Works Management Framework project hierarchy requirements. The Approving / Sanctioning Authority (DFHERIS) has devolved the role of overseeing the project to the Project Advisory Group, as per section 3.2 of the CWMF Guidance Note 1.1.

Under this arrangement, LOETB (as the contracting authority) brings proposed actions to the Advisory Group for review by the three Departments (as the funders) and SOLAS (as the funding authority). The Group recommends actions to DFHERIS or requests more information in order to make a recommendation. LOETB then progresses the project in line with existing established capital project management process between the capital units of SOLAS and DFHERIS.

Construction of the Demonstration Park is progressing, with the enabling groundworks for Phase 1 on track for completion by year end. These initial construction activities have been carried out onsite to prepare for the MMC units and are essential to ensure that the site is safe, stable, and ready for further development. The first of the demonstration units to be built as part of the Phase One of the Park are projected to be onsite in Q1 2026, with activity scaling throughout 2026.

The requirements of capital timelines are such that investment sometimes commences for projects while the detail of performance frameworks are being agreed, updated, or refined. In relation to the National Demonstration Park for MMC, a decision was made by the Project Advisory Group to commence capital works in parallel with development of evaluation metrics to ensure delivery of the physical infrastructure in alignment with the expected timing of agreement on the operational framework. In the first instance, these metrics are related to the enabling groundworks and confirming the housing units to be delivered.

The development of the Park is aligned with the Government’s broader MMC ambitions, which, through my Department, includes the rollout of the Skillnet MMC Accelerate online platform in February 2025 and the launch of an MMC Action Plan in June 2025 to address the skills needs identified by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN).

At the same time, my Department is working with partners to develop a wider plan for development of the Campus as a whole, including, now, the Demonstration Park. This will ensure sound investment in these facilities, fully aligned with achieving Government targets.

Emergency Planning

Ceisteanna (629)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

629. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether he is aware there are no pathways for professional advancement for emergency service personnel that can be undertaken alongside full-time work in the field (details supplied); and his plans to address this. [71235/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department is committed to ensuring that every learner has a viable and accessible pathway to fulfilling their potential. For the past several years officials in my Department have engaged with the Department of Health and the HSE to expand training provision in areas of acute skills needs in the health and social care sectors. In 2025 an Interdepartmental working group was established to expand training places for disciplines in disability services. Many options are being explored, including the diversification of pathways of education, including tertiary degrees and apprenticeship models.

The pre-hospital emergency care sector continues to evolve in scale and complexity, and education pathways are adapting in line with developments in the sector. The Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) is the competent regulatory authority responsible for setting standards of education and practice. PHECC approves course content, assesses the suitability of programmes delivered by education providers, and determines the theoretical and practical standards required for qualifications in pre-hospital emergency care. While PHECC sets these standards, it is important to note that it does not deliver training directly and it is open to any education provider to develop programmes and apply to PHECC for approval to deliver them.

PHECC has advised my Department that it has recently been in discussion with two education providers regarding the potential development of a paramedic apprenticeship model, and my officials have been engaging in this process. PHECC has indicated that any such programme, if approved, would not be structured as part-time provision. Decisions on course formats, including whether part-time or distance-learning models are appropriate, must be taken in line with regulatory requirements and with patient safety as the foremost consideration. By legislation HEIs are autonomous bodies and my Department does not instruct these institutions to deliver particular programmes or to operate in a particular format; however, providers are free to bring forward proposals for alternative modes of delivery, subject to regulatory approval by PHECC.

Data from the Higher Education Authority shows that enrolments in paramedic education have increased in recent years. First-year enrolments in Paramedic Studies at University College Cork have increased from 150 in 2022 to 240 in 2024, while enrolments at the University of Limerick have grown from 40 in 2022 to 55 in 2024.

While regulatory and patient-safety considerations must guide qualification pathways in pre-hospital emergency care, my Department will continue to work with the Department of Health, relevant regulatory bodies, the Higher Education Authority and education providers to support the ongoing development of flexible, high-quality training routes that meet learner needs and contribute to a strong, well-prepared emergency care workforce.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (630)

Eoghan Kenny

Ceist:

630. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if his Department, and agencies under the Department’s remit, purchase data on the habits and activities of social media users and other platforms; if so, the reasons for purchasing such data; the amount spent in 2024 and 2025 year to date on such expenditure, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70871/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Neither my Department nor agencies under it’s remit purchase data on the habits and activities of social media users and other platforms.

Youth Services

Ceisteanna (631)

Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh

Ceist:

631. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 38 of 4 December 2025, if his attention has been drawn to the number of the 42 volunteer-led youth clubs which are active and meet regularly; the oversight mechanisms in place to monitor activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70897/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Údarás na Gaeltachta supports the provision of Irish language youth services and youth work in Gaeltacht communities through its subsidiary company, Muintearas Teo.

Muintearas Teo supports volunteer-led Irish language youth clubs active in Gaeltacht areas. These clubs play a vital role in supporting children and young people through organised activities that promote engagement and growth. Údarás na Gaeltachta informs me that €1,067,175 of funding was approved for Muintearas Teo in 2025 to deliver its work programme in the areas of youth, training, social enterprise and early childhood education.

Muintearas Teo provides funding, support, and training to volunteer-led youth clubs across Gaeltacht regions to deliver services including workshops, events and activities that are responsive to local needs and demands. The organisation currently employs a Youth Co-ordinator, two Development Officers and a Safeguarding Officer to support youth development work in clubs as well other support and training staff as part of the Muintearas Teo structure.

Volunteer-led youth clubs are supported by Muintearas Teo in a variety of ways from initial club establishment to club development, with ongoing guidance, support and training provided for volunteer recruitment and development. In addition to this, Muintearas staff support clubs with key governance requirements relating to child safeguarding and protection, vetting, safety and training needs. The NYCI Child Protection Programme is delivered through Irish to all clubs. Training and support for Garda Vetting processes is provided in accordance with National Vetting Bureau criteria, and resources/materials and training for first-aid delivery is also provided to all clubs.

I also announced additional funding of almost €0.5m for Muintearas Teo in October 2025 to further develop youth services in the Gaeltacht. This allocation will help the organisation to prioritise staff and key services and to continue building towards the improvement of youth services in Gaeltacht areas. This funding will be used to employ a Youth Manager, a Training Coordinator, a number of part-time youth workers, and to develop QQI accredited modules and courses.

Departmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (632)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

632. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when the allocations under the 2025 town and village renewal scheme will be announced; if he will consider awarding funding to a community group (details supplied);; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71226/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Almost €184 million has been allocated to over 1,800 projects since the launch of the scheme.The 2025 Scheme was launched in March 2025 and places particular emphasis on projects that have a renewed focus on town centre economic and social recovery and regeneration.The closing date for receipt of applications for the 2025 Main Scheme and the Project Development Measure was Friday 25 July 2025. I can confirm that, in addition to a number of other applications, an application was submitted by Cork City Council in respect of the proposal referred to by the Deputy. The Scheme is heavily subscribed, and all applications received will be assessed for suitability against scheme criteria and objectives. Other factors such as the geographical spread of projects, the quality of the proposed projects, and the available budget will also be considered to maximise the impact of this funding. The assessment process is nearing completion, and I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects shortly.

Family Resource Centres

Ceisteanna (633)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

633. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the options available to a family resource centre (details supplied) in need of more space, which owns its own site and is seeking funds to build on it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71303/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Family Resource Centres are core-funded by Tusla, an agency under the aegis of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. My Department has no direct role in relation to Family Resource Centres and has no specific capital funding stream for these centres. However, my Department operates a range of capital funding schemes for community facilities. I would note, in particular, that the Community Centre Investment Fund has funded improvement works for multi-use community centres and buildings, some of which would include spaces for use as Family Resource Centres.I would encourage the organisation to check with my Departments website and the for information on funding opportunities and announcements.

Roinn