James Geoghegan
Ceist:109. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Children and Education will next meet. [43419/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCabinet Committees
Ceisteanna (109)
Freagraí scríofa
The Cabinet Committee on Children and Education oversees the implementation of Programme for Government commitments in the area of children and education. It receives detailed reports on identified policy areas such as child poverty and well-being and education.
The membership of the Cabinet Committee on Children and Education comprises the:
• Taoiseach,
• Tánaiste and Minister for Finance,
• Minister for Health,
• Minister for Social Protection,
• Minister for Education and Youth,
• Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
• Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation,
• Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality,
The Programme for Government contains many important commitments intended to improve the lives of all children, and especially those children who need our help most. These commitments include:
• Setting an ambitious child poverty target.
• Progressively increasing the Child Support Payment.
• Expanding eligibility for the Fuel Allowance to families in receipt of the Working Family Payment.
• Exploring a targeted Child Benefit payment.
All have these commitments have been progressed.
The Government’s vision for education is to deliver a world class education system which breaks down barriers and ensures every child can achieve their full potential. That is why we remain committed realising the potential of the new DEIS and DEIS Plus programme.
Budget 2026 moved towards permanent targeted payments to support those most vulnerable. Analysis from the ESRI shows that the permanent measures taken in Budget 2026 are progressive and prioritise protecting the incomes of the poorest families. This targeted approach taken in Budget 2026 is a strategic decision by Government to close the gap for children and families most at risk in our society.
A €320 million social welfare package for children includes the largest increase ever in the Child Support Payment, increased income thresholds for the Working Family Payment, and the extension of Fuel Allowance to those on the Working Family Payment.
Meeting the needs of children with disabilities is a priority for me and for Government. That is why we established a dedicated Cabinet Committee on Disability. The work of this Cabinet Committee is progressing important initiatives to respond to the needs and well-being of children. Significant increases in investment in disability services are also being delivered.
The Cabinet Committee on Children and Education met in May. It will meet again in due course.
Questions Nos. 110 to 120, inclusive, resubmitted.
Cabinet Committees
Ceisteanna (121)
James Geoghegan
Ceist:121. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Justice, Migration and Social Affairs will next meet. [43420/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Cabinet Committee on Justice, Migration and Social Affairs oversees the implementation of Programme for Government commitments that are in relation to matters under those areas.
It was established in February 2025 following the appointment of the new Government in January. Its first meeting was on 10th April 2025 and met most recently on April 27th 2026. The next meeting will be scheduled in due course.
The Cabinet Committee covers a range of policy areas, including Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, policing and justice reform, migration and initiatives tackling local area disadvantage.
Amongst other items, it also oversees the development and delivery of the whole of Government response to migration and integration, including through a National Migration and Integration Strategy.
In addition to meetings of the Cabinet Committee, I have regular engagements with Ministers at Cabinet and individually to discuss issues relating to their Departments.
Questions Nos. 122 to 129, inclusive, resubmitted.
National Security
Ceisteanna (130, 131)
Albert Dolan
Ceist:130. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Taoiseach the reasons for the delay, now in excess of seven years, in publishing the National Security Strategy; and when it will be finalised. [43958/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAlbert Dolan
Ceist:131. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Taoiseach if he plans to publish the National Security Strategy in 2026. [43959/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 131 together.
The Government is committed to the delivery of a National Security Strategy in the coming months.
Work is ongoing in finalising drafting the strategy, integrating inputs from a range of relevant stakeholders, including the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Defence; Justice, Home Affairs and Migration; An Garda Síochána; the Defence Forces and National Cyber Security Centre. This work is co-ordinated by the National Security Secretariat in my Department.
The preparation of a draft strategy covers a broad range of national security issues. There will be a focus on the State’s internal security, including the evolving challenges we face from terrorism and extremism and from cyber threats, and a focus on the need to increase investment in security and to modernise our legislation in the security field, notably in the investigatory powers available to our security services. The ongoing implementation of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces and the modernisation of key aspects of our defence legislation are also included in the preparations.
It will include also the implications of recent security, defence and international developments and their related impacts, notably the deteriorating security situation in Europe given Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, and the growth in cyber and hybrid threats in Europe. It will outline a comprehensive framework of our national security, involving core building blocks of maritime and cyber security, underpinned by strengthened security services enabled with the structures and powers fit for our contemporary security environment.
The National Security Strategy will build on the range of sectoral strategies and documents, including the Maritime Security Strategy, the forthcoming third National Cyber Security Strategy, the Counter-Disinformation Strategy and the Defence Policy Review. It will also take account of the recommendations of the first annual report of the Independent Examiner of Security Legislation.
The Ministerial Council on National Security ensures that at the highest level there is a structured, ongoing review of our strategic national security interests and systematised monitoring of progress on delivering the Government’s commitments.
Questions Nos. 132 to 136, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 137 to 144, inclusive, answered orally.
Tourism Industry
Ceisteanna (145)
Cathy Bennett
Ceist:145. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his proposals to support employment in the tourism sector. [45647/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Tourism remains one of Ireland’s most strategically important economic sectors, supporting approximately 229,000 jobs and sustaining some 46,000 businesses across the country. Its impact is deeply regional, with around 70% of roles located outside Dublin, making it a critical driver of balanced regional development.
The Government’s strategic direction, set out in ‘A New Era for Irish Tourism’, provides a clear and ambitious framework for the sector’s future. It recognises tourism as a major national employer and sets a target to grow employment to around 250,000, while ensuring the sector remains a viable and attractive long-term career.
The policy places strong emphasis not only on increasing job numbers, but also on enhancing skills, supporting workforce development, and promoting high-quality employment practices and retention particularly within SMEs and regional economies. It also links employment to sustainability, with a focus on creating more stable, year-round jobs by extending the tourism season and distributing demand more evenly across the country.
A coordinated, cross-government approach is being taken to skills development, with ongoing collaboration between departments, industry stakeholders, State agencies and education providers. This ensures that the tourism workforce is equipped to meet the demands of an increasingly innovative, digital and competitive sector.
Fáilte Ireland plays a central role in strengthening workforce capability through a range of targeted initiatives. Programmes such as the Employer Excellence Programme support businesses in enhancing HR practices, leadership and employee retention, while Digital That Delivers is a major initiative aimed at boosting the digital capabilities of tourism businesses. In addition, a national online learning platform is improving access to training, and complementary measures including student placements and tailored employer supports are helping to build a strong and sustainable talent pipeline for the future.
On 11 June, I attended the Employer Excellence Awards, where 16 outstanding businesses from across the tourism and hospitality sector were recognised. These businesses are demonstrating leadership in creating positive workplace cultures, investing in employee development, and setting a high standard for employment excellence across Ireland.
Alongside investment in people, the enabling conditions for sustainable growth must also be addressed. Access to accommodation remains an important consideration for those seeking employment in tourism, particularly in high-demand areas. This highlights the need for a balanced, cross-government approach that aligns tourism development with housing provision and broader community needs.
Collectively, these actions reflect a clear and strategic commitment to building a skilled, resilient, and sustainable tourism workforce capable of supporting the sector’s continued growth and its vital contribution to communities across the country.
Questions Nos. 146 to 151, inclusive answered orally.