Dáil
Departmental Funding
LEADER funding totals €250 million for 2021-2027, with Local Action Group project approvals by category and county published online.
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Dáil
Departmental Priorities
Social enterprises in Louth can access supports through the LDC network, Dormant Accounts Fund, SICAP, LEADER, the Community Services Programme, Town and Village Renewal Scheme, Local Enterprise Offices and Department of Social Protection schemes. The Minister also highlighted procurement supports and the National Enterprise Hub, with applications for a new CSP intake under assessment.
Defeated
Waste Management (Single Household Waste Collection Service) Bill 2026
A local authority would take a more active role in organising household waste collection, using a competitive tendering system that gives one provider exclusive rights for a set area or period. It would also require an affordable hardship waiver for bin charges and let councils make rules making landlords responsible for ensuring tenants have proper waste collection arrangements. The aim is to make refuse services more consistent, fairer and available across every area.
Seanad
Health (Provision of Contraception Prescribing Service in Retail Pharmacy Businesses) Bill 2026: Second and Subsequent Stages
The Bill will allow pharmacists to prescribe short-acting contraception in defined circumstances, free for women aged 17 to 35 under the free contraception scheme and privately for others, while requiring an initial GP assessment and clinical safeguards. Senators across parties backed the measure as a practical way to improve access, cut costs and free up GP capacity, though several urged extension of the scheme’s age range and attention to pharmacist resourcing. The Seanad agreed to proceed to Committee and subsequent Stages immediately.
Seanad
Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Section 9(2)) (Amount of Financial Contribution) Order 2025 (Revocation) Order 2026: Motion
Seanad Éireann considered revoking the 2025 financial contribution order, while an opposition amendment sought tighter means-testing and restrictions on the Accommodation Recognition Payment scheme to avoid further distorting the rental market.
Seanad
Accommodation recognition payment cut
Senator McCarthy warned that reducing the accommodation recognition payment for Ukrainians could have human consequences, noting rising pressure at a homeless café and concern from the Irish Red Cross.
Seanad
Accommodation payment and housing
Senator Andrews proposed an amendment on winding down the accommodation recognition payment scheme, then the exchange broadened into a lengthy row with Senator Fitzpatrick over housing delivery, Glass Bottle, affordable housing and homelessness. The Leas-Chathaoirleach repeatedly intervened on interruptions and speaking time, and the item ended with Andrews confirming the amendment details and a final summer good wish.
Dáil
Educational Disadvantage
The issue was whether Sacred Heart school, Granard, should be included in DEIS plus despite exclusion from the initial list, with the Minister insisting the appeal is limited to national enrolment-data checks and will be decided shortly.
Dáil
Social Welfare Benefits
Cork urgent needs payments rose slightly in early 2026 versus 2025, but Thomas Gould argued the scheme is underused amid rising energy and living costs, while Dara Calleary said supports like fuel allowance and additional needs payments remain available.
Dáil
Public Services Card
Concerns over expanding the public services card into a digital ID and wallet centre on data protection, trust and coercion, while the Minister insists the system will remain voluntary and user-controlled under EU eIDAS rules.