Fine Gael is investing in radar and drone technology.

These investments strengthen national security, improve Ireland’s defence capabilities and will help build a more resilient Defence Forces. ... See MoreSee Less

🚫 Fine Gael is banning single-use vapes.

This is part of Fine Gael’s plan to reduce smoking and vaping prevalence and preventing children and young people from starting to use nicotine. ... See MoreSee Less

I am delighted to see that 4 schools in Dublin South West have been added to the Safe Routes to School Programme.

Fine Gael made Safe Routes to School a priority in Government, and today’s announcement shows that commitment in action. With over €50m invested nationally to date we are ensuring safer journeys in schools nationwide.

Improvements as part of the Safe Routes to School programme include school zone features such as pencil shaped bollards, colourful road markings, upgraded footpaths, and enhanced pedestrian crossings, designed to make walking and cycling safer for students.

I thank my colleague Minister of State at the Department of Transport Jerry Buttimer for his work on this. ... See MoreSee Less

I welcome the announcement by Minister Hildegarde Naughton this afternoon that €65 million has been allocated for Minor Works and ICT grant funding across the country.

The Minor Works Grant will be issued to schools in December 2025, and the ICT Grant will issued in January 2026.
This includes €5.7 million for Minor Works and €7.9 million for ICT throughout Dublin schools.

Recognising that each school is different, the payment of the Minor Works Grant allows individual schools who are best placed to decide how best to use this funding, address their own maintenance needs. This lead-in period ahead of the new school year will give schools time to consider their plans and priorities as to how to best use this funding for their own needs.

The ICT funding will empower schools to harness the opportunities that technology presents, and to support children and young people to become competent, critically engaged learners.
With the world around us changing rapidly, it is vital that schools can instil students with the skills they need to reach their full potential in our modern society. This ICT funding will empower schools to harness the opportunities that technology presents, and to support children and young people to become competent, critically engaged learners. ... See MoreSee Less

It was great to have the opportunity to engage with a number of senior Indian diplomats who are on a diplomatic exchange programme with the Department of Foreign Affairs. This exchange is an example of the deep connections our two countries have. ... See MoreSee Less

It was great to visit the excellently-run Ukrainian 30 day accomodation facility in Punchestown this afternoon with Minister Heydon. ... See MoreSee Less

From today, pensioners, carers and people with disabilities will receive a Christmas bonus. ... See MoreSee Less