Passport Services

202. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade If the passport application for a person (details supplied) can be expedited. [68573/26]

School Transport

423. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth to review an application for school transport for a student (details supplied). [68271/26]

Passport Services

192. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade If she will review the case of a person (details supplied); and if the passport application can be expedited as a matter of urgency due to the upcoming travel date. [68085/26]

School Staff

431. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review the case of a person (details supplied); if she will provide an update on an incremental credit application submitted to her Department; and if she will outline the expected timeframe for processing. [68937/26]

School Meals Programme

500. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection the rationale behind the new DEY guidelines, whereby uneaten food supplies under the hot lunch scheme will not be sent home with the children at the end of the day (details supplied). [68137/26]

School Staff

370. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth If this principal can be given consideration for retaining her administrative time by 80% even though her enrolment has increased and an ASD class has commenced and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68152/26]

34th Dáil debate — 2026-09-22

Deputy Niamh Smyth I thank the Deputy. As he knows, we have sat down together and spoken about this and with Enterprise Ireland. It is owned by a private company. Yes, Enterprise Ireland did support and give financial support to the current owners, but it never got up and running, as he knows, in terms of what the original vision had been from the people who own it currently. I consistently keep in close contact with Enterprise Ireland and regularly seek updates. It is a private facility that w

34th Dáil debate — 2026-09-22

Deputy Niamh Smyth The Deputy equally knows my very good colleague, Councillor PJ O'Hanlon in Carrickmacross. As we call him lovingly-----

34th Dáil debate — 2026-09-22

Deputy Niamh Smyth -----and throwing the net for as far and wide as we possibly can to try and ensure this. Ultimately, I want to get new buyers into it. I want to get new employment to the area. Carrickmacross is a growing town-----

34th Dáil debate — 2026-09-22

Deputy Niamh Smyth The action plan for competitiveness and productivity published last September includes a range of measures to ensure a more effective regulatory system, supporting sustainable economic growth while controlling overall cost levels. This includes a red tape challenge across government to reduce the regulatory and administrative burden for all SMEs, including those in the hospitality sector. In July, the Taoiseach together with the Minister, Deputy Burke, wrote to all Ministers

34th Dáil debate — 2026-09-22

Deputy Niamh Smyth He is lovingly known as Mr. Carrickmacross. However, as the Deputy well knows, Councillor O'Hanlon, along with the Deputy and his brother, who is an energetic councillor on the ground there too, are doing everything they possibly can to try. It has to be said that we are doing everything we possibly can. It is not an Enterprise Ireland building or an Enterprise Ireland facility. It is there as a Government agency to try to find the buyer to do that. I assure the Deputy that i