Local Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan–Monaghan,Brendan Smith, has called for the Electricity Supply Amendment Bill to be completed without any further delay, stressing that enhanced electricity resilience is essential to protect customers, particularly in rural and vulnerable areas.

Deputy Smith said that placing forestry corridors on a statutory footing is critical, noting that people cannot be left without electricity in light of the increasingly severe and frequent weather events experienced in recent years.

“The Electricity Supply Amendment Bill must be progressed as a matter of urgency to enhance customer reliance and protect communities who are repeatedly affected by power outages,” Deputy Brendan Smith said.

He added that certainty is urgently needed for those living in areas deemed particularly vulnerable during storms and extreme weather events.

Deputy Brendan Smith confirmed that he raised the matter again directly with the Minister by way of further Parliamentary Questions, highlighting the importance of ensuring vulnerable communities are adequately protected and prepared for serious weather events, particularly where fallen trees impact the electricity network.

“Being from rural Ireland myself, I have seen first-hand how thousands of homeowners across Cavan and Monaghan have been left without power due to fallen trees during storms,” he said.

“It is essential that all stakeholders engage constructively to ensure we are properly prepared for such events in the future.”

Deputy Brendan Smith also welcomed the Minister’s comments regarding ongoing work on the development of an enduring electricity corridor design, which is being informed by an international review of best practice in forestry corridor management, forestry design standards, and structured stakeholder engagement.

He further welcomed the establishment by ESB Networks of an annual corridor clearance programme, describing it as a “vital tool in our arsenal” to reduce forestry-related outages and enhance customer reliance.

“The work currently underway with stakeholders on forestry corridor management will be crucial in preparing for future storms and serious weather events,” Brendan Smith added.

Concluding, Deputy Brendan Smith said it is essential that the government progresses this necessary legislation without further delays. 

Fianna Fáil TD, Brendan Smith, has welcomed the allocation of €704,462 in funding for the Local Sports Partnership in Counties Cavan and Monaghan.

The funding forms part of a €12.66 million investment across 29 Local Sports Partnerships nationally, representing more than double the level of investment since 2018. The funding was announced by Fianna Fáil Minister Charlie McConalogue.

This allocation is also included within a record €33.36 million in core funding for sporting organisations in 2026, provided through Sport Ireland. Of this, €19.5 million is being invested in 57 National Governing Bodies of Sport, an increase of €1.2 million on 2025.

Commenting on the allocation for Cavan/Monaghan, Deputy Brendan Smith said:

“Local Sports Partnerships are a cornerstone of community life here in Cavan/Monaghan. Today’s allocation of €704,462 will further strengthen the work being carried out on the ground, supporting staff to deliver vital programmes, develop clubs, and promote participation in sport and physical activity at all levels.

“Fianna Fáil is committed, through the Programme for Government, to increasing overall participation in sport through targeted funding measures, including enhancing opportunities for everyone to lead and excel in sport.”

He added that the funding will further enhance the capacity of Local Sports Partnerships in Counties Cavan and Monaghan, ensuring communities, particularly those in disadvantaged areas are supported and empowered through accessible and inclusive programmes.

“The Local Sports Partnerships are focused on promoting lifelong physical activity, increasing participation, and strengthening community partnerships across Cavan and Monaghan. The Cavan and Monaghan Sports Partnerships continue to deliver excellent outcomes in the areas of community health, wellbeing and social cohesion by ensuring sport and physical activity are accessible to everyone.”

“I would like to thank Minister McConalogue for delivering this important funding for our Local Sports Partnerships. The essential work carried out in our communities is reliant on sustained investment, and I will continue to engage with the Minister to ensure Cavan/Monaghan continues to benefit from strong and reliable funding streams.”

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan/Monaghan, Deputy Brendan Smith has said that improvements to the Minor Flood Mitigation Works Scheme are due imminently following sustained engagement with colleagues across Government on the issue.

He raised this through direct correspondence with the Minister for Public Expenditure in mid-December regarding the operation and concerns around the criteria of the scheme.

In response at that time, the Minister advised that the scheme was under review, that there would be an increase in funding, and that local authorities would be informed of the outcome over the coming weeks.

Deputy Brendan Smith said that, through his ongoing engagement with local authorities in Cavan and Monaghan, it had become clear that significant difficulties existed in meeting certain eligibility criteria required to draw down funding under the scheme, and expressed his dismay at this.

“Local authorities have repeatedly highlighted to me that the criteria attached to the Minor Flood Mitigation Works Scheme made it extremely challenging to access funding, even where there was a clear and persistent flooding issue,” he said.

“This was a particular problem in rural areas, where smaller-scale projects are urgently needed but often struggle to meet rigid thresholds.

He added that rural communities such as communities across his own constituency should not be disadvantaged simply because of their size.

“I am very conscious that flooding can cause enormous hardship and suffering for household, businesses and farms and in many instances remedial works are urgently needed.

“Just because there are smaller numbers of people in rural communities who are constantly affected by flooding does not mean they should continue to be disadvantaged,” Deputy Brendan Smith stated. “Those families and communities are just as entitled to modern construction standards and effective flood mitigation works as anyone else.

Deputy Smith confirmed that today he received correspondence from Minister ‘Boxer’ Moran, advising that the Office of Public Works is finalising the details of revisions to the scheme. The Minister indicated that local authorities could expect to be advised of the revised criteria, including the €3 million fund for the removal of river conveyance blockages, over the coming weeks.

Welcoming this development, Deputy Smith said:

“I very much welcome this confirmation from the Minister. The revision of the scheme and the inclusion of the €3 million fund for the removal of river conveyance blockages have the potential to make a real and practical difference on the ground. I look forward to local authorities being formally advised of the revised criteria and to seeing-overdue flood mitigation works progressing in communities that need them most,” he concluded.

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan/Monaghan, Brendan Smith, welcomes the announcement by Minister Charlie McConalogue that a funding package of €15 million per annum will be allocated to the post office network around the country.

Today’s announcement by Minister of State with responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue will benefit the post office network nationwide.

Speaking on the funding, Deputy Brendan Smith said post offices are ‘the backbones of rural communities’ and ‘provide a great service for many in rural Ireland’.

“I am pleased to be informed today by my parliamentary colleague Minister Charlie McConalogue that he has approved a funding package worth €15m per year for the next five years to 2030 for our post office network nationwide.

“Post offices and the services they provide for people in rural Ireland are the backbone of our communities. Coming from Cavan/Monaghan, I completely understand and see how crucial these services are for rural Ireland,” he stated.

Also agreed by Minister McConalogue agreed today the principles on which the funding will operate.

These are: maintaining network access across urban and rural Ireland, which ensures no community is left behind and has equal access, aligning funding with criteria including the degree of isolation and the sustainability of each post office, ensuring a minimum revenue threshold for post offices, and recognising offices of cultural or geographic significance – such as those on inhabited islands or in Gaeltacht areas.

Deputy Brendan Smith went on to say the principles of funding will ensure ‘equal access’ and thanked his party colleague for his important work to ensure post offices are supported over the next five years.

“I am especially pleased that the agreed principles of funding will ensure equal access for all and especially the recognition of offices with cultural or geographical significance. I would like to thank Minister Charlie McConalogue for his hard work in ensuring we deliver on a key element of the Programme for Government.

“In Fianna Fáil we understand the value of post offices in rural Ireland, and this funding will protect commercially focused Post Office Networks nationwide, which will in affect help the people of rural Ireland access services as effectively as possible,” he concluded.

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan Monaghan Brendan Smith has again sought an increase in the income eligibility limits for social housing.

“I believe that the current income eligibility requirements are not fair or realistic and I have asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, if these income limits can be increased without further delay. 

“In response to further Parliamentary Questions I tabled last week in Dáil Eireann the Minister stated that his Department has been examining the existing income limits in the context of current market and household income conditions, particularly having regard to the significantly changed landscape since the standardised income limits were introduced. The Minister indicated that this includes examining the findings of research commissioned by his Department and that this work is ongoing,” said Deputy Brendan Smith.

“It is expected that this process will be concluded shortly and there will be a determination on next steps.  I will continue to work on this issue to ensure the fairest and most equitable terms for social housing applicants in Cavan Monaghan,” concluded Brendan Smith TD.

Fianna Fáil TD, Brendan Smith has welcomed the increase in the number of children benefitting from the National Childcare Scheme across Cavan/Monaghan.

The National Childcare Scheme provides subsidies that significantly reduce the cost of early learning and childcare for families across the country.

Commenting on the announcement, Deputy Brendan Smith said, “I am delighted to hear from my Fianna Fáil colleague and Minister for Children, Norma Foley, that there are now 9,510 children benefitting from the National Childcare Scheme in Cavan and Monaghan.

He added: “This Scheme is having a very positive impact on families right across the county. Reducing the cost of childcare and ensuring it is affordable for families is a key priority for Fianna Fáil in Government.

As part of her duties, Minister Foley is implementing more measures this year that will help reduce the cost of childcare for low-income families. In September, the Minister will introduce new, lower maximum fee changes for families paying the higher prices and higher subsidies for lower income families.

Nationally, around 245,000 children have benefitted from the Scheme in 2025, a 12% increase on 2024. This reflects the Government’s strong investment in the sector, including a 53% increase in the minimum hourly National Childcare Scheme subsidy introduced in September 2024.

Deputy Brendan Smith concluded:

“Further measures will be introduced this year to help reduce childcare costs, particularly for low-income families. From September, new lower maximum fees and increased subsidies will further improve affordability.

“Fianna Fáil is the party of education, and we are committed to supporting families during the crucial early years.

“I welcome grant aid of €347,000 approved by Heritage Minister Christopher O’Sullivan TD in respect of 45 projects across Cavan and Monaghan under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2026.

I compliment all the local applicants and the Heritage Offices in Cavan and Monaghan County Councils on submitting successful applications.

This Scheme helps property owners to conserve and enhance historic buildings and streetscapes and also supports the preservation and development of traditional building skills.

At a local level this year’s grants will be used to repair, restore and protect historic structures including traditional homes and significant public buildings stated Brendan Smith TD.

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan/Monaghan, Brendan Smith, has welcomed the commencement of a number of changes to the Rural Social Scheme. The changes coming into effect from this month will allow the RSS to become more sustainable and continue to impact rural communities.

The Rural Social Scheme is an income support scheme that provides part-time employment opportunities for some low income farmers and fishers who receive specific social welfare payments. There are almost 2,700 people participating in the RSS at present, with an expenditure of some €52.6 million in 2025.

Included in the recommendations arising from the Review of the RSS that was published in July 2024, is the introduction of the Rural Dweller Pilot from this month which involves 250 ringfenced placements for Rural Dwellers who are 50 years old and over on a qualifying social welfare payment.

Speaking on today’s announcement, Deputy Brendan Smith said:

“The Rural Social Scheme does excellent and vital work in rural communities across the country. The newly implemented recommendations of the review of the Scheme will enable more people to participate.

“Across the country the RSS has supported a range of vital local services such as meals on wheels, the maintenance and upkeep of local amenities and other vital work in local communities.

Two further review recommendations have been introduced from 1st of this month, one which extends RSS eligibility to people with a defined connection to a farming/fishing enterprise and a second which allows a couple who are jointly engaged in farming/fishing to both access RSS using the one herd number/fishing licence.

Brendan Smith concluded:

“The Rural Social Scheme brings real benefits for rural communities which I have witnessed first hand. I believe these changes to the scheme will encourage greater participation and broaden its impact.  I look forward to seeing the RSS evolve and grow as a result of these measures.”

Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has confirmed that 1,457 Newborn Baby Grants were issued to 1,434 families in Cavan and Monaghan in 2025.

As part of Budget 2025, the Department of Social Protection introduced the Newborn Baby Grant, a once off payment of €280 designed to help families meet the material needs of a newborn baby or a newly adopted child.

The grant is paid automatically alongside the first month of Child Benefit, meaning parents do not need to make a separate application.

In its first year, the Newborn Baby Grant was paid nationally in respect of 49,841 children, at a total cost of approximately €14 million.

Commenting on the figures, Deputy Brendan Smith said:

“The birth of a new child is a time of great joy, but it can also place financial pressure on families. Supports like this are essential in easing that pressure and allowing parents to enjoy what truly matters, spending time with their newest family member.

“In the first year of this scheme, thousands of families have benefited nationally, with thousands of families in Cavan and Monaghan receiving support.

“Measures like the Newborn Baby Grant make a tremendous difference to families. It is vital that we continue to support parents through schemes like this so they can spend time with their loved ones and focus on the moments that matter.”

NEWBORN BABY GRANT

The Newborn Baby Grant is part of the whole-of-Government First 5 strategy to improve the lives of babies, young children and their families. This is a ten-year plan to help make sure all children have positive early experiences and get a great start in life.

This bonus payment on the birth or adoption of a child aims to assist parents with the costs associated with new family members, by providing an additional financial support.

CHILD BENEFIT

Child Benefit is a monthly payment made to families with children up to the age of 16 (or until their 19th birthday where they are in full-time education or have a disability).

The standard rate of Child Benefit is €140 per month.

Child Benefit is paid on the first Tuesday of every month. The first payment is made the month after the child is born.

Twins are paid at one and a half times the standard monthly rate for each child, that is, €210 per month for each twin. All other multiple births are paid at double the standard monthly rate for each child, that is €280 per child.

The Newborn Baby Grant of €280 is paid in addition to the regular €140 Child Benefit payment in the first month. The payment is made in respect of approximately 50,000 children each year.

As a result of this measure, in the month after the birth of a child or placement of an adopted child, the qualifying parents will be eligible for:

• In the case of a single birth, a payment of €420 (the usual Child Benefit payment of €140 plus the new baby grant of €280)
• In the case of twins, a payment of €980 (the usual Child Benefit payment of €210 per child plus two new baby grants of €280 each).
• In the case of triplets, a payment of €1,680 (the usual Child Benefit payment of €280 per child plus two three new baby grants of €280 each).