I agree with Deputy McGrath. This decision by the ETB to cut vital local training initiative programmes across Tipperary should be urgently reversed. I acknowledge the critical role played by these programmes in our communities, particularly those delivered at the Spafield Family Resource Centre in Cashel, the Knockanrawley Resource Centre in Tipperary town, the Littleton community programme and the Cahir Development Association. These are not just training schemes; they represent essential pathways for the most vulnerable in society. I am deeply concerned about the impact of these cuts on the most vulnerable in society. I am, therefore, appealing to the Minister of State and to the ETB to reverse the decision.

Sentiment score: -0.07

We need to be very honest here. One of the reasons we find ourselves in this position is that while the most recent national wage agreement included a 3.5% increase, only 2% of the funding was provided by the Government. The other 1.5% must be absorbed from the existing budget. I ask the Minister of State to urgently rethink this decision and to engage with the ETB in Tipperary. I spoke to some of those students who have enrolled for September. These are vulnerable students who are devastated by this decision. I appeal to the Minister of State to intervene.

Sentiment score: 0.12

I will be sharing time with Deputy Mattie McGrath. I want to speak about a reply I received from Tusla to a parliamentary question I asked of the Minister regarding the future of the swimming pool on the Ferryhouse campus, just outside Clonmel. The reply stated that unfortunately, due to significant mechanical and electrical issues identified, Tusla deemed the pool at the end of its life and unsafe to use. The decision was made in the absence of the full consultant's report, including the magnitude of the costs involved. I fully understand and recognise the importance of safety. I understand the technical issues raised. However, I must express in the strongest possible terms the devastating impact this closure will have on the people of Clonmel and the wider region. Until its closure in February this year, the pool served more than 500 children each week, many of whom were learning essential life-saving swimming skills. Among them were children and adults with disabilities, members of the great Dolphin Swimming Club, who depended on this facility for inclusive and therapeutic physical activity in a safe and supportive environment. It was the highlight of their week, and it was taken away from them by the leadership team at Tusla that made that decision. The swimming pool was far more than a recreational amenity. It was a vital community resource that promoted well-being, inclusion and social cohesion. For decades, it has brought children, families and local swimming clubs together in a healthy and positive space. Its loss will be profoundly felt across generations. In parallel, I ask Tusla to immediately engage with local stakeholders. Transparent and collaborative dialogue is essential if we are to identify a path forward. Moreover, within Tusla's own operations at the Ferryhouse complex, a functioning swimming pool offers considerable value, not just to the community at large but also as a facility that supports the physical and mental well-being of its service users and staff. As a matter of urgency, I urge the Minister of State to intervene and to reconsider this disheartening decision. I am calling for the exploration of all possible options, whether through investment, refurbishment or interim measures that will allow this critical facility that is Ferryhouse swimming pool on the Ferryhouse campus to be brought back into use.

Sentiment score: 0.18

I have to ask where the report is. There has been no engagement with local stakeholders. This is the reality of the situation. I fully accept Tusla's core competencies in respect of looking after children, but is there a greater gift to give to a child than the opportunity to learn how to swim? The wonderful thing about most activities in the water is that in many cases mobility issues as a result of a disability are greatly reduced. Exercise is often a challenging topic for an individual with a mental or physical disability. Swimming, though, is not only fun and rewarding but also a great way to keep fit and healthy, and without the challenges that would normally be found with outdoor exercise or in a gym environment. The nearby Clonmel swimming pool is at full capacity. There is a five-year waiting list for swimming lessons. I again urge the Minister of State to intervene, to engage with the facilities manager in Tusla and reconsider this disheartening decision. I am calling for the exploration of all possible options, whether through investment, refurbishment or other interim measures that will allow this critical facility to be brought back into use as it has been for the last 25 years, with 500 children a week, some of them with disabilities, getting lessons.

Sentiment score: 0.24