8. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the status of the review of the critical skills occupations list and ineligible occupations list; whether the review will take into consideration the availability of housing in addition to the needs of the labour market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13201/26]

Sentiment score: -0.10

I would appreciate clarity on some specific points. The Minister of State said a new list will be published next month. I assume that means quotas will be allocated to various sectors. He also said that when deciding those quotas, the Department will give consideration to other factors including housing and access to services. What precisely does "take into account" mean? We know about the pressures, in particular on the housing market. We also know that the only way we are going to increasing housing demand is through having international workers. There is a balance to be struck here. We know that in many areas there is a huge housing pressure. Some people who have come here on employment visas have ended up in desperate housing need and desperate housing conditions because their employers have not provided that or arranged that. In other areas, huge pressure has been put on the local private rental market because international workers have taken that up. Will the Minister of State clarify what exactly he means when he says "take account of"? How will that be a deciding factor in allocating quotas?

Sentiment score: -0.04

I do not dispute anything the Minister of State said. When deciding what level of a quota any given sector is having beyond the construction sector, he said that his Department takes into account housing need and housing availability. How does the Department take this into account? On the one hand, we need international workers to help us build the homes that we need but, on the other, we have a housing shortage. When the population of a given area is substantially increased through any means, that is going to add pressure. How do those things balance out? The Cathaoirleach Gníomhach and I come from a county that has a large agrifood sector, no more than the Minister of State's constituency. We know the value of international workers but we also know the benefits of companies providing housing and ensuring housing is in place for workers before they come because that makes integration and the life experience of those who are coming on permits and those who are already in the community much better. When that does not happen, it creates huge problems for housing demand locally. How precisely is housing need taken into account when deciding quotas?

Sentiment score: 0.07

102. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children on the waiting list for an assessment of need in counties Cavan and Monaghan, by county; and the number waiting more than three, six and 12 months. [13202/26]

Sentiment score: 0.05

My question is in respect of the unacceptable number of children who are currently waiting for an assessment of need in counties Monaghan and Cavan in my constituency. I ask the Minister for an update on the number of children who have been waiting more than three, six and 12 months.

Sentiment score: 0.09

The Minister of State started her response by saying this is a priority for the Government. I would hate to see it if it were not a priority for the Government. Some 550 children have been waiting over six months for an assessment of need in the two small counties, population-wise, of Cavan and Monaghan. That is 550 times that the members of Government have broken the law. They are obliged under the Disability Act 2005 to ensure that children receive an assessment of need within six months. Imagine that. We have a Minister of State saying they have broken the law 550 times in just one constituency, but they are going to do something about it at some point in the future, including changing the law so they cover themselves and so they are not actually in breach of the law. How many children last year in counties Cavan and Monaghan actually received their assessment of need within six months, the legal time limit?

Sentiment score: -0.10

Regardless of what the Minister of State says changes to legislation will do, it will be of no comfort whatsoever to those people who are watching the Government break the law as it currently is. I asked her a specific question in respect of Cavan and Monaghan. How many children last year actually received an assessment of need within the legal time limit of six months? I will ask that question again.

Sentiment score: 0.17

How many last year?

Sentiment score: 0.00

I thank the Minister for State for that. How many children last year in Cavan and Monaghan actually got their assessment of need within six months?

Sentiment score: 0.18