Shay Brennan: Maiden Speech on Housing, Inheritance Tax and Buses
Shay Brennan delivered his maiden speech as a Fianna Fáil Deputy, addressing housing, Budget 2025 inheritance tax reform, healthcare, education and public transport. He welcomed the Programme for Government's commitments - highlighted progress on housebuilding, supported the Group A inheritance tax threshold increase and urged urgent fixes to Dublin bus services.
Maiden speech and acknowledgements
He thanked his constituents in Dublin Rat Down, his campaign team, volunteers and party members for their support and pledged to work diligently to repay their trust while carrying forward a legacy of public service.
Programme for Government and housing
He described the recently published programme for government as an ambitious five-year vision with commitments on housing, health care and climate action. He noted that significant progress has already been made, saying that between the last term and this coming term the government will have overseen the creation of half a million new homes and welcomed the pledge to deliver 300,000 new homes by 2030.
Budget 2025 - inheritance tax reform
He highlighted a change in Budget 2025, welcoming the increase in the Group A inheritance tax threshold from £335,000 to £400,000 euro and said this seeks to ease burdens on families. He also called for a comprehensive review of thresholds for categories B and C to ensure a fairer inheritance tax system for those inheriting from siblings and other relatives.
Healthcare and education commitments
He committed to supporting the programme for government's healthcare reforms, including a significant increase in hospital bed capacity, and said he will advocate for a fairer distribution of those new resources. He also backed the pledge to reduce the primary school pupil-teacher ratio to 19 to 1 to improve educational outcomes.
Public transport and Bus Connects
He praised planned investments in public transport - including rail expansion, improved bus networks and active travel infrastructure - but warned that recent problems with Dublin bus services must be urgently rectified. He urged that gaps, particularly on radial routes, be filled and that Bus Connects be implemented correctly to ensure reliable, accessible services for constituents.
Cross-party cooperation
He closed by calling on colleagues across the Chamber to set aside partisan differences when the national interest demands it, and said government members must be open to good ideas regardless of their source.
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It is with great honour and humility that I rise today to deliver my maiden speech as a Fianna Fáil Deputy. I am deeply grateful to my constituents in Dublin Rat Down for their trust and their support. As I stand here, I am acutely aware of the responsibility bestowed upon me and the legacy of public service that has shaped my path. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my campaign team and the countless volunteers who work tirelessly. Their dedication and belief in our shared vision have made this moment possible. I am also indebted to the party members and supporters who have placed their faith in me. Their encouragement and insights have been invaluable and I pledge to work diligently to repay their trust. The recently published programme for government sets forth an ambitious vision for our nation over the next five years. This comprehensive document, agreed upon by our coalition, outlines crucial commitments in areas such as housing, health care and climate action. I am particularly encouraged by the government's continued commitment to addressing the housing crisis. It is important to note that significant progress has already been made in this area and this programme for government is a commitment to finish that crucial work. Between the last term and this coming term, the government will have overseen the creation of half a million new homes. This achievement will have a tangible impact on the lives of countless people. The commitment to deliver 300,000 new homes by 2030 represents real progress for families across Ireland. We have seen first-hand the challenges posed by the housing crisis and I am confident that our continued efforts will make a significant difference. Now, while not explicitly outlined in the programme for government, I am pleased to highlight a significant positive change in Budget 2025. The reform of inheritance tax. The increase in the Group A tax rate threshold from £335,000 to £400,000 euro is a substantial step forward. This change acknowledges the considerable rise in property values in recent years and aims to ease the financial burden on families passing on their hard-earned assets to the next generation. Moreover, I believe it is crucial that we also address the thresholds for categories B and C. Many individuals inherit from siblings, aunts, uncles or other relatives and these thresholds have not kept pace with the changing economic landscape. Over my time in the Dáil, I will advocate for a comprehensive review of all thresholds to ensure a fairer and more equitable inheritance tax system for all citizens. Returning to the programme for government, I am committed to supporting its ambitious healthcare reforms including the significant increase in hospital bed capacity. This expansion will be crucial in addressing the healthcare needs of our growing population. I will advocate strongly for a fairer distribution of these new resources to ensure that all communities have access to the high-quality healthcare they deserve. Additionally, the programme's focus on education, with the pledge to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio to 19 to 1 in primary schools, will ensure our children receive the focused attention they need to thrive. I am particularly pleased to note the government's strong commitment to improving our public transport system. We recognise that efficient and reliable public transport is not just a convenience, but a necessity for a modern, thriving society. The programme for government outlined significant investments in our transport infrastructure, including the expansion of rail services, the improvement of bus networks and the development of active travel infrastructure. However, I must address the recent problems with bus services in Dublin, which need to be urgently rectified. Our constituents rely on these services daily, and anti-disruption significantly impacts their lives and their livelihoods. While Bus Connects is an ambitious and necessary project, it is crucial that it is implemented correctly. We must ensure that gaps in service, particularly on radial routes, are filled without delay. The success of our public transport system hinges on its reliability and accessibility, and it is incumbent on the relevant bodies to address these issues promptly and effectively, ensuring that our citizens have the dependable transport network they deserve. In conclusion, I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the Chamber on the promises outlined in the Programme for Government, as well as supporting additional measures that benefit all in Ireland. While I recognise and respect the crucial role of the Opposition in holding the Government to account, I also believe that there are times when we must come together, setting aside Partesian differences for the betterment of Ireland. I call on my colleagues across the floor to engage constructively when the national interest most demands it, just as we in Government must be open to good ideas, regardless of their source. Together, we can build a stronger, fairer and more prosperous Ireland for all. Gourmeil and Margaret. Thank you. Thank you.
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