The Government will today confirm its intention to introduce age restrictions on the use of social media.
This will form part of a new Digital and AI Strategy that will be considered by the Cabinet.
The plan will place a strong focus on online safety and it will confirm that legislation is on the way to restrict social media for under 16s.
This is set to be priority for Ireland's EU presidency and while the Government's preference is to move at a European level, Ireland will take action regardless.
The first step is a pilot run of an age verification tool which will see young people involved in a trial to assess how it will work in practice.
The strategy will also emphasise the need to keep legislation under review to address certain AI technologies which act as tools to intimidate and harass.
The Government will engage with European Commission to ensure the list of prohibited practices under Article 5 of the EU AI Act remains fit for purpose amid the growing power of AI.
House price limits for local authority home loans
Minister for Housing James Browne will update the Cabinet on plans to increase house price and income limits for local authority home loans.
These loans are for first-timeline buyers and fresh-start applicants who are unable to get sufficient funding from commercial banks.
The changes will set a new house price limit of €415,000, up €55,000, in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown, south Dublin, Dublin city, Fingal, Wicklow and Kildare.
There will be a €375,000 limit, up €45,000, in Cork city, Cork county, Galway city and Meath.
In Clare, Kilkenny, Limerick, Waterford, Westmeath and Wexford, the new limit will be €345,000, which is also a €45,000 hike.
There will be a €15,000 limit increase in Galway County and Louth.
Carlow, Cavan, Donegal, Kerry, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo and Tipperary will have a €310,000 limit, which is a €35,000 increase.
Also, the income limit for single income earners will rise from €70,000 to €80,000.
Since February 2018 just under €715 million has been drawn down by just almost 4,400 borrowers through various local authority mortgages.
But in 2024 local authority mortgages accounted for less than 1.4% of the first-time buyer market.
It is understood Mr Browne believes these loans can help far more people to purchase homes, particularly in provincial towns and villages.
Ryder Cup funding on agenda
Minister for Higher Education James Lawless is bringing a memo to Cabinet on the national programme for students with intellectual disabilities.
The courses help students build independence, life skills and work readiness, with supported work placements and accredited learning.
Backed by €11m in funding, it has enrolled 193 students across 11 higher‑education institutions, surpassing the original 160‑place target.
Minister for Communications, Culture and Sport Patrick O'Donovan will inform the Government of funding for Adare ahead of next year's Ryder Cup.
This investment is aiming to secure a lasting legacy for the Limerick village.
It includes funding of up to €5.7m for legacy projects, including the refurbishment of Adare Village Hall and Heritage Centre and the enhancement of public areas.
