Written answers
Thursday, 25 January 2024
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Middle East
1. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has made any effort to secure the suspension of the EU-Israel Association agreement considering the clear breach by Israel of the human...
- Human Rights
5. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade what engagement he has had with Iraqi authorities on the Irish resident (details supplied) imprisoned in Iraq. [53469/23]
- Consular Services
8. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an overview of the consular assistance provided by his Department in 2023; how many people from Carlow availed of such assistance; and if...
- Middle East
12. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade what engagements he has had with the Israeli ambassador since 7 October 2023; the outcome of these engagements; and if he will make a...
- European Union
14. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline his position in relation to the abolition of the veto in almost all areas of EU decision-making – including on...
- Middle East
15. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade what measures the Irish State is taking to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza; the Government's position on the conditions of a ceasefire; and...
- Ukraine War
16. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on his Department’s engagement with Ukrainian counterparts in the context of the ongoing war with Russia; and if...
- Peace Commissioners
18. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Peace Commissioners can sign all passport applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3391/24]
- Official Engagements
20. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on his visit to Berlin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3215/24]
- Middle East
21. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his proposed timeframe to officially recognise the state of Palestine. [3221/24]
- Foreign Policy
23. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is concerned about a potential Chinese offensive action against Taiwan; if the Government intends to intervene on this matter; and if...
- Diaspora Issues
25. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline how his Department is supporting returning Irish immigrants who wish to return to Ireland but face barriers in terms of...
- Departmental Expenditure
27. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide a breakdown of the cost of facilitating Chinese Premier Li Qiang's visit to Ireland earlier this month. [3067/24]
- Middle East
28. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the instances since 2020 whereby the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment have sought his Department’s input in respect of...
- Official Engagements
29. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will comment on the Government's engagement with the Chinese Deputy Leader, specifically in the context of human rights abuses in...
- Ukraine War
32. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in the face of continued Russian attacks against Ukraine's civil and critical infrastructure, if Ireland is working with other EU states to...
- Passport Services
33. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on passport applications and processing times presently; how many applications were processed to date in 2024; how many are...
- Northern Ireland
34. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade what continued efforts he is making in regard to restoring the Northern Ireland Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- Ukraine War
35. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his response to Russia's intensification of its war against Ukraine over the new year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3006/24]
- Middle East
36. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans for Ireland to support South Africa's case against Israel under the Genocide Convention at the International Court of Justice; and...
- Foreign Conflicts
38. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position of Ireland in relation to attacks by Yemeni-based Houthis in the Red Sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2557/24]
- Ukraine War
39. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in respect of the war in Ukraine and the EU's support for Ukraine, how he envisages the EU can mitigate against uncertainty in the context of...
- Official Engagements
42. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to report on his recent meeting with the British Foreign Secretary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2633/24]
- Consular Services
43. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will open a new consulate in Australia, in recognition of the growing Irish population in that country and the strengthening...
- Climate Change Policy
44. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade what progress has been made to scale up climate financing through existing channels; what new funding initiatives are planned and/ or...
- EU Meetings
46. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on his attendance at the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 22 January 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3004/24]
- Foreign Conflicts
48. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to report on the current situation in Myanmar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3390/24]
- Foreign Policy
49. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade how Ireland is working to support the Republic of Moldova and Georgia in addressing the challenges they face as a consequence of...
- Official Engagements
50. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to set out the issues he raised with the Mexican Foreign Minister on his recent visit to Mexico; if he will provide details of the meetings...
- Nuclear Safety
51. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on discussions held with UK counterparts regarding recent reported safety issues at the Sellafield nuclear facility; and...
- Northern Ireland
53. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed with the political parties in Stormont the potential of the Shared Island initiative to fund cross border projects to...
- Foreign Policy
54. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which this country continues to respond to the needs of poorer communities, often beset by war, famine and national disasters;...
- Departmental Funding
56. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the range of projects that can be funded under his Department's Reconciliation Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3330/24]
- Official Engagements
58. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he intends to attend the St Patrick's Day engagements in the United States; if he intends to boycott engagement with officials of the US...
- Foreign Policy
59. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the steps his Department is taking to ensure the peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina is unequivocally supported, that the accession process to...
- Trade Relations
64. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the work of his Department in the resumption of beef exports to China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3299/24]
- Passport Services
65. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an overview of the passport service for Cork applicants in 2023; how many passports issued to applicants from Cork and how this compared...
- European Union
66. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland will remain one of the strongest advocates of Ukraine’s European path and if we will continue to support them along their...
- Passport Services
67. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an overview of the passport service in 2023; how many passports issued to applicants from Carlow and how this compared to 2022; the...
- Middle East
68. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the progress of getting family members of Irish citizens out of Gaza. [1667/24]
- Ukraine War
69. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has had any discussion with his South African counterpart on that country’s ongoing close relationship with the Russian...
- Middle East
70. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland will amend its policy to include first degree relatives on the list of evacuees that is being used to ensure their safe passage...
- Legislative Measures
72. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his engagements with the Minister for Finance in relation to Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill. [3220/24]
- Trade Promotion
77. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on the impact of the Global Ireland 2018 – 2025 strategy to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- Consular Services
78. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department can provide an update on a case (details supplied); his plans to assist the family in this case; and if he will make a...
- Official Engagements
82. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will list the occasions upon which he has met with the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland. [2940/24]
- Northern Ireland
83. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if discussions have taken place between the Shared Island Unit and SEUPB with regard to exploring if organisations applying to either the...
- Official Engagements
87. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to set out the issues he raised with Columbian officials on his recent visit to Columbia; the role Ireland will play as guarantor of the...
- Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment
- Energy Policy
95. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to amend the electricity cost emergency benefit scheme III for houses that were vacant or had low usage from...
- Energy Conservation
100. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment why works under the free energy home grants under the SEAI are still showing at least 48 months from application to...
- Illegal Dumping
101. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the relevant section of the Circular Economy Bill will be enacted to allow local authorities to use CCTV camera to...
- National Broadband Plan
102. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment for an update on the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan in Cork. [3383/24]
- Recycling Policy
103. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has engaged with smaller independent retailers regarding their concerns about the deposit return scheme and how...
- Climate Change Policy
105. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question 10 of 16 November 2023, the details of any engagement his Department, or bodies under...
- Energy Policy
106. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he intends to ban the use of sulphur hexafluoride in wind turbines; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- North-South Interconnector
107. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the current estimated timeframe for completion of the North-South Interconnector; how long that timeframe will be...
- Energy Policy
109. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to provide a full update on his previous commitment in providing a mechanism for full time residents in mobile homes to...
- Electricity Grid
110. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his Department has plans to assist EirGrid and the ESB in developing a stronger electricity grid; and if he will...
- Broadband Infrastructure
111. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to consider a distribution box at T23EK68 to extend broadband to the home. [3381/24]
- Recycling Policy
112. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment with regard to the deposit return scheme; what measures he has taken to ensure that the retail sector is sufficiently...
- Broadband Infrastructure
113. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which provision of broadband continues to meet targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- National Broadband Plan
114. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment for an update on the National Broadband Plan in Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3203/24]
- Energy Conservation
115. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment what channel is available for medically vulnerable applicants under the free energy home grants under the SEAI to be...
- Energy Policy
117. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will amend the energy credit scheme to address the gap where those who are not on social welfare and who have...
- Waste Management
118. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment what progress has been made to date in respect of the key actions aimed at tackling rising waste generation and to...
- Renewable Energy Generation
119. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to develop Designated Maritime Area Plan for offshore renewable energy projects off the West coast of...
- Waste Management
121. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment what action his Department is taking to reduce Ireland's reliance on exporting our waste for final treatment overseas,...
- Renewable Energy Generation
122. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the date on which the export tariff phase of the small-scale renewable energy support scheme will be launched; to...
- Climate Change Policy
123. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans for the Government to endorse the call for a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty; and if he will make a...
- Environmental Policy
124. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his Department's plans in addressing the challenges of fish spawning and migration on rivers with ESB run hydroelectric...
- Telecommunications Services
125. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will direct the Commission for Communications Regulation to review the use of inflation-linked mid-contract price...
- Renewable Energy Generation
126. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he is aware of growing concerns of industry that Ireland’s renewable energy targets are unlikely to be...
- Local Authorities
127. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount of funding allocated to local authorities to mitigate climactic weather events and future funds to support...
- Renewable Energy Generation
128. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will consider putting a stay on on-shore windfarms in line with the UK decision as they are causing much concern...
- Energy Policy
129. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of people who received the electricity cost emergency benefit scheme in Winter 2022/2023; and the number of...
- Telecommunications Infrastructure
131. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he is satisfied that an adequate programme of upgrading and enabling smaller telephone exchanges which are...
- Energy Conservation
132. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will outline the next steps following the publication of the SEAI study into Carlinn Hall in Dundalk; and if he...
- Waste Management
134. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to detail his Department’s plans to provide brown bins to every home in Ireland; and if he will make a statement...
- Recycling Policy
135. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there are any plans to encourage more retailers to sign up to the deposit return scheme; and if he will make a...
- Renewable Energy Generation
137. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the timeline he has set for legislation and regulations to be enacted to allow off-shore wind energy projects to be...
- Environmental Policy
138. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will outline the progress in developing a new circular economy strategy with sectoral targets, and an EPA...
- Broadband Infrastructure
139. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will ensure that an adequate broadband service is provided to an area (details supplied) as households and...
- Energy Policy
140. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment for an update on the roll-out of smart meters in Ireland; if it is a requirement now to have one in order to install...
- Nuclear Safety
142. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to provide a full update on discussions that have taken place with UK counterparts on the recent leaks at the magnox...
- Environmental Policy
143. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to outline the methods that are being used to determine the Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) boundaries; the...
- Electricity Generation
144. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will comment on reports that there will be a tight supply situation for electricity for many years to come, and...
- Renewable Energy Generation
145. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the development of the roadmap by the Regional Assemblies to assist with developing a Regional Renewable...
- Energy Policy
146. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the review by the CRU of gas and electricity connection policies for new large energy users; for details...
- Renewable Energy Generation
147. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to report on the progress of the small-scale renewable support scheme; what additional supports are available to...
- Telecommunications Infrastructure
148. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to outline any engagement he has had with ComReg about improving the 4G signal in Mayo; and the progress to date. [3387/24]
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Middle East
149. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland will amend its policy to include first degree relatives on the list of evacuees that is being used to ensure their safe passage...
- Passport Services
150. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of a passport application for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3544/24]
- Official Travel
152. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his recent visit to Germany; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3572/24]
- Passport Services
153. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade why there is a difference in duration in the validity of a card passport and a book passport; why both cannot run for a full ten years,...
- Human Rights
154. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether serious efforts can be made to ensure that those encouraging the use of human rights abuses against vulnerable men, women and...
- Foreign Conflicts
155. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the activities of Boko Haram are being or can be curtailed or restricted; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- Foreign Policy
157. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which at EU and UN level, he continues to focus on the vulnerability of women and children who continue to fall victims to...
- Irish Aid
158. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which Irish aid continues to target the appropriate locations globally, with particular reference to ensuring that both...
- Passport Services
162. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he can put in place an effective turnaround for applications for passport renewals or new passport applications; and if...
- EU Enlargement
163. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which candidate countries for EU membership continue to receive support for their cause; and if he will make a statement on...
- Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
- Road Projects
190. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason farmers (details supplied) are receiving less remuneration under an agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- Air Safety
191. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Irish Aviation Authority and Airnav Ireland have any concerns in relation to large scale wind turbines, such as the potential they...
- Airport Landing Slots
192. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on attempts by US business lobbyists to secure a quota for private jet flights at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a...
- Electric Vehicles
193. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will set out the number and location of fast electric vehicle chargers currently available in the country; the number expected to...
- International Agreements
194. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, as previously indicated, Ireland remains on course in 2024 to ratify ILO C188 Work in Fishing Convention 2007, and what if any part...
- Road Projects
195. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport what progress is being made to build a by-pass of Claregalway village, County Galway to ease traffic congestion; and if he will make a...
- Greenways Provision
196. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is a ring-fenced multi-annual budget within Transport Infrastructure Ireland for the development of greenways; and if so, the...
- Official Travel
197. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he plans to visit the US in the first half of 2024. [3574/24]
- Taxi Regulations
198. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to address issues over taxi vehicle cars (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3586/24]
- Active Travel
199. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will instruct the NTA to support active travel projects in rural towns and villages; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- Public Transport
200. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will liaise with the TFI and Dublin Bus to ensure that all literature, both hard copy and electronic, classifies child leap cards...
- Road Traffic Accidents
201. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for a breakdown of speed zones where fatal accidents have occurred in each of the past five years. [3614/24]
- Bus Services
202. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which the bus service from Leixlip to Blanchardstown can be augmented in such a way to facilitate patients attending James...
- Department of Finance
- Special Educational Needs
203. To ask the Minister for Finance if special needs assistants are entitled to claim flat rate expenses as other employees can do; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3425/24]
- Agriculture Industry
204. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to alleviate the situation for active farmers whose land is being subjected to residential zoned land tax; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Tax Collection
205. To ask the Minister for Finance whether any update is anticipated to the 2015 report entitled 'Spillover Analysis Possible Effects of the Irish Tax System on Developing Economies'; and if he...
- Departmental Meetings
206. To ask the Minister for Finance if he met with a person (details supplied) during his recent visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos. [3575/24]
- Departmental Schemes
207. To ask the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 266 of 20 June 2023, if he will agree that Regulation 10(5) is no longer legal and needs amendment; if he will agree...
- Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
- Electricity Supply Board
208. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when his Department and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications will reach the necessary consent to pay the agreed...
- Civil Service
210. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 192 of 23 November 2023, if the new Civil Service Arbitration Board has started issuing hearing...
- Heritage Sites
211. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of repair works at a site (details supplied); and when it will reopen to the public. [3552/24]
- An Garda Síochána
212. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timeframe his Department is expecting for the construction of the new Garda station in Bailieboro, Cavan to be completed; and the...
- Heritage Sites
213. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress made to date on renovating Jigginstown Castle into a safe and accessible ruin that can be open to the public; if...
- Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
- Legislative Measures
214. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on his Department’s dealings with the European Commission in relation to its finding in May 2022 that Irish...
- Human Rights
215. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on his Department's engagement with the Department of Foreign Affairs with a view to developing a new business and...
- Legislative Measures
216. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans of the Government to legislate to transpose the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive; and if he will make a...
- Work Permits
218. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if and when a work permit will be renewed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- Department of Education and Skills
- School Enrolments
219. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 667 of 17 January 2024, if she will provide a map in pdf form of the school planning areas that make up the...
- Public Sector Pay
220. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware of an ongoing campaign by an organisation (details supplied) to review the teaching through Irish-medium allowance; if she will...
- School Curriculum
221. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if it is normal practice in a secondary school to teach subjects to both 5th and 6th year students at the one time; if this is allowed; and if...
- School Transport
222. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when she will publish the review of the school transport service; the recommendations contained in the report that will be operational for the...
- Schools Building Projects
223. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason for the delay by her Department in the progression of a new secondary school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make...
- Special Educational Needs
224. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills how she plans to respond to a judgment (details supplied); what guidance she received in preparing this planned response; what guidance has been...
- School Staff
226. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of unfilled permanent teaching positions in primary schools for the 2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years, broken...
- Departmental Data
232. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to report on unclaimed EAL and part-time SET teaching hours for the school years 2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-23; the number of unclaimed EAL,...
- School Staff
234. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of unqualified teachers in fixed term positions for the school years 2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024, broken down by...
- Departmental Data
238. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the revenue saved due to the number of unfilled fixed term teaching positions for the 2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024 school years,...
- Children in Care
241. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to comment on the CSO dataset 'Educational Attendance and Attainment of Children in Care, 2018 - 2023' published recently; to outline how her...
- Teacher Training
242. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there are plans to extend teacher training in the Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone. [3553/24]
- Departmental Schemes
243. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the timeframe for the next round of applications for funding under the summer works scheme to be accepted by her Department. [3570/24]
- School Enrolments
244. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will advise parents in an area who are outside the school planning area for both of their closest schools (details supplied) and are left...
- Schools Building Projects
245. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a building project will proceed to the next stage as this additional accommodation is needed for next September (details supplied); and if...
- School Transport
246. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department will liaise with the relevant authorities to introduce a school pupils' free travel scheme bus pass, similar to the free travel...
- Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
- Sports Funding
247. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of an application by a club (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3428/24]
- Tourism Funding
248. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the current status of a project (details supplied); when this project will proceed to the next stage; and if she will make a...
- Television Licence Fee
249. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she can provide a confirmed evasion rate figure for the licence fee for 2023, and if not, if she can give an estimated date for...
- Departmental Funding
250. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the budget allocation for Screen Ireland in 2022, 2023 and 2024, in tabular form. [3584/24]
- Television Licence Fee
251. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the latest up to date figures regarding TV licence renewal and purchase of TV licences for 2024 versus 2023; the end of year...
- Sports Funding
253. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht what supports will be available from her Department to community groups hoping to develop a community swimming pool; if a...
- Sports Organisations
254. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she is satisfied that reform of the FAI since 2020 has satisfied the terms of the Government MOU of that year; and if she will...
- Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government
- Departmental Funding
255. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when the recipients of a grant will be published (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3427/24]
- Charitable and Voluntary Organisations
256. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if his Department is in contact with a homeless charity (details supplied) regarding its finances with a view to it continuing...
- Housing Schemes
257. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if his Department has ever made an exception to increase the funding available through the housing adaptation grant in...
- Referendum Campaigns
258. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he supports holding a referendum on the rights of nature in the lifetime of this Government; and if he will make a...
- Housing Schemes
259. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will outline the current status of the mortgage-to-rent scheme and explain the delays that individuals are experiencing...
- Wind Energy Generation
260. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the nuisance of shadow flicker from wind turbines which it was stated in 2019 would be...
- Housing Policy
262. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when the next review of income eligibility limits for social housing will be carried out; and if he will make a statement on...
- Departmental Staff
263. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of WTE qualified chartered surveyors employed by his Department as of 22 January 2024; and if he will provide the...
- Departmental Data
264. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of residential units purchased by non-household entities, excluding public bodies and local authorities, in 2022,...
- Housing Schemes
265. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will comment on the status of a proposal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3625/24]
- Defective Building Materials
267. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will comment on a recent report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3627/24]
- Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
- Social Welfare Benefits
271. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if there is any social protection support that provides for a door-to-door taxi service in respect of hospital appointments...
- Social Welfare Eligibility
272. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if any consideration has been given to increasing the income threshold for means testing qualified adult payment...
- Social Welfare Appeals
273. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); when a decision is likely to be received, as this has been pending...
- Social Welfare Eligibility
275. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection what social protection entitlement a person (details supplied) is entitled to while an appeal of their disability allowance...
- Departmental Data
276. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of individuals and couples in Westmeath and Longford who are in State-supported homeless accommodation via their...
- State Pensions
277. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to confirm if a person (details supplied) has enough paid contributions to make an application for a contributory pension...
- Departmental Data
278. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the total number of adults in receipt of disability payments from her Department as of 31 December 2023; and if she will make...
- Social Welfare Code
279. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection whether people who were employed for many years and were farming in a very small way at the same time and then went on...
- Social Welfare Eligibility
280. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for a disability allowance now under review and appeal will be expedited and approved in the name of a...
- Social Welfare Payments
281. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the credit scheme for electricity users will also cover consumers who have a credit built up on their account; and if she...
- Social Welfare Code
282. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her Department will liaise with the relevant authorities to introduce a school pupils free travel scheme bus pass, similar...
- Social Welfare Payments
283. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will comment on a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3624/24]
- Social Welfare Eligibility
284. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if and when a one parent family allowance and any other outstanding payments will be made available to a person; and if she...
- Social Welfare Payments
285. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a disability allowance might be approved and paid in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a...
- Social Welfare Eligibility
286. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) qualifies for fuel allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3665/24]
- Social Welfare Code
287. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if entitlement to ENP might be examined and approved in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a...
- Social Welfare Eligibility
288. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) qualifies for the household benefits package; and if she will make a statement on the matter....
- Department of Justice and Equality
- Human Trafficking
289. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which the international community remains alert to the activities of terrorist gangs throughout Europe and...
- Prison Service
290. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of people in prison who were on waiting lists to access to psychology services as of early 2024; and if she will...
- Departmental Correspondence
295. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to review a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3525/24]
- Family Law Cases
296. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 538 of 23 May 2023, the timeline for the full commencement of the Mediation Act 2017; the...
- Legal Aid
297. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current waiting times for mediation in the law centres run by the Legal Aid Board; and if she will make a statement on the...
- An Garda Síochána
298. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí within the Cavan and Monaghan division who have successfully completed the protestor removal course...
- International Protection
299. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to provide, in tabular form, the number and the stated or declared nationalities of those persons who arrived at Dublin Airport...
- Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
301. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 15 of 11 October 2023, the number of safe homes delivered of the 50 that were committed...
- Immigration Status
303. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if leave to remain/temporary residency can be approved in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a...
- Citizenship Applications
305. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current position in respect of an application for citizenship in the case of the spouse of a person (details supplied); and...
- Naturalisation Applications
306. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current position in the application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied);; and if she will make a...
- Visa Applications
308. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if and when arrangements can be made for the renewal of Stamp 4 in the case of persons (details supplied); and if she will make...
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
- Greyhound Industry
310. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the systems in place within Greyhound Racing Ireland to ensure any individual with a court-ordered ban from owning, keeping or...
- Agriculture Supports
312. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 116 of 20 April 2023, if he will outline the progress to facilitate farmers trading carbon...
- Departmental Websites
313. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine what action his Department is taking to address the issue with the AgFood Portal during December 2023 wherein key features in BISS...
- Greyhound Industry
316. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Rasaíocht Con Éireann laboratory has the capacity to test blood and hair follicle samples; and if so, the number of...
- Departmental Funding
317. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the budget allocation for Sea Fisheries Protection Authority in 2022, 2023 and 2024, in tabular form. [3577/24]
- Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
- Proposed Legislation
318. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update on the drafting of amendments to the Health Act 2007 that will transfer the registration...
- Home Care Packages
319. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason home support services were refused in the case of a person (details supplied); if the package of care...
- International Protection
320. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total number of recipients of the €800-per-month pledged accommodation for Ukrainian refugees...
- Health Services
321. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to comment on a recent report of the Health Information and Quality Authority (details supplied); and if he will...
- Health Service Executive
322. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which steps can be taken to alleviate the burden on the family of a person (details supplied); and...
- Service Level Agreements
323. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the conditions of St. John of God Community Services’ service agreement since 2021 have been met; if...
- Departmental Funding
324. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the funding for St. John of God Community Services in each year since 2019; the breakdown of funding per service...
- Childcare Services
326. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated number of childcare services that have signed core funding contracts; the total number who signed...
- Departmental Data
327. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children by county/ nationally that are not covered by his Department’s NCS subsidy...
- Early Childhood Care and Education
329. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on the 12 month review of the ECCE programme that was due to be finalised in Q4...
- Healthcare Policy
330. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth about the devolution of legislative responsibility for the assessment of children with addition needs to...
- Disabilities Assessments
331. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware of a ruling (details supplied); what work his Government is doing to respond to this; and if he...
- Care Services
332. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department is planning to develop an overarching national strategy on alternative care which would...
- Proposed Legislation
333. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he plans to establish a National Child Care Act Advisory Committee prior to the passing of the Child Care...
- Legislative Measures
334. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he intends to update provisions of the Child Care Act 1991 to include clear arrangements for a model of care...
- Consular Services
335. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware that the US embassy has confirmed that it plans to demolish the old Jury's Hotel in Ballsbridge...
- International Protection
336. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what system is in place to verify that occupancy registers provided by providers of accommodation pursuant to...
- Census of Population
338. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth how many adults between the ages of 15 to 66 years inclusive who declared on the Central Statistics Office...
- Mother and Baby Homes
339. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 1352 of 17 February 2024, the steps to be taken by a person to have their...
- Departmental Expenditure
340. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide a schedule of all purchase orders of €20,000 and above in his Department in quarters...
- International Protection
341. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the proposals, if any, there are to accommodate more international protection applicants or others seeking...
- Disabilities Assessments
343. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total waiting list for assessments of need, by length of time waiting, for children in County Clare; and if...
- Department of Health
- Mental Health Services
344. To ask the Minister for Health the total number of people in prison currently awaiting transfer to the Central Mental Hospital from each prison; the average time that prisoners awaited...
- Medical Inquiries
346. To ask the Minister for Health for an update regarding the sodium valproate inquiry; the reason a chairperson has not been appointed to date; when he expects the chairperson to be in place...
- Health Services
347. To ask the Minister for Health to respond to proposals and concerns from a person (details attached) with respect to the severe difficulties in accessing diagnosis assessments; and if he...
- Hospital Waiting Lists
350. To ask the Minister for Health when a person in County Donegal (details supplied) can expect a date for an operation in the Mater Hospital, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Cancer Services
355. To ask the Minister for Health why the HSE ceased providing swimwear for breast cancer patients in Galway and Roscommon only; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3517/24]
- Departmental Data
356. To ask the Minister for Health the total number of children and their average waiting time, on speech and language therapy waiting lists across all CHOs, sub-divided in tabular form, by...
- Census of Population
358. To ask the Minister for Health how many adults between the ages of 15 to 66 years inclusive who declared on the Central Statistics Office Census 2022 they had a disability and/or chronic...
- Home Care Packages
359. To ask the Minister for Health if the home support services provided in the case of a person (details supplied) will be increased as a matter of urgency. [3550/24]
- Primary Care Centres
361. To ask the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, there are to provide an additional healthcare facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3558/24]
- Public Sector Pay
362. To ask the Minister for Health the number of children in counties Cavan and Monaghan awaiting a scoliosis operation by wait time, in tabular form. [3578/24]
- Departmental Data
363. To ask the Minister for Health the number of consultant vascular surgeons working in the Public Health Service; his plans to expand this number; and the international recommended best...
- Hospital Services
364. To ask the Minister for Health if there are plans to provide a public PrEP clinic at Monaghan General Hospital. [3580/24]
- Hospital Appointments Status
365. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied) who has been awaiting an endoscopy at Ennis Hospital and is yet to receive an appointment date; and if he...
- Departmental Data
366. To ask the Minister for Health the total number of recorded deaths in the State in each of the years 2018 to 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3612/24]
- Health Service Executive
367. To ask the Minister for Health his confidence or otherwise in the CEO of the UL Hospitals Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3631/24]
- Industrial Disputes
369. To ask the Minister for Health the total number of Parliamentary Question replies embargoed as a result of industrial action by an organisation (details supplied) in the HSE, by member, in...
- Hospital Services
370. To ask the Minister for Health if he will comment on the lack of step-down beds throughout the UL Hospitals Group; what measures he will implement to increase set-down capacity across the...
- Medical Cards
371. To ask the Minister for Health if and when a medical card might be approved in the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3664/24]
- Department of Education and Skills
- Apprenticeship Programmes
373. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of pipe fitting apprentices who registered their four-year apprenticeships in 2019; how many have completed same; and if he will...
- Third Level Education
375. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for clarification on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3531/24]
- Apprenticeship Programmes
376. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the average time it took from phase 1 to completion to complete each apprenticeship by trade in counties Cavan and Monaghan in 2023, in tabular...
- Department of Rural and Community Development
- Community Development Projects
377. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the next call for projects under the Community Recognition Fund will be announced; and if she will make a statement on the...
