Written answers
Thursday, 11 July 2024
- Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
- Work Permits
10. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will outline, with regard to work permits for the home care sector, the number of work permit applications received since the...
- Wind Energy Generation
13. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide an update on the proposed Memorandum of Understanding between a company (details supplied) and relevant enterprise agencies...
- Regional Development
16. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to outline the new initiatives under consideration to promote regional sector clusters; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- Business Supports
17. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding issued to businesses under phase 1 of the increased cost of business grant in Cork city and Cork county, in...
- Enterprise Policy
19. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the actions he is taking to advance Ireland's FDI and trade value proposition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30037/24]
- Brexit Supports
20. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports in place to businesses under the Brexit adjustment initiative to assist in challenges presented by the new UK Import...
- Employment Rights
21. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide an update on the work of the working group on bogus self-employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29896/24]
- Enterprise Policy
22. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he continues to ensure that enterprise and trade can continue to progress satisfactorily in highly competitive...
- Co-operative Sector
24. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how he is supporting co-operative societies; the legislative changes planned in relation to them; and if he will make a statement on...
- Waste Management
25. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is aware of the recent threats by residential waste management companies to increase waste removal prices due to the loss of...
- Job Losses
26. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is aware of a number of businesses (details supplied) closing in Blackpool; and the actions he has taken to support these...
- Business Supports
27. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the actions being taken to enable locally trading sectors to thrive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30035/24]
- Climate Change Policy
28. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how he is integrating decarbonisation and net zero commitments into enterprise policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- Employment Rights
29. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is planning further legislative changes to the minimum rates of pay and work conditions for security officers in the security...
- Trade Unions
30. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is aware of a campaign by a union (details supplied); if his or other Departments are working on the issues raised by the union;...
- Equal Opportunities Employment
31. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is aware that Ireland has the largest disability employment gap in the EU; if his Department has been working on the...
- Enterprise Policy
32. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has evaluated the environment for entrepreneurship and the rate of start-up activity, particularly in the areas of opportunity...
- Employment Rights
33. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is intending any further legislative changes or measures to address the problem of employment insecurity and lack of service...
- Enterprise Policy
34. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the degree to which he continues to support development and foster opportunities in both the labour and product and services markets...
- Climate Action Plan
35. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide an update on his Department’s support for Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, with regard to reducing emissions from...
- EU Directives
36. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on his work and that of the Labour Employer Economic Forum on the transposition of the Adequate Minimum Wages Directive;...
- Enterprise Policy
38. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on productivity and competitiveness in the domestic economy; his plans to address issues in this regard; and if he will make...
- Business Supports
39. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses, by county, that registered for the increased cost of business grant before 1 May 2024; the number of...
- Brexit Issues
40. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to outline the impact that Britain’s becoming a third country as a result of Brexit is having on trade as pertaining to his...
- Departmental Schemes
41. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide an overview of the various credit guarantee and loan schemes for businesses initiated by his Department since July 2020;...
- Regional Development
42. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for a report on the implementation of the South East Regional Enterprise Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30006/24]
- Business Supports
43. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to report on the growth and sustainability loan scheme for SMEs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30034/24]
- Employment Rights
44. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on sick leave provisions; and when these will be implemented. [30516/24]
- Departmental Schemes
45. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his assessment of the operation of the disruptive technologies fund; the amount allocated to the fund since July 2020; the impact of...
- Legislative Process
46. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the Employment (Restriction of Certain Mandatory Retirement Ages) Bill 2024; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Business Supports
47. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts his Department has made to ensure that small businesses, including shops, bars, cafés and restaurants, are supported...
- Social Insurance
48. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the sectors that have been identified at risk where employers could structure their employees' working hours or patterns to be within...
- Middle East
49. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to confirm that no dual-use goods manufactured in Ireland and granted an export licence have been used in the killing of Palestinian...
- Artificial Intelligence
50. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on the national implementation of the EU Artificial Intelligence Act. [30032/24]
- Business Supports
51. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures taken by his Department to support Irish hospitality businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30304/24]
- Industrial Development
52. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts his Department, working in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland and the IDA, has made to attract new investment to the west...
- National Minimum Wage
53. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the report of the Low Pay Commission on sub-minimum, or youth rates of the national minimum wages. [30128/24]
- Business Supports
54. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford, respectively, registered for the increased cost of...
- EU Directives
55. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the transposition of the EU Adequate Minimum Wages Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30130/24]
- Redundancy Payments
56. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide an update on his Department’s efforts to increase employee protections during collective redundancies; and if he...
- Exports Growth
57. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the actions being taken to strengthen the Irish-owned exporting sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30033/24]
- Departmental Data
58. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of inward investment into County Wicklow over the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Enterprise Policy
59. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when additional financial provision will be introduced to assist local authorities, particularly those councils with a small rates...
- Business Supports
60. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 62 of 23 May 2024, when the second national plan on business and human rights will be published;...
- Department of Education and Skills
- School Funding
68. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if consideration will be given to increasing funding for primary schools to align that funding to the OECD average; if consideration will be given...
- Special Educational Needs
71. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the work of her Department in terms of increasing the provision of classroom assistants for primary schools. [30522/24]
- School Funding
72. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to outline all available grant funding for schools for minor works such as repairs and painting, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement...
- Special Educational Needs
73. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the school inclusion model; to outline future plans for the delivery of holistic therapies in schools; and if she will make a...
- Schools Building Projects
74. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on a project for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30012/24]
- School Transport
75. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills what cross-Department engagement he has had regarding the various issues around school transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter....
- School Enrolments
76. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which adequate provision continues to be made to ensure sufficient accommodation and class places at all schools, primary, second...
- Special Educational Needs
78. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will use the 37A process on three schools (details supplied). [30276/24]
- School Curriculum
79. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide an update on the current state of the relationships and sexual education curriculum provided to students at a primary and secondary...
- School Staff
81. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of administration release days given to teaching principals at primary school level; how such days are calculated; and if she will make...
- School Enrolments
82. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students in primary, secondary, and third level education, by county, over the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will...
- Special Educational Needs
84. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to extend the school inclusion model nationwide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30500/24]
- School Enrolments
86. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department is planning to change the approach to the planning and delivery of schools to ensure that new urban fast growth zones can see...
- Special Educational Needs
87. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will increase the central activities space, on a pro-rata basis, with the SEN base, in order to ensure adequate space for the actual number...
- School Transport
88. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will instruct Bus Éireann to ensure school bus services are in place to deal with the demand for the commencement of the school year...
- Special Educational Needs
89. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the provision of special school places and learning support in Cork city. [30478/24]
- Departmental Funding
90. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there are plans to fund an organisation (details supplied) to roll out a QQI level 4. [26987/24]
- Education Standards
91. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she would consider it timely to convene a national education convention to evaluate how well adapted Ireland’s arrangements are to meet...
- Schools Building Projects
92. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress being made with the development of a new primary and secondary gaelscoil campus in Athenry, County Galway; and if she will make a...
- Special Educational Needs
93. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the review by her Department of an engineer’s report for a school (details supplied). [30479/24]
- School Enrolments
95. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps her Department is taking to guarantee sufficient school places for children in north Kildare in primary and secondary (details...
- School Staff
96. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the supports her Department makes available to teaching principals at primary school level. [29423/24]
- School Enrolments
98. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department has completed an assessment of the actual requirement of school places for September 2024 in the Greystones and Kilcoole area in...
- Insurance Coverage
99. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she has any plans to review insurance costs for schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30301/24]
- Special Educational Needs
100. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she has plans to establish a special school in Monaghan for children aged four to 18 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter....
- School Staff
101. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide details on the vetting process for unqualified teachers who work in classes in primary and secondary schools. [30523/24]
- Irish Language
102. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the policy on Irish-medium education outside of Gaeltacht areas will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29347/24]
- Special Educational Needs
103. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the measures her Department is undertaking to ensure the safety of teachers, SNAs and staff working in special needs settings. [30521/24]
- Bullying in Educational Institutions
106. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide an update on her Department’s efforts to tackle bullying in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30493/24]
- Citizens' Assembly
107. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on preparations being made towards the establishment of a citizens' assembly on education; and if she will make a statement on the...
- School Accommodation
108. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she can provide an update on a school (details supplied) regarding its accommodation needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter....
- Education and Training Boards
109. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will amend Part 1V of the Education Act 1998 and section 44 of the Education and Training Boards Act 2013 to ensure that all Education and...
- Schools Building Projects
110. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the provision of an urgently needed new school build (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30280/24]
- School Facilities
111. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her views on the need to provide a playing pitch/green area for a school campus (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the...
- Mental Health Services
112. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department ensures the provision of counsellors and/or therapists for students in primary or secondary school that have experienced...
- School Staff
113. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide an update on plans to introduce better pay, terms and conditions for school caretakers, similar to the deal done for school...
- School Curriculum
114. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide an update on her Department’s efforts to increase the level of students involved in sport in schools; and if she will make a...
- School Staff
115. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the review of school secretaries’ new contracts will be completed; and if that review will be complete before work on new contracts...
- School Accommodation
117. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the emergency works scheme could be available to schools to address issues of urgent road safety measures required at school gates; and if she...
- Schools Amalgamation
118. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress to date in advancing a proposal in relation to primary school provision (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the...
- School Enrolments
119. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an overview of current capacity of secondary schools in south Clare (details supplied); if she will consider establishing a...
- Special Educational Needs
120. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on an application for an ASD class for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30145/24]
- School Accommodation
122. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department will provide the temporary accommodation necessary to allow a school (details supplied) carry out its proposed works; and if...
- Irish Language
123. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the work her Department is undertaking to improve supports for Gaeltacht schools, gaelscoileanna and gaelcholáistí as schools which...
- Schools Building Projects
124. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress that is being made with the development of the proposed new national school (details supplied) in Tuam, County Galway; and if she...
- Special Educational Needs
125. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide an update on the current SET allocation system; the reason her Department is no longer considering the complex needs of students; and...
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Sports Facilities
126. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will personally raise the issue of Casement Park in his first meeting with the new British prime minister and Northern Ireland...
- Northern Ireland
127. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will personally raise the issue of legacy issues in his first meeting with the new British prime minister and Northern Ireland...
- Passport Services
128. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to review a passport application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30612/24]
- Official Engagements
129. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of his recent discussions with Secretary of State Hilary Benn MP; the plans for future meetings; and if he will make a statement...
- European Union
131. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to indicate the extent to which single market provisions continue to prevail throughout the European Union; the exceptions thereto; and if...
- Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment
- Departmental Funding
132. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will address an issue regarding a CAP fund committee (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the...
- Waste Management
133. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will make a comprehensive statement regarding the corporate governance structure of a company (details supplied)...
- Nuclear Safety
136. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to provide an update on the most recent engagement between the Environmental Protection Agency and the UK nuclear...
- Air Quality
137. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the Environmental Protection Agency has future plans to expand the monitoring of permanent air quality testing...
- National Broadband Plan
138. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will provide an update on the provision of fibre broadband to a property (details supplied). [30660/24]
- Environmental Schemes
139. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the projects that have been submitted for possible funding by Longford County Council under strand 1 of the Community...
- Inland Fisheries
140. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there have been discussions between the inland fisheries division and Inland Fisheries Ireland regarding the...
- North-South Interconnector
142. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if, in view of the strong concerns of householders, farmers and communities in counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath to...
- Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
- Taxi Regulations
143. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if taxi drivers are permitted to drive in bus lanes when they are not working and their roof signage is not displayed. [30525/24]
- Rail Network
144. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the impact nesting gulls will have on the timeframe for the delivery of a new Ceannt Station in Galway; the current timeframe for...
- Bus Services
146. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he is taking to address the lack of a 24-hour secure coach park facility to improve safety and security for coach operators,...
- Rail Network
148. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of passengers on the Cork to Mallow rail route, by month, day, and general time of day. [30608/24]
- Driver Test
149. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide a full update from the Road Safety Authority on the need to progress a new temporary or permanent driving test centre for...
- Road Projects
150. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will commit to providing funding to progress the Limerick Junction to Cahir roads project; the reasons for the uncertainty that...
- Rail Network
151. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if further consideration has been given to extending services to include passenger services along the existing Navan-Drogheda rail line,...
- Bus Services
152. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional services will be established in 2024 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30737/24]
- Department of Finance
- Revenue Commissioners
153. To ask the Minister for Finance the date on which the Revenue Commissioners customs team conducted an audit of private aerodromes and or airports, for the purpose of ensuring adequate...
- Credit Unions
155. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the anti-competitive and crisis-era mortgage lending restrictions on credit unions as set out in regulations 12(2), 12(3) and 12A(1) of the...
- Credit Availability
156. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on competition in the mortgage market; and if the restrictions on credit union mortgage lending is negatively impacting competition following the...
- Credit Unions
157. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the extension of the minimum competency code to lending and term deposits in the credit union sector from October 2024; and if he has concerns...
- Banking Sector
158. To ask the Minister for Finance for an update on the implementation of the November 2022 retail banking review; and when recommendation 11.2, reducing the reporting threshold and the fee for...
- Credit Unions
160. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of full-time equivalents working in the Registry of Credit Unions of the Central Bank of Ireland in each of the years 2011 to 2024, in tabular...
- Agriculture Schemes
162. To ask the Minister for Finance if he can advise on a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30588/24]
- Customs and Excise
163. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of full time and part time personnel employed at locations (details supplied) who hold certain powers, for 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and up to 30 June...
- Banking Sector
167. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider the introduction of individual saving accounts which will give savers the benefit of tax-free savings, flexible contributions and diverse...
- Credit Unions
168. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will urgently intervene and seek consultation on the impending closure of both the Kilsaran and Clogherhead credit unions in County Louth, which will...
- Tax Code
169. To ask the Minister for Finance the reason a publication (details supplied) is not included in a zero rate of VAT in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30811/24]
- Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
- Office of Public Works
170. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to provide the details for the complex at Castletown (details supplied). [30542/24]
- Flood Relief Schemes
171. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to provide a full update on the delivery of the CFRAM scheme for County Louth and east Meath, further to the most recent flooding events...
- Capital Expenditure Programme
172. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 368 of 9 April 2024, if he will provide an update on proposed developments at the Oldbridge site;...
- State Properties
173. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will examine a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) relating to a piece of property; if the provisions of the State...
- Office of Public Works
174. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to indicate the extent to which efforts continue to ensure that Castletown House and the adjacent 250 acres owned by the State, can...
- Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
- Foreign Direct Investment
175. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how he is adjusting the strategy to increase Ireland’s attractiveness as a destination for foreign direct investment in a...
- EU Directives
176. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if it is the responsibility of his Department, or agencies under his remit, to implement regulations (details supplied); and if he...
- Trade Relations
179. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the discussions that have taken place with member states in respect of the EU steel safeguarding tariff; whether the...
- Business Supports
180. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the key measures and initiatives taken in relation to boosting enterprise innovation in indigenous businesses since July 2020; his...
- Consumer Rights
181. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the key measures and initiatives taken in relation to the improving of consumer rights and protections since July 2020; his...
- Industrial Development
182. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to indicate the extent to which he expects industry here to avail of technology and innovation as a means of enhancing productivity...
- Job Creation
183. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to indicate the total number of jobs lost in the services sectors in each of the past five years to date in 2024; the number of new...
- Foreign Direct Investment
187. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the degree to which Ireland remains an attractive location for foreign direct investment; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Enterprise Policy
188. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to indicate the extent to which he continues to monitor the cost base for Irish industry, with particular reference to comparison...
- Foreign Direct Investment
190. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to indicate the extent to which other European locations have been noted as serious competitors for foreign direct investment; and if...
- Department of Education and Skills
- Oiliúint Múinteoirí
191. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills cé na critéir a úsáidtear sa Roinn le bheith cáilithe mar chainteoir líofa Gaeilge/Gaeltachta le haghaidh ceann de...
- School Textbooks
192. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to confirm when the free schoolbooks scheme for up to Junior Certificate years will become operational; and if she will make a statement on the...
- Special Educational Needs
193. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she plans to address the chronic under resourcing of special education needs supports and provisions for the upcoming school year (details...
- School Accommodation
194. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the construction for the new classroom will commence for a school (details supplied). [30881/24]
- School Transport
195. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a school transport route (details supplied) can be reinstated in light of the number of students affected; and if she will make a statement on...
- Teaching Qualifications
196. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there are plans to reduce the length of Professional Master of Education programmes. [27059/24]
- Teacher Training
197. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there will be an evaluation of the special needs teaching component of the primary school teaching qualification, as many teachers in special...
- Early Childhood Care and Education
198. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has given consideration to facilitating preschools to take part in the July provision service, especially in areas where demand for places...
- School Accommodation
199. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a school (details supplied) can expect to receive approval for its building programme to progress to the next phase; and if she will make a...
- Special Educational Needs
201. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if certain employment can be considered as service for incremental credit in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a...
- School Accommodation
202. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the planned extension for a school (details supplied); the actions she will take to ensure that there is no further delay...
- School Transport
204. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the spend for taxis in lieu of school transport, and their category of spend, by county, for 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 year to date, in...
- Teaching Council of Ireland
207. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to address a matter concerning the right to attend Teaching Council meetings (details supplied). [30634/24]
- School Staff
208. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will make arrangements for the implementation of an approved salary increment (details supplied) which is overdue since the application...
- Oiliúint Múinteoirí
209. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills cé na coinníollacha speisialta a bhaineann le duine a bheith áirithe mar scoláire Gaeltachta nó mar dhuine a bhfuil...
- Special Educational Needs
210. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when she expects a report on special education provision throughout the country, with particular reference to the establishment of special...
- Oideachas trí Ghaeilge
212. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills na bearta a chuirfidh sí i bhfeidhm chun cuidiú le níos mó gaelscoileanna agus gaelcholáistí a bhunú; agus an...
- School Accommodation
214. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a project (details supplied) will proceed to the next stage, in view of the urgent need to provide this much-needed accommodation as this...
- School Transport
215. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to indicate the steps being taken by her Department to better manage data on busy school transport routes to ensure that all places allocated are...
- School Accommodation
216. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the total number of school places required at primary and second level in Celbridge, County Kildare with particular reference to the needs...
- School Enrolments
218. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to indicate the extent to which she is satisfied that all school placement requirements, both primary and second level in Maynooth, County...
- School Accommodation
219. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to indicate the extent to which she is satisfied that all school placement requirements, both primary and second level in Maynooth, County...
- School Transport
226. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the actions bring taken to address the concerns of parents regarding their children's safety travelling to a school (details supplied), including...
- School Accommodation
227. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the efforts being made to ensure that all students in Kill, County Kildare, secure a school place in September 2024, given the number of refusals...
- Special Educational Needs
229. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which special needs teachers and SNAs continue to be available to the extent required in County Kildare, and all areas throughout...
- School Accommodation
230. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent of progress in ensuring the provision of a new primary school in Newtown, Enfield, County Kildare; the degree to which such provision...
- Special Educational Needs
231. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she expects to be in a position to meet the special needs education requirements throughout north Kildare, with its growing population, and...
- School Accommodation
232. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to indicate the extent to which primary school places at Johnstownbridge, County Kildare continue to be assessed with a view to ensuring that...
- School Facilities
233. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide an update on the progress in the provision of extra school facilities at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement...
- School Enrolments
234. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which primary school places at Broadford, County Kildare continue to be assessed to ensure that accommodation is sufficient to meet...
- Schools Building Projects
235. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress that has been made in respect of the provision of a new school building for a location (details supplied); and if she will make a...
- School Enrolments
236. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which adequate numbers of school places remain available to parents and school children at Moyvalley, County Kildare; and if she...
- After-School Support Services
237. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the ongoing efforts to liaise with the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth with a view to providing in-house...
- School Accommodation
238. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which new school buildings are required throughout north County Kildare, whether replacement or the building of new schools; the...
- Bullying in Educational Institutions
239. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the procedures currently in place or envisaged to combat school bullying in its various forms at primary and second level schools throughout the...
- Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
- Sports Events
241. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the information she and her Department have on the number of people who have watched streaming services from a service (details...
- Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government
- Septic Tanks
244. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will review the operation of the septic tank grants scheme and extend it to include all malfunctioning septic tanks; and...
- Departmental Policies
245. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will provide a copy of his Department’s customer service standards, including its service levels and procedures...
- National Parks and Wildlife Service
246. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will provide a copy of the National Parks and Wildlife Service’s (NPWS) customer service standards, including its...
- Wildlife Protection
251. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 266 of 3 October 2023 (details supplied), why wild rabbits are not a protected species....
- Animal Culls
252. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government regarding the OPW’s long-recurring culling programme for the grey squirrel populations in the National Botanic Gardens...
- Housing Provision
253. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the measures that will be undertaken to address the barriers facing people with intellectual disabilities in securing...
- Housing Schemes
254. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he plans to allow for the purchase of Part V property by tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30561/24]
- Public Procurement Contracts
255. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government how his Department ensures that procurement competitions are run fairly in local Government, and if there is a process for...
- Housing Policy
256. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will set out the operation of the realisation event and long stop date as set out in section 18 of the Affordable...
- Fire Stations
257. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the status of the new fire station in Dunleer, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30626/24]
- Housing Schemes
258. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to provide an update on the report carried out on the housing adaptation grants for older people and people with a disability;...
- Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
- Television Licence Fee
260. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person receives a rebate for their television licence when they turn 70 years (details supplied); and if she will make a...
- Social Insurance
261. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of ‘insurability of employment’ determinations an organisation (details supplied) had requested of...
- Social Welfare Payments
262. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in determination of application for exceptional needs payment for a person (details supplied); and if...
- School Management
270. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection for an update on any discussions or proposed changes on the nutritional standards for school meals in order to ensure the...
- Social Welfare Benefits
271. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she is aware of the case of a person (details supplied) who was on long-term illness benefit for approximately 21 or 22...
- Industrial Disputes
273. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the steps that have been taken by her Department in relation to industrial action undertaken by an organisation (details...
- Social Welfare Benefits
274. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) who submitted an appeal on 15 November 2023 with regard to benefit payment for...
- State Bodies
276. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the timeline for the implementation of the pay agreement concluded on foot of a Labour Court recommendation on pay and...
- Social Welfare Appeals
277. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will issue in respect of an appeal for a person in County Mayo (details supplied), in view of the fact that...
- Social Welfare Benefits
278. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to indicate if a recent application for an invalidity pension can be urgently reviewed in the case of a person (details...
- Social Welfare Appeals
279. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to indicate the progress to date in the determination of an appeal of application for domiciliary care allowance in the case...
- Department of Justice and Equality
- Family Reunification
280. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the review of her Department’s policy on family reunification will be completed; when she intends to publish...
- Coroners Service
281. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the progress that has been made on a request (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30544/24]
- Courts Service
282. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the plans there are to provide a new courthouse for Galway city; the timeframe, and cost, for any such proposals; the plans for...
- Legal Aid
283. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the total amount paid out in free legal aid payments to barristers and solicitors in Galway in 2022 and 2023; and if she will...
- Naturalisation Applications
284. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the up-to-date position on an application for naturalisation (details supplied); considering that it has been ongoing for a...
- Court Orders
285. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality what circumstances are envisaged when applying for an order of anonymity in a court case; when it has been used in the past;...
- Immigration Policy
288. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if consideration can be given to the case of an expectant mother to an Irish citizen child (details supplied) in County...
- Citizenship Applications
289. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 467 of the 28 February 2023, the reason her Department has not yet made contact with the...
- Naturalisation Applications
292. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current progress in the determination of an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied); and...
- Citizenship Applications
293. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to indicate the procedure to be followed in the case of a person (details supplied) who has been resident there for the past...
- Immigration Status
294. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current and or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on...
- Naturalisation Applications
295. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to indicate the current and/or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a...
- Visa Applications
296. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the progress to date in the determination of appeals for visas in the case of a family (details supplied); when the appeals can...
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
- Animal Welfare
297. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he or officials from his Department will meet with a group (details supplied); and if not, the reason therefor. [30598/24]
- Departmental Investigations
298. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his proposals regarding the independent review of the issues pertaining to the environmental impact of industrial emissions in...
- Grant Payments
299. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way his Department is working to reduce the burden of bureaucracy, administration, red tape and duplication of requests for...
- Farm Inspections
300. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current situation regarding a farm inspection (details supplied); the financial penalties involved; and if an appeal has been...
- Agriculture Schemes
301. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the planned payment dates in 2024 for the areas of natural constraints scheme and the basic income support for sustainability scheme;...
- Forestry Sector
303. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in expediting the processing and approval of applications for planting and felling forestry; and if he will make...
- Animal Slaughtering
305. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he remains satisfied that adequate checks take place on all meat processing outlets throughout the country with a view to ensuring...
- Animal Welfare
306. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he remains satisfied that strict animal welfare provisions apply throughout the country, including at horse abattoirs; and if he...
- Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
- Disabilities Assessments
307. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will expedite an appointment for an autism assessment for a child (details supplied). [30623/24]
- Disability Services
308. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the way he plans to address the low number of successful applicants who took up roles within CDNTs following the...
- Disabilities Assessments
310. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children and young persons on waiting lists for an assessment of need, by CHO, age category and...
- Disability Services
311. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons on a waiting list for initial contact from a CDNT, by CHO, age category and time waiting,...
- Childcare Services
312. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an update on the reopening of a service in Churchfield, County Cork (details supplied); and if he will make...
- International Protection
313. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 183 of 3 July 2024, what supports are provided for English language...
- Disability Services
314. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if an audit has been carried out regarding the accessibility to persons with disabilities of buildings to which...
- Immigration Support Services
315. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has evaluated his Department’s performance in implementing and adhering to the actions contained...
- International Protection
316. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide a detailed account of the efforts made to assess the ability of the Dundrum, County Tipperary area to...
- Disability Services
317. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of WTE positions filled in each of the twelve CDNTs across CHO5 as a result of the recruitment drive...
- Special Educational Needs
322. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated WTE staffing requirements for adult multidisciplinary therapy services, by grade, in tabular form;...
- Disability Services
324. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the annualised all-in current cost of a residential service place. [30716/24]
- Care Services
332. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated shortfall in respite services; and the cost of providing for unmet need. [30724/24]
- International Protection
335. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for clarification on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30824/24]
- Department of Health
- Hospital Staff
336. To ask the Minister for Health if he will address the discrepancy between the current CNM2 and CNS pay scales, which to-date have seen the CNS pay scale being omitted from the additional...
- Hospital Services
340. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 183 of 29 May 2024, if he will expedite a scanning appointment for a child (details supplied); and if he will make a...
- Dental Services
341. To ask the Minister for Health when a person in County Kerry (details supplied) will receive a dental appointment for extractions under sedation; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Ambulance Service
342. To ask the Minister for Health when the HSE recruitment freeze will be lifted, given the huge effect on the National Ambulance Service, with crews under immense pressure; and if he will make...
- Hospital Staff
343. To ask the Minister for Health the number of assaults recorded against staff at Galway University Hospitals in 2023, by category of worker, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement...
- Medical Qualifications
344. To ask the Minister for Health if he will ensure that a response issues to concerns raised by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30553/24]
- Nursing Homes
345. To ask the Minister for Health if he will intervene in the matter of a nursing home closure (details supplied) in the interests of residents, who are extremely concerned and distressed; and...
- Health Services Staff
346. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of persons (details supplied) regarding the administrative structuring of their pay scale; the actions he will...
- Mental Health Services
347. To ask the Minister for Health the staffing levels in CAMHS in CHO6 and CHO7 in each month of 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30571/24]
- Health Services
358. To ask the Minister for Health the progress to date in the determination of an application for a person (details supplied); if every effort can be made to have this application rectified as...
- Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
359. To ask the Minister for Health the cost and development timeframes of each acute bed block development identified as ‘delivered 2021-March 2024’ in appendix 1 of the acute...
- Nursing Homes
360. To ask the Minister for Health the number of public nursing home beds projected for north Tipperary, Clare, Limerick and the midwest by the end of 2025, in tabular form. [30594/24]
- Health Services
364. To ask the Minister for Health the HSE’s annual spend on digital assistive technology per CHO for 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 respectively, in tabular form. [30620/24]
- Health Strategies
366. To ask the Minister for Health to provide an update on the €50,000 that was allocated specifically to support the recruitment of a DRIVE lead to coordinate the work in Drogheda and...
- Hospital Staff
368. To ask the Minister for Health the total number of vacant posts, by grade, for Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30630/24]
- Vaccination Programme
369. To ask the Minister for Health to provide an update on proposals to introduce a free shingles vaccination scheme for older adults; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30631/24]
- Nursing Homes
370. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on plans to address and cease unfair additional charges being applied to medical card holders in nursing homes; and if he will...
- Health Services Staff
371. To ask the Minister for Health if he will address the discrepancy between the current CNM2 and CNS pay scales, which to-date have seen the CNS pay scale being omitted from the additional...
- Hospital Services
372. To ask the Minister for Health if a commitment to provide MAU services in Nenagh on a 24/7 basis no longer stands; if so, the reasons for this; the measures he is taking to increase the...
- Health Services
373. To ask the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) of advanced years has been told it could be another 11 months before they can access a hearing test and hearing aids in...
- Health Services Staff
374. To ask the Minister for Health the reason the Labour Court recommendation of 20 September 2023 (details supplied) has not yet been implemented across the board; the timeline for its full...
- Addiction Treatment Services
376. To ask the Minister for Health if he will confirm receipt of a pre-Budget submission from an organisation (details supplied); and in light of a request for approved addiction services...
- Health Services Staff
377. To ask the Minister for Health if he will implement the recommendation by the expert review body on nursing and midwifery that the clinical placement coordinator salary scale would be...
- Departmental Reviews
381. To ask the Minister for Health for an update on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30744/24]
- Health Service Executive
383. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 802 of 23 May 2023, if he will provide the details sought and not yet provided in full, namely, the total cost of legal...
- Departmental Reviews
384. To ask the Minister for Health the actions his Department is taking to ensure that, in accordance with a recommendation made by the expert review on nursing and midwifery, clinical placement...
- Health Services
385. To ask the Minister for Health if a service (details supplied) will be provided in Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30775/24]
- Health Strategies
386. To ask the Minister for Health if he will ensure that adequate funding is provided in 2025 to implement the National Cancer Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30776/24]
- Health Services Staff
387. To ask the Minister for Health if he will ensure that crucial healthcare sector posts are filled based on up-to-date workforce plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30777/24]
- Healthcare Policy
388. To ask the Minister for Health if he will ensure timely access to diagnostic tests as well as life-saving treatment for all cancer patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- Hospital Facilities
389. To ask the Minister for Health if he will abolish car parking charges at hospitals as such costs can be a substantial burden on persons/patients attending hospitals on a regular basis; and...
- Health Services Staff
390. To ask the Minister for Health the progress to date in increasing the future supply of healthcare workers across all disciplines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30780/24]
- Nursing Homes
391. To ask the Minister for Health the additional measures, if any, that will be implemented to support the smaller scale nursing homes, particularly those that are family run, as increased...
- Health Services Waiting Lists
392. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons on a waiting list for speech and language therapy by CHO, age category and time waiting, in tabular form. [30782/24]
- Hospital Services
402. To ask the Minister for Health the number of delayed discharges, by category and hospital, in tabular form. [30794/24]
- Care Services
403. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons on a waiting list for homecare packages; the number of persons experiencing delayed discharge from hospital due to a delay accessing...
- Hospital Facilities
404. To ask the Minister for Health to provide a detailed breakdown of the schedule of delivery for the 22 additional critical care beds provided for in the HSE National Service Plan 2024. [30796/24]
- Mental Health Services
406. To ask the Minister for Health to provide an update on implementation of recommendation 46 from Sharing the Vision, in respect of bed capacity in approved centres; and if he will make a...
- Legislative Measures
407. To ask the Minister for Health to provide an update on his Department’s consideration of the Law Reform Commission's report entitled 'A Regulatory Framework for Adult Safeguarding',...
- Home Help Service
408. To ask the Minister for Health the status of his Department’s work in respect of establishing a funding model for a statutory right to home care; the options being considered; the...
- Care of the Elderly
409. To ask the Minister for Health to provide an update on the work of the Commission on Care for Older People; the timeline for completion of each of the three modules; and if he will make a...
- Health Services
410. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the review into urgent and emergency care capacity in the mid-west region; if the terms of reference have been finalised; the timeline for...
- Health Services Staff
411. To ask the Minister for Health his plans for the special scheme of paid leave for eligible public health sector employees suffering from long-covid, following the three-month extension...
- Care Services
412. To ask the Minister for Health to respond to the latest progress report of the strategic workforce implementation group on home carers and nursing home healthcare assistants, and...
- Health Services
413. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the HSE pay and numbers strategy for 2024; the timeline for publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30805/24]
- Hospital Services
416. To ask the Minister for Health if he is aware of a practice in public hospitals (details supplied); if a directive has been issued to public hospitals in respect of this practice; if all...
- Vaccination Programme
417. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 158 of 6 December 2023, to provide an update on the health technology assessment on the shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine;...
- Medicinal Products
418. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the application for reimbursement of the drugs Ibrutinib and venetoclax, used for the treatment of patients with previously untreated chronic...
- Health Services Staff
419. To ask the Minister for Health if he will take steps to implement the recommendation of the expert review body on nursing and midwifery that the CNM2 salary scale would be extended by the...
- Hospital Services
420. To ask the Minister for Health to indicate if he is aware of the alleged premature discharge of a person (details supplied) and discharged allegedly prematurely some days later without...
- National Children's Hospital
421. To ask the Minister for Health if the new national children's hospital is nearing completion; the extent of the services likely to be provided therein; when the hospital is likely to become...
- Department of Education and Skills
- Apprenticeship Programmes
422. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to indicate the extent to which precise requirements in apprenticeships has been identified throughout the industrial sector; the extent to which...
- Third Level Education
423. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of year one student enrolments in medical, dental, nursing and health and social care professions, for each year 2022-2024. in tabular...
- Departmental Data
437. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of year one social work enrolments at each institute at undergraduate and graduate level for each year 2022-2024, in tabular form; the...
- Third Level Admissions
451. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of year one psychology enrolments at each institute at undergraduate and graduate level for each year 2022-2024, in tabular form; the...
- Third Level Education
459. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied that sufficient courses in cybersecurity are available in the further and higher education sectors; and if he will make a...
- Capital Expenditure Programme
460. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when he will allocate capital funding for the new Wexford campus of SETU; the discussions he has had to date with the university in relation to...
- Third Level Education
461. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the number of places in healthcare courses, including therapy places to support disability services, will be increased; and if he will make a...
- Capital Expenditure Programme
462. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that the proposed new accommodation for Cavan Institute will be progressed quickly to the next stage; and if he will make a...
- Department of Rural and Community Development
- Community Development Projects
463. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide an update on the locations, including any new Clár areas, in Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter....
- Capital Expenditure Programme
465. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide the actual spend per county of the local improvement scheme between 2018 and 2023, in tabular form. [30753/24]
- Road Projects
467. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of roads per county or local authority which applied for works to be carried out under the local improvement scheme, in...
- Local Authorities
470. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the way her Department supports local authorities to purchase derelict buildings in order that they can be brought back into use for...
