Results 181-200 of 7,087 for speaker:Darren O'Rourke

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Education Schemes (29 May 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this Topical Issue. I have put it in for a number of days now. I thank the junior Minister, Deputy Moynihan, for being here. It is prompted by a frustration I hear in my constituency and from colleagues across the State in relation to the minor works and ICT grants. They were announced in April 2024. There was an expectation we would see them...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Middle East (29 May 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 191. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018; the date on which the Bill will brought before the Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27335/25]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: National Development Plan (29 May 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. I am sure others who come after me will speak in the same vein. There is very significant interest in this review because every area is ambitious for investment and development. I could speak about a number of projects in my area, including the Kilmoon Cross to Rath roundabout road project, but I specifically want to raise the issue of Navan rail. This...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: National Development Plan (29 May 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: I thank the Minister for that answer. I will continue to fight the case for Navan rail. The Minister will appreciate many of the arguments we will make. On housing delivery, I met recently with officials in Meath County Council. They have, including in their most recent county development plan, consistently argued the case that there is a real cap on development in County Meath in...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: National Development Plan (29 May 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 89. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an update on the review of the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27337/25]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: National Development Plan (29 May 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: The Minister can see this is a very hot topic. I want to ask for an update on the review of the national development plan and for a statement on the matter.

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Tax Code (29 May 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 14. To ask the Minister for Finance if he intends to reduce the VAT rate on hospitality; the factors considered in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27336/25]

Written Answers — Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: International Agreements (29 May 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 207. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support the withdrawal of the EU from the EU-Israel Association Agreement; the efforts he is making to advance that case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27334/25]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Staff (29 May 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 340. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will ensure that the HSCL will be funded and operational for all DEIS schools in the State; and if she will ensure that every rural school without a HSCL scheme will be provided with one as soon as possible. [28429/25]

Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024: Report and Final Stages (28 May 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: On a similar point - and I hope the Minister can clarify this - my understanding from reading the transcript of the Committee Stage debate was that the then Minister had indicated she would bring forward an amendment on Report Stage that would broaden this out to provide that it would not restrict those carrying out assessments to a GP or a nurse, for example. We know from dealing with...

Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024: Report and Final Stages (28 May 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: I do not have an issue with the technical amendments the Minister has brought forward. However, I have a significant issue with the overall hue of the Bill and some of the technical amendments give rise to some of that. It is still the case that many people have been unfairly and unjustly excluded from the scheme and supports. For example, those who are eligible for the initial scheme but...

Committee on Transport: National Transport Authority: Engagement (28 May 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: In respect of public bus services in County Meath, there are significant concerns about services 109, 109a, 103, 105, 105X. Is there any update on the NTA's engagements with service providers in Meath, largely Bus Éireann, regarding challenges with drivers and mechanics? I know there are long-term issues with congestion but they require a longer term fix. On active travel projects, it...

Committee on Transport: National Transport Authority: Engagement (28 May 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: There were particular pinch points but there are ongoing issues.

Committee on Transport: National Transport Authority: Engagement (28 May 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: Is the NTMA involved in the design manual for urban roads and streets, DMURS, or is there an option to review that at some stage, because there are questions over it?

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Textbooks (28 May 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 204. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the allocation of funds set aside to provide to primary schools for new books and other required stationary for 2026 set out in the primary schoolbook scheme, in tabular form. [28221/25]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Textbooks (28 May 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 205. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the allocation of funds set aside to provide to post primary schools for new books and other required stationary for 2026 set out in the primary schoolbook scheme, in tabular form. [28222/25]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Funding (28 May 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 206. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated first- and full-year cost of increasing the capitation rates for primary and post primary school pupils, by an additional €10 per pupil in the 2025-2026 academic year compared with the baseline capitation rates allocated in the academic year 2024-2025 academic year, in tabular form. [28223/25]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Funding (28 May 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 207. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated first- and full-year cost of increasing rates for primary and post primary school pupils, respectively, by 10%, in the 2025-26 academic year compared with the baseline capitation rates allocated in the 2024-2025 academic year, in tabular form. [28224/25]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Funding (28 May 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 208. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of a 20% increase in the ancillary grant provided to every school for the year 2026. [28225/25]

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Funding (28 May 2025)

Darren O'Rourke: 209. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of increasing the minor works grant ceiling by 1%, 5% and 10% respectively, in tabular form. [28226/25]