Written answers
Thursday, 4 July 2024
- Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
- Bus Services
6. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has analysed the impact abolishing fares would have on speeding up bus journey times; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- Public Transport
9. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason public transport fares have been increased during a climate and cost-of-living crisis; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Bus Éireann
14. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware of ongoing issues with the TFI real time app for Bus Éireann services in Cork city; and his plans to resolve this....
- Public Transport
15. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 77 of 16 May 2024, the status of the feasibility study for light rail in Galway, which is being...
- Rail Network
16. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date a decision was made to carry out the All Island Strategic Rail Review; when it is intended to publish it; the steps that will be...
- Road Projects
17. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the preparation of tender documents for the N53 project in County Louth; the timeline for the upgrade...
- Rail Network
18. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the Dublin-Navan rail line upgrade; if he will report on the work completed to date; when he expects the upgrade will be...
- Public Transport
19. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on MetroLink and the appointment of project director for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- Road Safety
20. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider making funding available to local authorities to carry out safety works on roads within their remit; and if he will...
- Public Transport
21. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the extension of the Luas to Finglas; and the latest projected timeline for delivery. [28450/24]
- Active Travel
22. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on plans for active travel in County Carlow. [28316/24]
- Road Network
23. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for increasing the funding and supports to local authorities for the maintenance and upkeep of regional and local roads; and if...
- Public Transport
24. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan in County Carlow; and the date by which all bus routes under the Plan will be...
- Transport Policy
26. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is concerned that carbon emissions from transport increased last year; and the measures he intends to take to address this. [28463/24]
- Electric Vehicles
27. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the incentives or alternatives he is examining to combat the slowing down of sales of electric cars and the poor trade in and sale prices...
- Airport Policy
29. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport on the matter of providing co-funding for developments at Waterford Airport. [25979/24]
- Road Projects
30. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the planned N4 upgrade from Mullingar to Rooskey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28642/24]
- Driver Test
31. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the recruitment of driving testers by the RSA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28555/24]
- Road Projects
32. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for a progress report on the TEN-T project for Donegal. [28119/24]
- Bus Services
33. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the issue of ghost buses and no shows across the fleets; the steps that have been taken to date to counteract this; and for...
- Road Projects
34. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the works to complete the Coonagh-Knockalisheen Road; when he expects works to recommence; and if he will make a...
- Public Transport
36. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he intends to fund further rollouts of Local Link services, to meet the demand in their various areas; and if he will make a statement...
- Rail Network
37. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an outline on plans to upgrade the Dublin to Rosslare line, along with details of plans for the electrification of the line to...
- Road Tolls
38. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount collected annually in this jurisdiction from toll roads in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make...
- Park-and-Ride Facilities
39. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for park-and-ride facilities along the N3 in County Cavan to encourage more people to make use of public transport and reduce...
- Transport Policy
40. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has considered whether a ban on fossil fuel advertising could play a role in reducing demand for fossil fuels and...
- Rail Network
41. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when it is intended to publish the All Island Strategic Rail Review; if, following its publication, he will fast track the commencement of...
- Road Projects
42. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the projected date for the beginning and completion of construction of the N2 Clontibret-to-the-Border road scheme; and the timeframe for...
- Rail Network
43. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the Intra-City railway stations that are planned in Limerick; when work is expected to commence; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Transport Policy
44. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he is taking to ensure “increased ambition for public transport capital investment”, as recommended by the...
- Public Transport
46. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware that the transport plan for Ballyfermot will lead to a series of issues (details supplied); how this is compatible with...
- Rail Network
47. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the progress of the all island strategic rail review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28554/24]
- Public Transport
48. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on plans to extend the LUAS to Bray; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28573/24]
- Road Network
49. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will allocate additional funding to Monaghan County Council to repair and maintain local roads to an acceptable condition. [28525/24]
- Airport Policy
50. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will establish a taskforce to examine all transportation options, both current and future, to and from Shannon Airport; and if he...
- Road Projects
52. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the progression of the Cork city northern distributor road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28279/24]
- Bus Services
53. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a direct bus route from Dublin 15 to the airport. [28117/24]
- Road Safety
54. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on his Department’s efforts to increase road safety and reduce road fatalities; and if he will make a...
- Public Transport
55. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the delivery of the MetroLink. [28451/24]
- Bus Services
56. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the current status of a town bus service for Mullingar. [28287/24]
- Air Services
57. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current status of the application from the City of Derry Airport to have Government support for the Derry to Dublin air link...
- Road Network
58. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the formula, if any, used by his Department to allocate funding to local authorities for annual regional and local roads funding; and if...
- Public Transport
60. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in the context of the electrification and extension of the DART to Maynooth and beyond, the full extent of these proposals at present with...
- National Car Test
62. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 187 of 23 January 2024 and 181 of 20 February 2024, for an update on establishment of an additional...
- Public Transport
63. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is in a position to resource Local Link to meet demand in local communities when it comes to adding stops in rural villages; if such...
- Bus Éireann
64. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the 103 and 109 Bus Éireann bus service, its performance standard and plans to improve it; and if he will make a...
- Public Transport
65. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ask his Department to liaise with Irish Rail and Local Link in order that they can co-ordinate with each other to connect train...
- Ports Policy
66. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the supports being provided by his Department to relevant ports to progress offshore wind development; and if he will make a statement on...
- Bus Services
67. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the proposed new Local Link bus service from Kinlough, County Leitrim to Grange, County Sligo via Ballintrillick; the...
- Transport Policy
68. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the €35 billion commitment for transport infrastructure made in 2021 as part of National Development Plan; and if...
- Department of Finance
- Fiscal Policy
74. To ask the Minister for Finance to provide an update following the publication of the Population Ageing and the Public Finances report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28221/24]
- Tax Credits
80. To ask the Minister for Finance the total number of rent tax credit claims made in each of the years 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on...
- Insurance Industry
82. To ask the Minister for Finance his proposals to reduce insurance costs for motorists and business owners. [28528/24]
- Fiscal Policy
83. To ask the Minister for Finance the basis upon which it was decided to divest from some but not other companies which derive profit from their activities in illegal Israeli settlements within...
- Universal Social Charge
85. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will commit to supporting incomes by reductions in the rates and increases in the thresholds for USC; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- Tax Code
86. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will introduce a digital tax on the profits of social media companies to fund the replacement of the current TV licence fee and provide the funding...
- Tax Credits
87. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will address the situation whereby if a person has over paid tax or failed to claim a credit, they can only claim back up to a maximum of four years, but...
- Fiscal Policy
88. To ask the Minister for Finance if the Future Ireland Fund will be sufficient to make public finances sustainable beyond 2041; if so, the number of years; and if he will make a statement on...
- Tax Code
89. To ask the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 118 of 21 May 2024, his plans for the phasing out of the help-to-buy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Tax Data
90. To ask the Minister for Finance for an update on Exchequer returns to date in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28624/24]
- Tax Reliefs
92. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of people who have been approved for the mortgage interest relief and the number eligible. [28580/24]
- Tax Code
93. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will amend the BIK exemption for employer contributions to PRSAs in light of concerns that it has facilitated aggressive tax planning; and if he will...
- Tax Reliefs
94. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on whether it is acceptable that film producer companies in receipt of section 481 film tax credit are claiming the credit on the grounds that they...
- Fiscal Policy
95. To ask the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 64 of 21 May 2024, the timeline for the NTMA to fully divest from all ISIF global portfolio investments in companies on...
- Insurance Industry
96. To ask the Minister for Finance to provide an update on the work of the Office for the Promotion of Competition in the Insurance Market, particularly in relation to reducing the cost of...
- Tax Credits
97. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of eligible claims currently being made for the rent tax credit made in counties Offaly, Laois, Westmeath, Longford, Meath and Louth and Kildare,...
- Tax Code
99. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on the work being carried out in his Department to fix the anomaly where many workers who live in Northern Ireland and who work in...
- Fiscal Policy
100. To ask the Minister for Finance to outline his Department’s mission statement with particular reference to his intention and proposals to address the important issues now arising and...
- Tax Code
101. To ask the Minister for Finance the status of the work that has been carried out to date in relation to a new modern, fit-for-purpose vehicle adaptation scheme to replace the mobility...
- Banking Sector
102. To ask the Minister for Finance the action he is taking to ensure that there will be widespread nationwide availability of ATMs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28424/24]
- Official Engagements
106. To ask the Minister for Finance to provide an update on his recent engagement with ECOFIN meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28222/24]
- Tax Code
107. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will commit to postponing scheduled increases in the carbon tax in light of the cost-of-living pressures that households continue to face; and if he...
- Tax Collection
113. To ask the Minister for Finance to provide, in tabular form, a regional and county breakdown of the number of businesses who remain non-compliant with the debt warehousing scheme; if he has...
- Fiscal Policy
117. To ask the Minister for Finance if he has considered any innovative policy measures to mobilise the sustained higher levels of saving among Irish consumers post-Covid; and if he will make a...
- Tax Code
120. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will be reviewing the tax incentives for the SME sector in the context of Budget 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28480/24]
- Departmental Data
122. To ask the Minister for Finance to provide an update on the development of the Greystones Media Campus, which is partly funded by the Strategic Investment Fund; and if he will make a...
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Foreign Birth Registration
123. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will examine a citizenship case for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28672/24]
- Passport Services
124. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has considered setting up a portal for An Garda Síochána and the Passport Office to allow a Garda log all the details...
- Diplomatic Representation
125. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to deepen Ireland's diplomatic presence in both Singapore and Malaysia. [28938/24]
- International Sanctions
127. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if additional sanctions are being considered at EU level to be applied on North Korea due to its involvement in the Ukraine war. [29002/24]
- Passport Services
128. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the estimated full-year capital and current costs that would be required if another passport printing machine were purchased for the...
- Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment
- Energy Prices
130. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the revenue that has been collected from the temporary solidarity contribution to date; the impact this legal challenge...
- Department of Defence
- Defence Forces
141. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of competitions held to date in 2024 for Defence Forces personnel to apply to join the Defence Forces School of Music; and the number...
- Official Travel
142. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current position regarding the purchase of a new Government jet; and if he expects a tender process for same will commence before end of...
- Defence Forces
143. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Air Corps personnel currently undergoing training to become fully qualified air traffic controllers; and when each of those...
- Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
- Driver Licences
148. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide a breakdown of the number of applicants and waiting times for each category of professional driving licence at each test...
- Wind Energy Generation
155. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the annual estimated cost of port infrastructure for offshore wind energy for the years 2025 to 2029. [28734/24]
- Coast Guard Service
170. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made to date in providing a permanent base for the Coast Guard unit based in the west Connemara area...
- Fines Administration
172. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if An Garda Síochána can issue fixed penalty notices to drivers of vehicles that are registered outside the State. [28946/24]
- Tax Collection
173. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount of motor tax collected in each month of 2024; and if he will provide same figures for the same period in 2023, in tabular...
- Departmental Expenditure
174. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an itemised breakdown of the cost of operating a national car test. [28953/24]
- Department of Finance
- Tax Collection
198. To ask the Minister for Finance the estimated full-year cost of uncollected tax revenue as a result of individuals offsetting their private health insurance costs against tax liabilities....
- Insurance Coverage
200. To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a three-month gap in named driver experience renders this non-assessable for an insurance application with...
- Tax Yield
201. To ask the Minister for Finance the estimated full-year yield that would be generated by establishing two new income tax bands of 45% on earnings between €140,000 and €205,000...
- Financial Instruments
203. To ask the Minister for Finance if transfers to the SIF come out of the central fund and are included in net spending figures in the SPU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28726/24]
- Departmental Data
206. To ask the Minister for Finance to provide a breakdown of the net lending of non-commercial Semi-State bodies outlined in annex 3 of the SPU, listing the NCSSBs involved; and if he will make...
- Fiscal Policy
208. To ask the Minister for Finance the amount held in FIF and ICNF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28731/24]
- Tax Code
209. To ask the Minister for Finance if his Department will examine the help-to-buy scheme with a view to lowering the 70% mortgage requirement to access the scheme; if he will acknowledge that...
- Tax Data
210. To ask the Minister for Finance the estimated full-year revenue that would be generated by imposing a minimum effective corporate tax rate of 15% on pre-tax gross trading profits before...
- Housing Schemes
224. To ask the Minister for Finance the estimated full-year cost of abolishing the help-to-buy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28789/24]
- Tax Data
225. To ask the Minister for Finance the estimated full-year revenue that would be generated by increasing stamp duty on non-residential property to 10%; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Pension Provisions
228. To ask the Minister for Finance the estimated full-year cost of reducing the pension earnings limit from €115,000 to €60,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- Tax Data
229. To ask the Minister for Finance the estimated full-year revenue that would be generated by increasing CGT to 40%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28794/24]
- Universal Social Charge
234. To ask the Minister for Finance the estimated full-year cost of abolishing USC for all earners and replacing it with a higher income social charge of 10% on all earnings over 100,000 per...
- Tax Data
235. To ask the Minister for Finance the estimated cost of tax expenditures and a breakdown of corporate tax expenditures in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28801/24]
- Tax Credits
236. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of people who do not use their full tax credit; the estimated total cost of refunding unused tax credits to the people; and if he will make a...
- Tax Data
237. To ask the Minister for Finance to provide a breakdown of general Government revenues in 2023, by source; the anticipated total changes to revenue in 2024; and if he will make a statement on...
- Tax Yield
238. To ask the Minister for Finance the total revenue raised by the Exchequer in 2023 from VAT on new build residential homes; and if VAT reductions can be applied to new-build homes for sale to...
- Universal Social Charge
239. To ask the Minister for Finance how changes in income tax bands and the universal social charge since July 2020 have benefitted those paying; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- Economic Policy
240. To ask the Minister for Finance the action taken to sustain and boost Ireland’s economic competitiveness since July 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28934/24]
- Office of the Ombudsman
241. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to support the office of the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman in order that citizens’ disputes can be adjudicated on inside one...
- Programme for Government
242. To ask the Minister for Finance to provide an update on actions implemented by the Government to deliver on the Programme for Government commitment to “prioritise Green Finance...
- Tax Code
243. To ask the Minister for Finance if the Government supports moves at G20 level to agree the principle of a 2% minimum annual tax on the wealth of billionaires to help tackle the climate...
- Tax Yield
244. To ask the Minister for Finance the revenue raised by introducing a 3% income tax surcharge, levied through the USC, on individual incomes with the respect to the portion above...
- Business Supports
246. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which working capital continues to be made available to the farming and business sectors, with particular reference to smaller enterprises; and...
- Inflation Rate
247. To ask the Minister for Finance if he remains confident that inflationary forces remain within the manageability of the economy; if indicators exist that such inflationary tendencies are...
- Foreign Direct Investment
248. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which this country remains attractive for foreign direct investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29077/24]
- Consumer Prices
249. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which he can encourage consumer spending in a direction that is most beneficial to our economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- Insurance Industry
250. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which his Department continues to monitor developments in the insurance industry, in particular the need to provide insurance cover for all...
- Tax Code
251. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which corporation tax changes are likely to impact on this country’s future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29080/24]
- Fiscal Policy
253. To ask the Minister for Finance the degree to which he can influence and coordinate fiscal matters in such a way as to support and encourage growth and development throughout the island of...
- Economic Growth
255. To ask the Minister for Finance the degree to which he expects our economic forecast to be affected by international developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29084/24]
- Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
- Parking Provision
256. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the locations of underground carparks and muti-storey car-parks either owned by the OPW or leased by the OPW for the usage of other...
- Office of Public Works
257. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the Garda stations within Cavan-Monaghan Division that were refurbished by the OPW where the value of works is in excess of...
- Public Sector Staff
258. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of members of the civil service and public service who have been convicted of crimes or are currently before the courts...
- Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
- Trade Data
259. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of trade between Switzerland and Ireland in 2023. [28669/24]
- Health and Safety
260. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if driver training for all terrain vehicles will be made mandatory (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- Job Creation
261. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action taken to sustain and expand employment since July 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28930/24]
- Small and Medium Enterprises
262. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures taken to help the SME sector since July 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28931/24]
- Official Engagements
263. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he plans to visit the United States of American during quarter 3 of 2024. [28950/24]
- Legislative Process
264. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if all sections of all Acts under the remit of his Department in the past two years have been commenced; and the number of sections...
- Public Sector Staff
266. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of WTE forensic accountants working in the Corporate Enforcement Authority as of 28 June 2024; if this number will be...
- Department of Education and Skills
- Departmental Offices
267. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of agencies and the number of offices which operate under her Department; and if, in respect of each, she will outline the latest...
- School Facilities
268. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the efforts being made by her Department to ensure play areas in co-educational settings are catered to allow for girls to play, and not...
- School Management
269. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the key circulars which set out the terms of operation for school boards and their patrons at primary and at secondary levels respectively; and...
- Special Educational Needs
270. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children whose special education needs are accommodated with special supports at primary and at secondary level; and the number of...
- Teacher Training
271. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will indicate the expenditure on in-service training her Department incurs; the number of participants; and if she will distinguish...
- Departmental Staff
273. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the numbers deployed in her strategic policy unit; the priority issues upon which they are working; their publications over the past three years;...
- Teaching Council of Ireland
274. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the position with an application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28694/24]
- Special Educational Needs
275. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a sensory room grant application from a school has been received (details supplied); when a decision is expected on this application; if a...
- School Staff
276. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to restore the allowance for teaching through Irish (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28700/24]
- Teacher Training
277. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide additional places and scholarships on training courses (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28702/24]
- School Enrolments
278. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the case of eight students in Greystones, County Wicklow who do not have a school place for the coming school...
- Special Educational Needs
279. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide additional supports for Irish as an additional subject for students with special educational needs; and if she will make a...
- Education Schemes
283. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if an application for home-based July provision can be approved (details supplied). [28738/24]
- School Patronage
284. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to clarify the co-educational status of a school (details supplied) for the academic year 2025-2026; and if she will make a statement on the...
- Schools Building Projects
285. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide a timeline for the completion of works at a school (details supplied). [28755/24]
- Pupil-Teacher Ratio
286. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated full-year cost of reducing the pupil teacher ratios to 15:1, across primary and post primary; and if she will make a statement on...
- Education Costs
287. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated full-year cost of making primary- and post-primary education totally free, i.e., abolishing all charges (including voluntary...
- Special Educational Needs
293. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of psychologists currently employed by NEPS; the number of sanctioned psychologist posts in NEPS; the estimated full-year cost of...
- Education Costs
296. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated full-year cost of a new staff member in each education and training board to promote disabled students’ participation; and...
- Departmental Meetings
297. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a meeting will be arranged (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28893/24]
- School Patronage
298. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the procedures to be followed to enable a school to change to a different patron; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28917/24]
- Schools Building Projects
299. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on school building projects in the Maynooth area (details supplied). [28925/24]
- School Transport
300. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide an update on the school transport scheme, specifically in relation to concessionary tickets, and on the specific case of a student...
- Departmental Schemes
301. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the schemes/grant-aid available to assist in the provision of facilities (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter....
- Departmental Funding
302. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware of a proposal (details supplied) in relation to the future of an institution; if her Department plans to provide the necessary...
- School Admissions
304. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a second level school place can be made available to a student (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29059/24]
- Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
- Departmental Meetings
305. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when she last met formally with a person (details supplied). [28667/24]
- Departmental Funding
306. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if all State agencies under the remit of her Department received more than 66% of their total current funding income from the...
- Departmental Bodies
307. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the proposals, if any, there are to extend the remit of an agency (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the...
- Departmental Projects
308. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the amount spent following the night-time economy taskforce; the number of night time economy advisers in-situ in each local...
- Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government
- Local Authorities
309. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of requests his Department has received from Monaghan County Council seeking funding to purchase additional fire...
- Wind Energy Generation
311. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government If he has a plan to prevent Irish wind farms from being forced to shut down before 2030 due to the expiration of planning...
- Regeneration Projects
312. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of towns and villages in County Wicklow that have been awarded funding under the urban regeneration and development...
- Waterways Ireland
313. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 13 of 7 December 2023, the progress to date in advancing the project;; when this project...
- Departmental Schemes
321. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to reform a grant application procedure (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28747/24]
- Housing Policy
323. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if an association will be included on a stakeholder forum (details supplied) to be established by his Department; and if he...
- Housing Schemes
324. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the reason different levels of discounts were applied to two different affordable purchase housing developments (details...
- Departmental Schemes
325. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the estimated cost to the social housing retrofitting scheme of retrofitting all remaining local authority housing stock that...
- Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
- Social Insurance
332. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated full-year revenue that would be generated by establishing a new employer PRSI rate of 19.75% on any salaries...
- Pension Provisions
334. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she is examining the possibility of amending the regulations in the upcoming Budget to allow for a reduced rate or partial...
- Social Welfare Benefits
335. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a reduced debt repayment plan on an overpayment will be accepted from a person in County Kerry (details supplied); and if...
- Community Welfare Services
336. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if there are supports through community welfare services for direct provision centres for the cost of pre-test driving...
- School Meals Programme
337. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the position regarding the number of schools in County Wicklow currently providing a hot school meals programme; the number...
- Social Insurance
338. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 405 of 23 April and 209 of 30 May 2024, to provide updated long-term projections; how...
- Social Welfare Benefits
339. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of abolishing the means test for carer’s allowance and providing access to all who meet...
- School Meals Programme
344. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of providing free school meals for all post-primary school pupils in public schools; and if she...
- Social Welfare Benefits
345. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of extending eligibility for the fuel allowance to all pensioners, to all in receipt of the...
- Industrial Disputes
356. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will follow through on her previous commitment and implement the recent Labour Court recommendation LCR22987 in order...
- State Pensions
357. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) can access any supports under social protection, including secondary benefits; and if she will...
- Social Welfare Benefits
358. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the total number of persons under the age of 66 years currently entitled to the benefits of the free travel scheme, by age...
- Social Welfare Eligibility
359. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she is aware that children with acute disabilities are not entitled to free public transport. [28927/24]
- Social Welfare Rates
360. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the steps she will take to reduce poverty among carers, given the recent report from an organisation (details supplied)...
- Social Welfare Payments
361. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a supplementary welfare payment can be made in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement...
- State Pensions
362. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the extent to which habitual residency is determined on the basis of time living in this jurisdiction where the applicant has...
- Social Welfare Payments
363. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when an exceptional needs payment might be made in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement...
- Social Welfare Eligibility
364. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will review the social welfare decision in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement...
- Social Welfare Payments
365. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection whether an exceptional needs payment, or similar, can be made in the case of persons (details supplied); and if she will make...
- Department of Justice and Equality
- An Garda Síochána
367. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applicants who applied to be members of An Garda Síochána in its latest recruitment phase. [28652/24]
- Probation and Welfare Service
372. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons enrolled on community return schemes, by area, to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a...
- International Protection
373. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will expedite an application for a work permit for a person (details supplied). [28691/24]
- An Garda Síochána
374. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current station strength, as of 29 June 2024, of each station in the Cork city and county divisions, in tabular form. [28908/24]
- Legislative Process
375. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of charges and convictions under Part 4 of the Purchase of Sexual Services of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act...
- Asylum Seekers
376. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality whether she is aware of any concerted pattern or practice whereby drivers in a company (details supplied) or other taxis are...
- An Garda Síochána
377. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the legal basis for the recording of hate incidents (non-crime) by An Garda Síochána; the legal basis for...
- Immigration Policy
381. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the next steps, following the EU Migration Pact’s approval; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28973/24]
- An Garda Síochána
383. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the average number of gardaí recruited per year from 2020 to 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [28977/24]
- Deportation Orders
390. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a deportation order might be deferred for the reasons already submitted in the case of a person (details supplied); and if...
- Visa Applications
391. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to indicate if and when a join family visa permit might issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make...
- Family Law Cases
392. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware that a senior social worker with Tusla has expressed concern that children in some family law cases are being...
- Immigration Status
394. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to indicate notwithstanding replies to recent PQs, if the case of a person (details supplied) can be urgently reviewed; and if...
- Citizenship Ceremonies
395. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the procedure to be followed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29064/24]
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
- State Bodies
396. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if all State agencies under the remit of his Department received more than 66% of their total current funding from the Exchequer for...
- Coillte Teoranta
397. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when information as discussed by the Joint Committee on Agriculture Food and the Marine held on 25 January 2023 on inventory of the...
- Agriculture Schemes
398. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to extend a programme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28750/24]
- Tax Code
399. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to review the capital acquisitions tax (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28751/24]
- Agriculture Supports
401. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to increase State aid to farmers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28753/24]
- Agriculture Schemes
402. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will devise education programmes for young farmers on taxation reports and VAT; and if he will make a statement on...
- Agriculture Supports
403. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for the provision of supports addressing high production costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28756/24]
- Animal Welfare
404. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will appoint an animal welfare inspector for Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28765/24]
- Forestry Sector
405. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated full-year cost to increase, by 25,000 hectares per year, land under forestry or biodiversity regeneration; and if he...
- Veterinary Services
406. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of WTE veterinary inspectors, by grade, employed by his Department as of 1 July 2024; and if he will provide corresponding...
- Departmental Staff
407. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of WTE staff by job title from the Department that are based in both Dublin Port and Rosslare Europort as of 1 July 2024;...
- Horse Racing Industry
408. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of WTE staff, by job title, working in the marketing department of Horse Racing Ireland in 2023 and to date in 2024, in...
- Greyhound Industry
409. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of WTE staff, by job title, working in the marketing department of Greyhound Racing Ireland in 2023 and to date in 2024,...
- Agriculture Industry
410. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how a person (details supplied) might apply for a herd number in their own right given that they work on their parents’ farm...
- Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
- School Meals Programme
411. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated full-year cost of providing free school meals for all pre-school children in the ECCE scheme; and...
- Disability Services
412. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of speech and language therapists employed in each CDNT; and the vacant positions in each CDNT...
- Legislative Reviews
413. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the statutory review of the Birth (Information and Tracing) Act 2022 will commence. [28685/24]
- Early Childhood Care and Education
419. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide infrastructure and support for early year settings operating through Irish outside Gaeltacht regions...
- International Protection
422. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the eviction and transfer of Ukrainian parents and children from an...
- Disabilities Assessments
423. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update on the case of a child (details supplied) who, having been referred via the public health...
- Childcare Services
426. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated full-year cost of providing free childcare for all children under five years; and if he will make...
- Disability Services
431. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the amount of annual funding provided for children with disabilities to participate in preschool education....
- Childcare Services
436. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the projects approved to date for funding in Cavan/Monaghan under a scheme (details supplied); and if he will...
- International Protection
437. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when his Department expects to have assessed the submissions received under the expression of interest for...
- Disability Services
441. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will report on HSE funding for adult transition supports for young adolescents transitioning from post...
- Emergency Accommodation
442. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if urgent assistance can be provided in the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement...
- Department of Education and Skills
- Education and Training Boards
512. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify the reason applicants cannot take part in ETB courses without a valid work permit, and if he intends to amend the criteria....
- Student Accommodation
513. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when an allocation of funds will be given to the HEA for the provision of 2,700 low-cost student housing beds, which was promised last winter,...
- Department of Rural and Community Development
- Rural Schemes
514. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of towns and villages in county Wicklow that have been awarded funding under the rural regeneration and development fund in...
- State Bodies
515. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of vacant WTE posts at the Charities Regulator; and the timeframe for which each of those vacancies will be filled, in...
- Rural Schemes
516. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of towns and villages in County Wicklow that have been awarded funding under the town and village renewal scheme in the...
- Control of Dogs
517. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the new Stakeholder Group on Dog Control has met; and when the group hopes to conclude its business; and if she will make a...
