Written answers
Thursday, 27 March 2025
- Department of Education and Skills
- Scientific Research
7. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will report on his recent visit to CERN; if he will provide an update on Ireland's CERN membership and CERN strategy; and if he will make a...
- Education and Training Boards
14. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will intervene to ensure that adult education classes proceed this term through Cavan Monaghan ETB. [13717/25]
- Student Accommodation
15. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has plans to ensure that more student accommodation in university towns such as Maynooth is made available for students in...
- Irish Language
16. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the need to further incentivise teaching through Irish; if additional grants or scholarships could be considered for any prospective...
- Further and Higher Education
18. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure that any additional financial support for students at further and higher education level are also made available to students...
- Student Accommodation
19. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to outline his Department’s efforts to increase and accelerate provision of student accommodation in Galway; and if he will make a...
- Further and Higher Education
20. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress being made with the Colleges of the Future initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13985/25]
- Student Accommodation
21. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department plans to provide purpose-built student accommodation to alleviate pressures on the private rental market around universities and...
- Further and Higher Education
22. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills following the recommendations in the National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers, the plans to ensure that all PhD researchers,...
- Student Accommodation
23. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the interdepartmental group on student accommodation last meet; the remit of the group; and the steps it has taken since it was established....
- Disability Services
24. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to outline plans to progress college places to assist in the workforce planning of disability services. [13715/25]
- Apprenticeship Programmes
25. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the measures his Department is implementing to clear the backlog of apprentices awaiting completion of their training. [12498/25]
- Further and Higher Education
27. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the veterinary and pharmacy courses at SETU. [14633/25]
- Student Accommodation
29. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills given that he has committed to publishing a new student accommodation strategy in Q2 of 2025, when the new strategy will be published; and if he...
- Further and Higher Education
30. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the progress of the review of personal assistance services funded from the fund for students with disabilities...
- Energy Conservation
31. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the plans there are to increase the number of apprentices and graduates to enable a greater number of retrofits to take place; and if he will make...
- Further and Higher Education
32. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has plans to add more courses in the further education sector specifically designed for people with disability; and if he will make a...
- Student Accommodation
37. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on student accommodation. [14516/25]
- Third Level Fees
38. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he can confirm that higher level education funding can continue to be increased while fulfilling the Programme for Government commitment to...
- Education and Training Boards
39. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills with reference to the education and training boards where adult education classes were reduced in this academic year, his proposals to ensure that...
- Further and Higher Education
40. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the provisions in place to support students who must commute long distances to college and university, particularly in terms of financial...
- Island Communities
41. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made on policy measure 2.10 of ‘Our Living Islands Action Plan 2023-2026’ to work with partners to actively promote...
- Medical Research and Training
42. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the current the position in respect of the number of new medical students registering at each third level education institution from 2020 to 2024;...
- Further and Higher Education
43. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if it has been brought to his attention that a president has not been appointed to the University of Galway; how long the position has been...
- Apprenticeship Programmes
45. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the plans in place to incentivise apprenticeship schemes, especially for post-Secondary school students who want to pursue a trade or grow skills...
- Irish Language
46. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide funding for Irish-language conversation classes in third level institutions to support those wishing to learn Irish and also provide an...
- Student Accommodation
47. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to report on the preparation of the long-term student accommodation strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14609/25]
- Apprenticeship Programmes
48. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will seek to abolish the pro-rata fee for apprentices and ensure that apprentices are paid a living wage; and if he will make a statement on...
- Third Level Fees
49. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his Department's plans to keep the reduction in student capitation. [14648/25]
- Departmental Policies
51. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the measures being taken to ensure that our workforce has the skills and education for our green energy transition; and if he will make a...
- Apprenticeship Programmes
52. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the additional measures he is planning to introduce to make apprenticeship programmes more attractive given the urgent need to increase the number...
- Student Accommodation
53. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on plans to provide additional student accommodation for the students of Galway; when the new national student accommodation...
- Apprenticeship Programmes
55. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide an update on the work within his Department to prepare a new five-year apprenticeship action plan 2026-2030. [14613/25]
- Education and Training Boards
56. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board was requested to reduce its floor space from 25,000 metres squared to 10,000...
- Apprenticeship Programmes
57. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress on achieving the target of 10,000 annual apprenticeship registrations by the end of 2025; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Technological Universities
58. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will commit to ensuring that technological universities are able to borrow funds in order to facilitate the building and purchasing of...
- Artificial Intelligence
59. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills what role has the use of artificial intelligence in our education system and how it is delivered at third level; and if he will make a statement...
- Further and Higher Education
60. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the Higher Education Authority has reached agreement with third level institutions to increase the number of training places for dental...
- Education and Training Boards
65. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the importance of the hospitality sector to Killarney, County Kerry and to Ireland will be acknowledged by supporting and expediting the...
- Small and Medium Enterprises
66. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to report on the work of his Department in encouraging SMEs to avail of further education and training for their staff; and if he will make a...
- Third Level Staff
67. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the demands by an organisation (details supplied) for protections for staff on precarious contracts in the tertiary education sector....
- Further and Higher Education
68. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the percentage of students from County Offaly that progress to third-level education; how this compares to the national average; the measures...
- Apprenticeship Programmes
69. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the measures being taken to address the delays with apprentices, including pipefitter apprentices, completing their studies; and if he will make a...
- Education and Training Boards
70. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the timeline for the single phase delivery of Dunboyne College of Further Education and Training, County Meath, serving six counties, based on the...
- Student Accommodation
71. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the detail the plans to provide affordable student accommodation across the country to address the accommodation crisis. [14647/25]
- Apprenticeship Programmes
72. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills what measures are being taken to ensure sufficient capacity for in-class training for apprenticeships at all levels; and if he will make a...
- Department of Rural and Community Development
- Departmental Schemes
80. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his attention has been drawn to the application by an organisation (details supplied) to the community recognition fund 2024; if an...
- Rural Schemes
86. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development to consider providing additional LEADER funding to an organisation (details supplied) for the sub-themes of social inclusion funding...
- Urban Development
88. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on the progress towards the establishment of an urban communities initiative to revitalise disadvantaged city areas, as...
- Weather Events
89. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his Department has undertaken any assessment of the number of community facilities damaged by storm Éowyn; and if he will make...
- Departmental Policies
90. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on the new rural development plan given that the current plan, Our Rural Future: Rural Development Policy 2021-2025,...
- Community Welfare Services
91. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there is an overall number in terms of the people who have benefitted from the seniors alert scheme since its introduction; and if...
- Men's Sheds
92. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding streams, under his remit, that are available to men’s sheds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14377/25]
- Departmental Priorities
93. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the measures being examined by his Department to address loneliness and social isolation in rural areas and communities; and if he will...
- Voluntary Sector
94. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress of developing a national funding platform to provide a verified source of the funding provided to third sector...
- Rural Schemes
95. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development to consider providing pilot funding for the Comhar Comaraigh rural social enterprise initiative in County Waterford. [14540/25]
- Voluntary Sector
96. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the engagement he has had with Government colleagues with regard to the impact that online scamming can have on the genuine fundraising...
- Rural Schemes
97. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development when another round of funding for the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund will be announced; if projects which were previously...
- Renewable Energy Generation
99. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development what forward planning and communication occurs intra- and inter-departmentally for balanced integration of renewable energy projects...
- Community Development Projects
100. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans to establish a community ownership fund to help community groups and social enterprises to buy or take over local community...
- Island Communities
101. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of each of the policy measures detailed in the ‘Our Living Islands – Action Plan 2023-2026’; when an...
- Voluntary Sector
102. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on the development of a new national volunteer strategy to succeed the current scheme, which expires this year; and if...
- Rural Schemes
103. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount allocated to each local authority in 2024 and 2025 for the local improvement scheme; the number of lanes it is expected...
- Community Welfare Services
104. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on the status of the Empowering Communities Programme, which is designed to combat disadvantage; and if he will make a...
- Departmental Funding
105. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of funding provided to community groups in the north-west local electoral area of Cork city by his Department in 2024; and...
- Departmental Schemes
106. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding available for his Department for the upkeep of rural roads. [14620/25]
- Departmental Funding
107. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if financial assistance will be provided towards the repair of community facilities that were damaged as a result of storm Éowyn;...
- Urban Development
108. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the supports available for local authorities in developing 'Town Centre First Plans'; how these plans will be funded; the number that...
- Men's Sheds
109. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total amount of funding allocated and paid out to men's sheds and women's sheds under the local enhancement grant administered by...
- Community Development Projects
111. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development to progress work on a strategy for suburban Dublin villages including schemes that are similar to those available for rural Dublin...
- Rural Schemes
113. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will review the eligibility criteria of CLÁR, with a view to expanding the programme to rural areas which are currently...
- Island Communities
115. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a tender for the PSO contract for Arranmore Island and Tory Island has been issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- Departmental Properties
116. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 68 of 10 October 2024, if the transfer of lands from the Department to the HSE has been...
- Youth Services
118. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development to launch an infrastructure scheme for youth clubs based on the community infrastructure fund for community centres. [13722/25]
- Community Development Projects
119. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on the allocation of funding for the local enhancement programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14380/25]
- Departmental Funding
120. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development what funding schemes his Department has to support projects located within the Dublin City Council administrative area or Dublin City...
- Rural Schemes
121. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the next round of CLÁR funding will open for developing community facilities and amenities grants; and if he will make a...
- Public Participation Networks
122. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans to address the need to resource and future-proof the public participation network by ensuring adequate core funding and...
- Men's Sheds
125. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total number of Men's Sheds and Women's Sheds currently operating in Ireland; what financial and practical supports are available...
- Rural Schemes
127. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount budgeted for the local improvement scheme in 2025 for County Cork; to provide details of the demand for this scheme in...
- Community Welfare Services
129. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason a community centre (details supplied) was not selected for funding under the recent tranche of the community centres...
- Dormant Accounts Fund
133. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress of the disbursement of funding by his Department under the dormant accounts action plan for this year; and if he will...
- Community Development Projects
134. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will consider an initiative to enhance skill building in communities without a community association or centre. [14507/25]
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Departmental Policies
136. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 54 of 22 January 2025, if he will provide a list of acceptable test providers for the examination of...
- Middle East
137. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on Ireland’s obligations to comply with international law with regard to the ongoing genocide in Palestine, particularly...
- Cybersecurity Policy
138. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of actual and attempted cyberattacks on his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, the countries of origin of...
- Middle East
140. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018 would include a ban on trade in services; and if he will make a...
- Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment
- Telecommunications Services
141. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the role his Department takes on ensuring access to broadband and telecommunication services in rural communities; if...
- Cybersecurity Policy
142. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of actual and attempted cyberattacks on his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, the...
- Departmental Bodies
143. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to outline the total expenditure by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on external consultancy services...
- Cybersecurity Policy
144. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the total sum spent on cybersecurity measures within his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. [14671/25]
- Telecommunications Services
145. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 216 of 4 March 2025, the potential legislative solutions being considered; the...
- Energy Policy
147. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to provide an update on the Gas Network Ireland plans to split the station at Brighouse Bay.; and if he will make a...
- Inland Fisheries
148. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment considering the large unexplained mortalities of 1,079+ sexually mature adult Atlantic salmon in the Ballysadare River,...
- Electricity Supply Board
154. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a building (details supplied) is currently in the possession of the ESB; if the ESB has any intention of renting or...
- National Broadband Plan
155. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the current position on the rollout of the national broadband scheme; the coverage per county; the timeframe on areas...
- Departmental Bodies
156. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to provide details of the annual funding amount allocated for Offaly to a scheme (details supplied) from 2019 to 2024,...
- Energy Conservation
158. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of heat pumps installed in County Louth under the warmer homes schemes and warmth and wellbeing schemes from...
- Department of Defence
- Cybersecurity Policy
163. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of actual and attempted cyberattacks on his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, the countries of origin of those...
- Rights of Way
165. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to seek the reopening of a pedestrian walkway for public access in a location adjacent to the grounds of Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa...
- Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
- Wind Energy Generation
166. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to outline his Department's plans for facilities at a location (details supplied) to service the erection of offshore wind turbines; and...
- Public Sector Pensions
167. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware that CIÉ pensioners have had no increase in their pensions since 2008; if he intends to engage with CIÉ or the...
- Cybersecurity Policy
168. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of actual and attempted cyberattacks on his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, the countries of origin...
- Electric Vehicles
169. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider introducing a vehicle scrappage scheme to support the transition from petrol and diesel cars to electric vehicles and...
- Cybersecurity Policy
170. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total sum spent on cybersecurity measures within his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. [14683/25]
- Driver Licences
171. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to review case regarding a licence exchange (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14758/25]
- Road Projects
172. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the Mallow relief road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14764/25]
- Road Safety Authority
173. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to review the case of a person (details supplied) [14777/25]
- Driver Test
174. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a person (details supplied) will receive received confirmation of his driving test date; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Road Projects
175. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to resurface a short section of the N70 Ring of Kerry road (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14803/25]
- Driver Test
176. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures being taken to address the long waiting lists for driving tests in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Road Safety
178. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport whether his Department can provide emergency funding to local authorities for road-safety measures to create road-safety infrastructure...
- Bus Services
179. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide a timeline for the delivery of a new local link bus service route (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the...
- Public Transport
180. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is a timeline for the introduction of the Leap card services for all public transport services in Offaly; and if he will make a...
- Bus Services
182. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is committed to providing a funding allocation this year for the development of a greater number of bus stops in every county; and...
- Road Projects
183. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that additional funding will be made available this year for the non-national road network in counties Cavan and...
- Department of Finance
- Tax Exemptions
184. To ask the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 250 of the 20 March 2025, to provide the total value of property that was exempt from CAT due to the heritage exemption...
- Tax Data
185. To ask the Minister for Finance for the total value of assets held in section 110 special purpose companies broken down by qualifying asset type; percentage shareholding held by persons on...
- Cybersecurity Policy
186. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of actual and attempted cyberattacks on his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, the countries of origin of those attacks; and...
- Mortgage Interest Rates
188. To ask the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 258 of 5 February 2025, the measures he refers to that were introduced in 2023 to support borrowers who wish, and are in...
- Tax Code
189. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider allowing gym membership, or indeed any sporting membership for an individual or a family, to be made tax-deductible; and if he will make a...
- Legislative Measures
190. To ask the Minister for Finance the status of the proposed payments services EU regulation. [14842/25]
- Departmental Funding
193. To ask the Minister for Finance for a detailed up-to-date progress report on the Future Ireland Fund and the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
- Departmental Staff
194. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 273 of 20 March 2025, to provide the total cost to the Department of the secondment, the Civil...
- Flood Risk Management
195. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to examine the case of a person (details supplied) experiencing flooding as a result of works; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Active Travel
196. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the pedestrian and cycling bridge connecting Phoenix Park to Memorial Gardens, including timescales for the...
- Office of Public Works
197. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will review a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14655/25]
- Cybersecurity Policy
198. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of actual and attempted cyberattacks on his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, the countries of origin...
- National Cultural Institutions
200. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason a specific non-Governmental organisation (details supplied) has an office in the National Concert Hall; to outline how long...
- Civil Service
201. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an update on the civil service mobility scheme; when the scheme will be opened to the professional/technical grades; and if he will...
- An Garda Síochána
202. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to provide details of all Garda stations in Offaly and funding received for capital works from 2019 to 2024, in tabular form; and if he...
- National Development Plan
205. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on the proposed review of the National Development Plan; how the review will be undertaken; the timeframe...
- Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
- Business Supports
206. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 520 of 19 March 2025, the position regarding a timeline for the completion of the Departmental...
- Cybersecurity Policy
207. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of actual and attempted cyberattacks on his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, the countries of...
- Departmental Strategies
208. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide an update on the State’s space strategy; the number of enterprises engaged in space activity in receipt of funding...
- Cybersecurity Policy
209. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total sum spent on cybersecurity measures within his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. [14670/25]
- Legislative Process
210. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he intends to reintroduce the Employment (Restriction of Certain Mandatory Retirement Ages) Bill 2024; and if he will make a...
- Work Permits
211. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to urgently intervene and allow for an emergency work permit in respect of a person (details supplied) given the shortage of chefs in...
- Trade Data
213. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the top ten export countries from 2019 to 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14943/25]
- Business Supports
215. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the additional supports that will be provided to support the retail sector, particularly small and medium size enterprises; and if he...
- Department of Education and Skills
- Online Safety
217. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the efforts being made by her Department to support parents and communities in helping children to navigate online risks. [14658/25]
- Medical Cards
218. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to issue as a matter of extreme urgency and as previously promised, enhanced medical cards to all survivors of industrial schools; and if she...
- Education Policy
219. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the work being done by her Department to promote digital literacy and online safety programmes in primary and post-primary education....
- Cybersecurity Policy
220. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of actual and attempted cyberattacks on her Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, the countries of origin of those...
- School Staff
221. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to urgently examine and allow an appeal for the retention of a mainstream teacher in a school in County Kerry, in light of the reasons outlined...
- Education Policy
222. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she can confirm that a student council exists in every second level school in the State; the importance she attaches to student councils; and...
- Departmental Correspondence
223. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason her Department issued a statement to schools in February 2025 to disregard a purported circular; if there has been a problem with fake...
- School Admissions
224. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will engage with the parents of a child (details supplied) who has additional needs but has been unable to secure an appropriate place in...
- School Staff
228. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there is a freeze on special needs assistants supports in schools; if so the steps she will take to end this freeze; and if she will make a...
- School Enrolments
233. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will investigate a case (details supplied) where the practice of determining teaching staff numbers based on the enrolment figures from...
- School Funding
235. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to outline, in light of a widely-reported funding crisis at a school (details supplied), the number of primary schools which have contacted her...
- Education and Training Provision
237. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills how SNAs who work in Donegal can register for the Donegal Education Centre AGM (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the...
- School Funding
240. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the funding provided for capital projects for schools in counties Carlow and Kilkenny from 2021 to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if she will...
- Special Educational Needs
241. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of special classes each primary and post-primary school has in Carlow and Kilkenny; if they have requested a new special class or...
- School Transport
242. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on plans to reform the school transport system, particularly the eligibility criteria regarding nearest school; the likely...
- School Staff
246. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the ongoing discussions taking place regarding the current assault leave policy for teachers and SNAs; if there are considerations of extending...
- Special Educational Needs
247. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the mainstream classes in a school (details supplied) are excluded from SEN support by the special education section within her...
- School Admissions
249. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the options available to an individual (details supplied) who has not been successful in obtaining a placement in fourth year in their current...
- Special Educational Needs
251. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if specific training will be provided for teachers of children with additional needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14901/25]
- School Curriculum
253. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the specific measures she will take to address the ongoing challenges in implementing the new Junior Cycle curriculum, particularly in terms of...
- Education Policy
255. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps she will take to promote the teaching of STEM subjects, particularly among underrepresented groups such as girls and students from...
- School Funding
256. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to address the chronic underfunding of primary and secondary schools, particularly in rural areas; and if she will make a statement on...
- Special Educational Needs
257. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the means by which she will ensure that schools have adequate funding for special education needs; that resources are distributed equitably; and...
- Education Policy
258. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the measures she will take to reduce the financial burden on parents, particularly regarding school uniforms, books, and voluntary contributions;...
- School Transport
259. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to address the shortage of school transport services, particularly in rural and remote areas; and if she will make a statement on the...
- School Admissions
260. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plan to address the shortage of school places, particularly at primary level in rapidly growing urban areas; and if she will make a statement...
- School Facilities
261. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the means by which she will ensure that school buildings are modernised and fit for purpose, particularly in terms of energy efficiency and...
- Schools Building Projects
262. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps she will take to address the delays in delivering school building projects under the National Development Plan; and if she will make a...
- School Staff
263. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the measures she will take to address the ongoing issue of teacher shortages, particularly in key subjects such as Irish, mathematics, and modern...
- Special Educational Needs
266. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the means by which she will ensure that children with special educational needs receive timely assessments and adequate support in schools; and...
- Education Policy
268. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the means by which she plans to promote inclusive education for students with disabilities, particularly in mainstream schools; and if she will...
- National Development Plan
269. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills what preparatory work is underway within her Department to contribute to the planned review of the National Development Plan; and if she will...
- Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
- Regulatory Bodies
270. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the level of resources given the Coimisiun na Mean to counter online disinformation in 2024; and if he will make a statement on...
- Gaeltacht Policy
272. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht how Donegal will benefit from the newly restored scéim na mbóithre áise; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Cybersecurity Policy
273. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of actual and attempted cyberattacks on his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, the countries of...
- Sports Funding
274. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to provide the total sum allocated to each sport, such as GAA, soccer, tennis, athletics and so on, under the Sports Capital and...
- Tourist Accommodation
275. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht how he views the short-term letting sector as a player in providing tourism accommodation, particularly in rural and coastal...
- Cybersecurity Policy
276. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the total sum spent on cybersecurity measures within his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. [14682/25]
- Departmental Schemes
277. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to provide all grant schemes offered and or issued to community and rural groups by his Department, from 2021 to the end of 2025,...
- Tourism Industry
278. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason the Careers Oversight Group has not met in over two years; when the Institute of Public Administration's report will be...
- International Protection
279. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to address concerns that the proposal to allow the Carna Bay Hotel in Carna, in the Connemara Gaeltacht, to be used as an...
- Irish Language
280. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the resources provided within his Department for the summer camps scheme, which provides Irish language enrichment and acquisition...
- Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government
- Urban Development
281. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to promote the expansion of the urban regeneration and development fund, across County Kerry to help address vibrancy of town...
- Departmental Schemes
282. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 265 of 20 February 2025, for an update on the position affecting first time buyers; and...
- Cybersecurity Policy
283. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of actual and attempted cyberattacks on his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, the countries...
- Housing Schemes
284. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he intends providing further funding for the private rightsizing scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- Housing Provision
286. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when the acquisition cost guidelines will be released to local authorities; if he will insure that these guidelines are...
- Cybersecurity Policy
287. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the total sum spent on cybersecurity measures within his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. [14676/25]
- Local Authorities
288. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he is aware that the current wait time for an appointment with a Dublin City Council housing advisor is seven weeks;...
- Housing Provision
290. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of granted but not commenced planning applications for multi-unit apartment developments since 2020, by local...
- Vacant Properties
291. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he intends to extend the remit of vacant homes officers in local authorities, with a specific focus on bringing vacant...
- Housing Provision
292. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the measures he will take to increase the availability of affordable housing in Carlow and Kilkenny; and if he will make a...
- Heritage Sites
299. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if his Department will provide support to Galway County Council to purchase Dunguaire Castle; and if he will make a statement...
- Land Development Agency
304. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to support land acquisition and activation, master planning and enabling infrastructure in towns across County Kerry; and if...
- Invasive Species Policy
309. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government how many Ministerial consents (ARC 02 stocking or re-stocking of fish) have been issued to Inland Fisheries Ireland under S.I....
- Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
- Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
310. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason an overpayment has been applied to a person (details supplied); if an appeal was lodged on this overpayment, and...
- Cybersecurity Policy
311. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of actual and attempted cyberattacks on his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, the countries...
- Social Welfare Appeals
312. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the processing of a section 317 review will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement...
- Cybersecurity Policy
313. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the total sum spent on cybersecurity measures within his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. [14680/25]
- Social Welfare Benefits
314. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied). [14797/25]
- Department of Justice and Equality
- Crime Prevention
316. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current position with the community text alert scheme; the number of schemes operating in the country; the plans to change...
- Work Permits
317. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider increasing the number of hours a non-EEA national on a Stamp 2 is permitted to work from 20 hours to 30...
- Artificial Intelligence
318. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if it is intended to amend data protection rules to support Irish-based enterprises to maximise the use of available digital...
- Departmental Data
319. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of people currently in prison who have previously been in prison for a separate offence. [14729/25]
- Cybersecurity Policy
320. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of actual and attempted cyberattacks on his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, the countries...
- Citizenship Applications
321. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality for an update on a citizenship application for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- An Garda Síochána
323. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality whether he will agree to meet with the family of a person (details supplied) whose family are campaigning for an independent...
- Crime Prevention
336. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the measures being implemented to tackle rural crime in Carlow and Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- An Garda Síochána
337. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of buildings An Garda Síochána owns in counties Carlow and Kilkenny, for all stations in Carlow and...
- Citizenship Applications
338. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when a person (details supplied) will receive his citizenship certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14874/25]
- An Garda Síochána
339. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider facilitating local Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) signing for people with deportation orders who...
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
- Agriculture Supports
344. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that the insurance issues pertaining to the drawdown of the recently announced grants under the breeding fund will...
- Cybersecurity Policy
345. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of actual and attempted cyberattacks on his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, the countries of...
- Greyhound Industry
347. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views in relation to the record number of greyhounds euthanised at races in the last year; the steps it is intended to take, or...
- Agriculture Schemes
348. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the approximately 10,000 farmers who are awaiting ACRES payments will be paid; if they will be paid an interim payment as...
- Aquaculture Industry
349. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on oyster licences in respect of an applicant in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on...
- Agriculture Schemes
350. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to endorse, support and roll out the school leavers programme initiated by South Kerry Development Partnership following the success...
- Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
- International Protection
351. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will clarify whether or not his Department have acquired, vis-a-vis a leasehold contract or direct...
- Early Childhood Care and Education
354. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the role her Department takes on the provision of early years education and care in rural communities; to...
- Departmental Correspondence
355. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his officials and or his predecessor received correspondence (details supplied); and if a response issued....
- Cybersecurity Policy
356. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of actual and attempted cyberattacks on her Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024,...
- Disabilities Assessments
357. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children in Dublin 1, 3, 7 and 9 who are on a waiting list for assessment of needs for 2023, 2024...
- Child and Family Agency
358. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth whether any direction, guidance or advice has been given to any Tusla staff or members of the national special...
- Special Educational Needs
360. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to urgently examine and proposal in regard to a pilot summer programme in respect of a special school in County...
- Care Services
361. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if funding will be approved for residential care at a facility in Waterford for a person (details supplied); the...
- Disability Services
362. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 1424 of 19 March 2025, and the letter provided, if she will direct the HSE...
- Early Childhood Care and Education
363. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when she expects the planned review of core funding to take place; and if she will make a statement on the...
- Care Services
364. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to examine the case for services at a facility (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the...
- Early Childhood Care and Education
365. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the current uptake on the ECCE scheme; the number of childcare providers involved in the scheme; to provide a...
- National Development Plan
366. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what preparatory work is underway within her Department to contribute to the planned review of the National...
- Department of Health
- Departmental Funding
367. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1490 of 19 March 2025, his views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14919/25]
- Addiction Treatment Services
368. To ask the Minister for Health if she will consider the creation of State-run residential addiction treatment centres; if the money seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau could be used to fund...
- Health Services Staff
369. To ask the Minister for Health the measures being put in place to address the shortage of public health nurses in Dublin mid-west. [14654/25]
- Ambulance Service
371. To ask the Minister for Health the reason no advanced paramedic has been trained since 2019; if there are plans in place to recommence this training; and if she will make a statement on the...
- Cybersecurity Policy
373. To ask the Minister for Health the number of actual and attempted cyberattacks on her Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, the countries of origin of those attacks; and...
- Addiction Treatment Services
374. To ask the Minister for Health to consider permanent funding to support the drug related intimidation and violence engagement programme; her plans with this programme; and if she will make a...
- Health Services Staff
375. To ask the Minister for Health the number of approved consultant posts by discipline, speciality, and clinical site, in tabular form; the number filled on a permanent basis, temporary, locum...
- Child Abuse
376. To ask the Minister for Health when she plans to meet with representatives of a victims group (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14740/25]
- Hospital Services
377. To ask the Minister for Health to provide an update on plans to ensure that all State-run hospitals operate a full seven days per week services; and if she will make a statement on the...
- Mental Health Services
378. To ask the Minister for Health the specific and tailored mental health supports available to people living with FASD, in line with international best practice; and if she will make a...
- Hospital Services
379. To ask the Minister for Health if maternity hospitals are now routinely checking for the condition vasa praevia during the 20 week fetal scan; and if she will make a statement on the matter....
- Covid-19 Pandemic
380. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the long Covid scheme for healthcare workers suffering from long Covid; if she is conscious of the need to ensure long term support for...
- Cybersecurity Policy
381. To ask the Minister for Health the total sum spent on cybersecurity measures within her Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. [14675/25]
- Medical Cards
382. To ask the Minister for Health the process for renewal of medical cards, the frequency in which they are required to be renewed; if the HSE insists upon online applications; if the HSE...
- Dental Services
383. To ask the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14755/25]
- Health Service Executive
384. To ask the Minister for Health if the HSE plans to publish responses to parliamentary questions for the year 2025, as it has for previous years; and if she will make a statement on the...
- Eating Disorders
385. To ask the Minister for Health how much money the HSE has spent on the treatment of eating disorders by private providers in Ireland from the years 2018 to 2025, in tabular form; and if she...
- Health Services Staff
389. To ask the Minister for Health if funding will be made available to recruit the additional 11 WTE staff needed towards delivering an obesity service in Mallow to coincide with the funding in...
- Primary Care Centres
390. To ask the Minister for Health to provide a list the recommended services that should be available in a primary health care centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14776/25]
- Health Services Staff
391. To ask the Minister for Health to provide a list of all healthcare vacancies unable to be filled in County Roscommon due to the recruitment embargo. [14793/25]
- Ambulance Service
393. To ask the Minister for Health to provide a list of all ambulance base locations with rapid response vehicles (RRVs) in the West of Ireland; the current makeup of the crew for each RRV; and...
- Office of the Attorney General
394. To ask the Minister for Health if her Department has received legal advice requested by her predecessor in September 2024 from the Attorney General in relation to the publication of the...
- State Properties
395. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the sale of the old health centre, Tinnahinch, County Carlow, to Carlow County Council; and if the sale will be expedited, as the plan is to...
- Hospital Services
396. To ask the Minister for Health if a new maternity unit will be provided at University Hospital Kerry as there are clinical risks to both mother and baby due to the location of the existing...
- Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
397. To ask the Minister for Health her views on the co-location of Limerick University Maternity Hospital to the Dooradoyle University Hospital Limerick campus; to provide an expected timeframe...
- Health Services
398. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the home birth service in Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14806/25]
- Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
399. To ask the Minister for Health her views on whether the strategic infrastructure development planning process needs to be reformed; her views on whether the HSE should be able to submit...
- Hospital Staff
401. To ask the Minister for Health the number of WTE vacant posts in the UL Hospitals Group, by job title; the cost of filling these vacancies; the estimated timeframe in which each of these...
- Dental Services
402. To ask the Minister for Health the action that will be taken to address the long waiting lists/times for orthodontic treatment in counties Carlow and Kilkenny; and if she will make a...
- State Properties
403. To ask the Minister for Health the number of vacant and or derelict buildings in the ownership of, or leased by, her Department, by the HSE or by other agencies reporting to her Department...
- Healthcare Policy
404. To ask the Minister for Health the status of, and her views on, the interim HIQA briefing she received into emergency care capacity in the mid-west; and if she will make a statement on the...
- Medical Aids and Appliances
405. To ask the Minister for Health if a warfarin monitoring instrument will be provided as a matter of urgency for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter....
- Departmental Reviews
408. To ask the Minister for Health when she expects the review currently being undertaken in relation to issues pertaining to the indemnity agreement signed off by the Medical Missionaries of...
- Health Strategies
409. To ask the Minister for Health when she expects the free hormone replacement therapy scheme will be rolled out; if reimbursements will be made backdated to January 2025; and if she will make...
- Department of Education and Skills
- Further and Higher Education
411. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the measures he will take to address the funding crisis in higher education institutions to reduce the reliance on student contributions; and if...
- Departmental Bodies
415. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department is planning to disband the Retail Forum Digitalisation and Skills Subgroup; if so, to justify this decision in light of the...
- Cybersecurity Policy
416. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of actual and attempted cyberattacks on his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, the countries of origin of those...
- Student Accommodation
418. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to give an update on the student accommodation at University College Dublin that is university owned. [14878/25]
- Technological Universities
420. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide an update on the continuing fallout of a cyber attack to SETU IT operations; the steps and schedule in place to restore student and...
- Education and Training Provision
423. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the up to date progress with the Pretty Polly site in Killarney, County Kerry as a centre for training and education. [14974/25]
- Department of Rural and Community Development
- Community Welfare Services
424. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he is aware that the town of Dungarvan, County Waterford, has no community centre; his views on whether it is appropriate that a...
- Cybersecurity Policy
426. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of actual and attempted cyberattacks on his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, the countries of...
- Control of Dogs
428. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development to waiver dog licence fees in respect of senior citizens, living on their own and over 70 years of age; and if he will make a...
- Rural Schemes
429. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development to take into consideration the huge priority list for local improvement schemes (LIS) in County Kerry, where there are in excess of...
- Urban Development
431. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development to promote and fund the expansion of the town centres first scheme to include Kenmare, Milltown, Dingle, Castleisland and Listowel...
- Community Welfare Services
432. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason a community centre (details supplied) was unsuccessful in the recent community centre investment fund allocations; and if...
- Rural Schemes
433. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he would outline what funding has been allocated to Cork county projects as part of the town and village renewal scheme from 2020...
- Departmental Schemes
435. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of applications to date for the town and village renewal scheme for 2025; the amount of funding allocated to the scheme for...
- Departmental Policies
436. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the plans Government has to follow up on the Our Rural Future policy 2021-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14938/25]
- Departmental Schemes
437. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there will be a further round of funding under the community centres investment fund grant; and if he will make a statement on the...
