Written answers
Thursday, 3 April 2025
- Department of Finance
- Tax Code
12. To ask the Minister for Finance if he plans any change to inheritance tax rules for people without any immediate family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15982/25]
- Company Law
14. To ask the Minister for Finance if he plans any changes to the regulation of companies offering re-mortgage of properties, especially in the context of older citizens; and if he will make a...
- Tax Collection
16. To ask the Minister for Finance the amount collected in tax on fuel in each of the past ten years and to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15632/25]
- Tax Code
17. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to review business taxes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15984/25]
- Departmental Consultations
18. To ask the Minister for Finance the engagement he and his Department have had with the Department of Education in the preparation and publication of guidelines for promoting financial...
- State Assets
19. To ask the Minister for Finance the profit the State has made from its investments in companies which derive profits from their activities within illegal Israeli settlements; if he will...
- Insurance Industry
20. To ask the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 288 of 25 March 2025, his views on whether existing age-based policies enacted by some insurance companies amount to...
- Tax Code
21. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will commit to reviewing the tax individualisation system, which unfairly penalises single-income households; and if he will outline any steps his...
- Fiscal Policy
22. To ask the Minister for Finance the other tariffs that the United States could impose that could deeply impact the Irish economy, excluding pharmaceutical exports. [16086/25]
- Tax Code
23. To ask the Minister for Finance the progress of the agri-taxation measures relating to farm safety to encourage capital investment to reduce accidents and make farms a safer workplace; and if...
- Tax Credits
24. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on the Government’s plans to implement the tax credit for gym memberships; and the timeline for the introduction of same....
- Interest Rates
25. To ask the Minister for Finance the measures being taken to deal with very high interest rates being charged by debt management companies and vulture funds; and if he will make a statement on...
- Tax Code
26. To ask the Minister for Finance the amount by which he intends to increase excise on motor and home heating fuel through the carbon tax in each year of Government; and if he will make a...
- Tax Reliefs
27. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the operation of the accelerated capital allowance for childcare services; if he will provide a breakdown of the total number of claims made under...
- Banking Sector
28. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will provide an overview of efforts his Department, in conjunction with pillar banks, is making to ensure that rural communities have proper access to...
- Credit Unions
29. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will enable credit unions to provide more services to members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16257/25]
- Financial Services
30. To ask the Minister for Finance if he is concerned about the trend in Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman outcomes that has seen a rapidly declining rate of upheld complaints; and if he...
- Fiscal Policy
31. To ask the Minister for Finance the preparations his Department has undertaken to protect the Irish economy from potential US tariffs, specifically those that target the pharmaceutical...
- Tax Code
33. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will commence a review of the inheritance tax valuation date payment model (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15835/25]
- Credit Unions
34. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will report on the work of the Credit Union Advisory Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16287/25]
- Tax Code
35. To ask the Minister for Finance the changes he plans to capital acquisitions tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15819/25]
- Interest Rates
37. To ask the Minister for Finance the action he is taking to reduce extremely high interest rates being charged to some mortgage holders whose mortgages were sold to financial institutions...
- Tax Code
38. To ask the Minister for Finance the evidence framework that was used in deciding not to increase the tax on derelict properties as a means of alleviating the housing crisis; and if he will...
- Credit Unions
39. To ask the Minister for Finance if he considers the existing regulatory limits and restrictions on credit unions to be proportionate given the changed retail banking market; and if he will...
- Tax Code
40. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider increasing the small gift exemption for capital acquisitions tax from €3,000 to €5,000 from each person per year, as it has...
- An Ghaeltacht
41. To ask the Minister for Finance an bhfuil aon anailís déanta ag a Roinn ar an tionchar a bheadh ag eisceacht ón dleacht stampála i gcás tithe saoire sa Ghaeltacht...
- Tax Exemptions
42. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider increasing the age related tax exemption to income tax from €18,000 per annum where an individual is aged 65 years or over, and...
- Banking Sector
43. To ask the Minister for Finance to outline any engagement he was had with the banks in relation to the level of profits announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16307/25]
- Tax Code
44. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider the inheritance-tax liability of citizens without children and, in doing so, allow more favourable terms when their estate provides for...
- Tax Yield
46. To ask the Minister for Finance the proportion of finance received from the sale of bank shares by the State that will be used for critical infrastructure such as water services and other...
- Tax Code
47. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the merits of amending existing inheritance tax parameters; if the existing relationship category thresholds can be reviewed; and if he will make...
- Economic Policy
53. To ask the Minister for Finance if he is concerned by the contraction of the domestic economy as shown by the quarterly national accounts for the final quarter of 2024; and if he will make a...
- State Assets
54. To ask the Minister for Finance for an update on the fossil fuel divestment from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16100/25]
- Tax Strategy Group
55. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will report on his Department's consideration of measures to encourage gym membership and active participation in sport and exercise; and if he will make...
- Tax Code
57. To ask the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking to review the discriminatory aspects of the current inheritance tax legislation particularly with regard to childless adults; and if he...
- Fiscal Policy
58. To ask the Minister for Finance to outline the potential economic impact of reciprocal EU counter tariffs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16305/25]
- Tax Data
61. To ask the Minister for Finance if he can provide an update in respect of measures proposed in the report of the Commission on Taxation and Welfare relevant to his Department; and if he will...
- Banking Sector
62. To ask the Minister for Finance the action he will be taking to complete the task of normalising the domestic banking system to best serve the interests of the economy; and if he will make a...
- Tax Reliefs
63. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of childminders who have made a claim under the childcare services relief for each of the past five years 2020-2025; his views on the effectiveness...
- Insurance Industry
64. To ask the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking to reduce the cost of insurance; if he will reconsider the proposed increase in personal injury awards by 17%; and if he will make a...
- Budget Process
65. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will reverse his decision to abolish cost-of-living supports in the next Budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16153/25]
- Credit Unions
66. To ask the Minister for Finance how he is working to position credit unions as community-centric financial institutions integral to their local communities, small businesses and farmers; and...
- Tax Yield
67. To ask the Minister for Finance in the context of the considerations of the ESRI that a potential change in the taxation policy of the United States could adversely affect Irish corporation...
- Banking Sector
68. To ask the Minister for Finance the profit obtained by the State from the sale of bank shares in 2024 and 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16079/25]
- Departmental Consultations
71. To ask the Minister for Finance to report on the latest briefing he received from his Department on the delivery of housing. [15232/25]
- Climate Change Policy
72. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the way Ireland’s taxation system could help citizens mitigate risks with regard to the impact of climate change as identified in the...
- Tax Reliefs
73. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that owners of vacant commercial property are not able to write off their commercial rates obligations as business expenses; and if he will...
- Insurance Industry
74. To ask the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking to ensure insurance companies pass on the benefit of lower claims to customers rather than increase profit margins; and if he will make...
- Credit Unions
76. To ask the Minister for Finance if he has engaged with the Central Bank to review credit union lending limits to enhance their ability to serve members; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Fiscal Policy
77. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the impact the imposition of tariffs by the United States will have on jobs, the economy and the public finances; and if he will make a statement...
- Tax Collection
78. 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 the North and who work in the...
- Insurance Industry
79. To ask the Minister for Finance his Department’s latest engagement with insurance companies and new insurance companies regarding the high cost of public liability insurance; and if he...
- Tax Code
80. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider raising the category A threshold under capital acquisitions tax and expanding the range of individuals that can qualify under this...
- Fiscal Policy
81. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will report on the climate change risk matrix; if his Department has carried out any analysis of the financial impact of missing our 2030 targets on the...
- Insurance Industry
82. To ask the Minister for Finance the supports he will provide to those businesses which cannot secure insurance; the steps he is taking to reduce the cost of business insurance; and if he will...
- Financial Services
83. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will facilitate the right of cancer survivors to be forgotten when it comes to accessing financial products; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Tax Code
84. To ask the Minister for Finance if he plans to increase inheritance tax thresholds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16059/25]
- Insurance Industry
87. To ask the Minister for Finance the way in which he is fostering a competitive, transparent, and consumer-friendly insurance landscape; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16286/25]
- Tax Reliefs
88. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will be reviewing the qualifying conditions for tax relief on oxygen tanks for those who suffer from lung fibrosis; and if he will make a statement on...
- Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
- Flood Relief Schemes
99. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for the up-to-date position on advancing flood defence works in the Upper River Lee area of County Cork; and if he will make a statement...
- National Development Plan
100. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is aware of an unfair regional balancing in Capital spending under the NDP given Cork’s potential to counterbalance Dublin....
- Flood Relief Schemes
102. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department has now received an up-to-date environmental impact study in respect of the Blackpool flood relief scheme; the...
- EU Programmes
105. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an overview of PEACEPLUS to date; the specific benefits for Donegal arising from PEACEPLUS; and if he will make a statement on the...
- National Development Plan
106. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an overview of the progress made to date under National Strategic Outcome (NSO) 8 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if...
- Flood Relief Schemes
108. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an update on the Poddle flood alleviation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16069/25]
- National Lottery
110. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding any systems put in place systems to ensure the integrity of the National Lottery; and if he will make a statement...
- An Garda Síochána
111. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for the up-to-date position on delivery of a new purpose-built Garda Station (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the...
- National Development Plan
112. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an overview of the progress made to date under National Strategic Outcome 4 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he...
- Office of Public Works
114. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his proposals to address value-for-money concerns within the operation of the OPW. [16105/25]
- Flood Risk Management
115. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an overview of the responsibilities his Department has with regard to flood protection and arterial drainage works;...
- Office of Public Works
116. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of properties currently leased by the Office of Public Works in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown; and if he will make a statement...
- State Assets
117. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on the climate and nature fund; if he has received any applications from departments; and if he will make a statement...
- Artificial Intelligence
118. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to use AI to support public service reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15840/25]
- An Teanga Gaeilge
119. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform cad atá beartaithe aige chun an státsheirbhís a ullmhú leis an dualgas reachtúil maidir le sprioc...
- Arts Council
120. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the Arts Council spending on the failed IT project, when his Department was first made aware of the problems with the...
- Weather Events
121. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in light of the disruption to the TETRA national communication network from storm Éowyn, the steps he will take to ensure similar...
- Flood Relief Schemes
122. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an update on any flood remediation works and arterial drainage works planned for Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement...
- National Development Plan
123. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for a report on the review of the NDP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15975/25]
- Information and Communications Technology
124. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the analysis that has been carried out by his Department on the expenditure of public bodies across all of Government on IT projects;...
- National Development Plan
125. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an overview of the investment framework for the NDP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15976/25]
- Capital Expenditure Programme
130. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the action he is taking to improve value for money and timely delivery in public spending projects; and if he will make a statement on...
- Heritage Centres
131. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an update on the plans for the proposed new visitor centre development at Trim Castle; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Departmental Expenditure
132. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address the concerns in regarding the management of public funds in relation to recent reports of overspending in certain...
- International Protection
133. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the full costs of modular housing for Ukrainians (details supplied); the reason for the excessive the costs; and if he will make a...
- Departmental Functions
134. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the role his Department takes in the oversight of value for money exercises. [15233/25]
- Capital Expenditure Programme
136. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide details as to the measures he and his Department are undertaking to progress stalled large-scale public...
- National Development Plan
137. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an overview of the progress made to date under National Strategic Outcome (NSO) 2 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if...
- An Garda Síochána
138. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for a progress report on the new Laois-Offaly Garda Divisional Headquarters in Portlaoise; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Flood Risk Management
139. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding tranche 2 of the OPW flood protection scheme in Rathcormac and Castlemartyr, Mogeely; and if he will make a...
- Capital Expenditure Programme
140. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his assessment of the additional financial resources required for strategic infrastructure investment between now and 2030; and if he...
- National Development Plan
141. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an overview of the progress made to date under National Strategic Outcome 10 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he...
- Flood Relief Schemes
142. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the Midleton flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16295/25]
- Civil Service
143. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of staff in the civil service on 1 March 2025 compared with 1 March 2020 and 1 March 2015; and if he will make a statement on...
- Information and Communications Technology
144. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for a progress report on the Government digital wallet, specifically an update on the timelines for the rollout of a digital driver's...
- Office of Public Works
147. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has met with senior representatives of the OPW to discuss the issues of excessive costs of project delivery; if so, when these...
- Civil Service
148. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the employment rate of people with disabilities across the civil service. [6434/25]
- Flood Relief Schemes
149. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on the design of the tranche II flood relief schemes for County Cork; and if he will make a statement on...
- Industrial Relations
150. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he played any role in the negotiations between section 39 workers and the government in the Workplace Relations Commission; if he...
- Pension Provisions
151. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has any plans to review the provisions of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012; and if he...
- National Development Plan
152. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an update on National Development Plan Projects in County Laois; the progress of each to date; the projected timelines for delivery;...
- Office of Public Works
154. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of properties owned by the OPW which are currently vacant. [15634/25]
- Flood Relief Schemes
155. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide and update on all flood relief schemes in Cork north central, including the Morrisons Island project; and if he will...
- Flood Risk Management
158. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if this Government will provide funding to tackle costal erosion in Rossbeigh, County Kerry and Waterville, and to tackle tidal flooding...
- National Development Plan
160. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on the availability of funding for the delivery on the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Flood Relief Schemes
161. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an update on the Whitechurch Stream flood alleviation scheme, including expenditure and timeline for completion; and if he will make...
- National Development Plan
162. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cumulative funding to be allocated under the NDP in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16098/25]
- Coastal Erosion
163. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if any action will be taken to address the impact of coastal erosion is having in the Inver area of County Donegal; and if he will make...
- Flood Relief Schemes
164. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an update on the flood relief schemes in progress or in planning for Kilkenny and Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Pension Provisions
165. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he intends to review or update the integrated pension scheme, not only for Defence Forces personnel but also for other frontline...
- Capital Expenditure Programme
166. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress his Department is making towards reviewing the infrastructure guidelines and creating a public investment Act to reduce...
- Heritage Projects
168. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps his Department can take to support the Minister with responsibility for the OPW in facilitating the resolution of Castletown...
- Flood Relief Schemes
169. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an update on the River Poddle flood alleviation scheme, including expenditure and timeline for completion; and if he will make a...
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- EU Presidency
170. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on Ireland's plans to host a meeting of the European Political Community; the key themes that may be explored; and if...
- International Relations
171. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline the Government's position on claims being made by the Trump administration in the United States toward Greenland; his views as to...
- Foreign Conflicts
172. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline the Government's position on the actions of the Houthi in Yemen and surrounding waters; on the support being voiced for them by...
- Official Travel
174. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he plans to visit Italy during quarter 2 2025. [16501/25]
- Humanitarian Aid
175. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline Ireland’s response to the devastating earthquake in Myanmar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16505/25]
- Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment
- Waste Management
176. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he is aware that legislation entitling households to a brown bin which came into effect on 1 January 2024 is being...
- Renewable Energy Generation
177. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to provide details on the amount of renewable gas purchased by State agencies in each of the last five years, including...
- Climate Action Plan
178. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the Climate Action Fund - Strand 1: Community Climate Action Programme – Building Low Carbon Communities,...
- Cybersecurity Policy
179. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the current and capital budget allocation to the National Cyber Security Centre in 2023, 2024 and 2025, in tabular...
- Department of Defence
- Defence Forces
180. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update in relation to a matter (details supplied). [16449/25]
- Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
- Public Transport
181. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for the latest update on the roll out of free public transport for children aged from 5 to 8 years-old; the expected timeline for its...
- Air Services
183. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an incident in which an Irish citizen was denied boarding a flight (details supplied) will be investigated; and if he will make a...
- Airport Policy
184. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will make a decision to provide State funding for the runway extension at Waterford Airport; the factors that remain under...
- Road Projects
185. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to give a specific timeframe as to when the N70 Ring of Kerry national secondary road and footpath through Cahersiveen town will be...
- Departmental Budgets
186. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the capital carryover in his Department in each of the years 2015 to date; the proportion of the total capital...
- Rail Network
187. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps the NTA and Iarnród Eireann are currently taking to ensure that the new DART carriages fully cover the gap between the...
- Dublin Airport Authority
188. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of WTE staff, by job title and gender, currently working within the sales and marketing department of Dublin Airport...
- Department of Finance
- Legislative Measures
189. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the Management Fees (Local Property Tax) Relief Bill 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16337/25]
- Housing Schemes
190. To ask the Minister for Finance his Department’s plans to increase the relief rate payment under the help-to-buy scheme beyond €30,000; if so, when he envisages such a change...
- Tax Reliefs
191. To ask the Minister for Finance when the appeals board for those refused the primary medical certificate will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16402/25]
- Fiscal Policy
192. To ask the Minister for Finance if he is concerned at the impact of US tariffs on the public finances; the preparations he is making to secure the public finances in regard to the potential...
- Tax Code
193. To ask the Minister for Finance the date the VAT rate will be reduced to 9%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9658/25]
- Official Engagements
194. To ask the Minister for Finance if he would report on his meeting with the president of the European Central Bank which took place during his Saint Patrick’s Day mission to Germany;...
- Financial Services
196. To ask the Minister for Finance to provide for each year from 2020 to date, the number of complaints received by the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman; the number of complaints...
- Tax Code
198. To ask the Minister for Finance if there are plans to increase the inheritance tax exemption under the current inheritance tax policy in respect of individuals without children; and if he...
- Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
- Departmental Contracts
199. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will detail the cost of all State rental contracts of private property in the past year. [15640/25]
- Pension Provisions
200. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department has engaged with representatives of the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána, fire brigades, or prison officers...
- Public Expenditure Policy
202. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he is taking to better tackle the waste of public money and improve value for money in public spending; and if he will make a...
- Capital Expenditure Programme
203. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the specific measures being taken to enhance transport and utilities in the west, given concerns that inadequate infrastructure could...
- An Garda Síochána
204. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on the proposed new divisional Garda headquarters at Northern Cross; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- National Development Plan
205. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if additional funding under the National Development Plan will be allocated to address the absence of wastewater treatment...
- Heritage Sites
207. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reasons for the destruction of the hedgerow on the walkway to the Beltany Stone Circle, Raphoe, County Donegal, a monument under the...
- Departmental Data
208. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will examine an appeal as a matter of extreme urgency in regard to a decision to disqualify a boat operator from renewing their...
- National Planning Framework
209. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform considering that as based on the National Planning Framework, Drogheda and Dundalk have been recognised as regional growth centres with...
- Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
- Artificial Intelligence
210. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the engagement he has had with Meta about the reported use of pirated creative works to train its AI models, including thousands of...
- Workplace Relations Commission
211. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the status of a case (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16376/25]
- Enterprise Policy
212. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department or Enterprise Ireland have policies that prohibit or restrict investment in specific types of enterprises; if so,...
- Department of Education and Skills
- School Facilities
213. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the funding streams available via her Department and or through the SEAI to support schools who want to reduce their energy use, specifically,...
- Special Educational Needs
214. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills regarding the publication of the NCSE report on post-school transitions of students with special educational needs (details provided); if she has...
- School Transport
215. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason parents of children attending a school (details supplied) were not informed of the route change; and if she will make a statement on...
- School Admissions
216. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will clarify the criteria under which students from a school (details supplied), are eligible to apply as Gaeltacht applicants for...
- Artificial Intelligence
217. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the policy and or guidance developed and disseminated by her Department to schools and teachers on the use of AI by students, particularly in...
- After-School Support Services
218. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there are any financial supports available for establishing an afterschool service (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the...
- School Transport
219. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will examine the response issued to the parents of a pupil (details supplied); if she will consider removing the nearest school criteria...
- School Equipment
221. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the request by a school for funding (details supplied) for necessary equipment will be re-examined; and if she will make a statement on the...
- Special Educational Needs
222. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to urgently examine the transition of the school therapy model from the HSE to the National Council for Special Education and to immediately...
- School Transport
223. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to commit to ensuring that all buses in the school transport schemes for primary schools provide a bus escort to ensure the safety, supervision,...
- School Textbooks
224. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the total amount allocated under the schoolbook grant for each of the 2024/2025 and 2023/2024 school years. [16437/25]
- School Staff
227. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason her Department will not enable a DEIS band 1 primary school in Offaly to retain its mainstream teacher; if she will consider her...
- Special Educational Needs
228. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of new special schools and special classes that have been sanctioned in Dublin bay north for the 2025-2026 school year; if all of...
- Disadvantaged Status
229. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) was not previously awarded DEIS status, given that DEIS status was already secured by the town’s...
- Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
- Artists' Remuneration
230. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on the basic income for artists scheme; when he intends undertaking a review of this scheme, as provided for in the...
- Arts Funding
231. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to make funding available to support the development of amateur theatre and amateur musical theatre here; and if he will...
- Commemorative Events
232. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his views on whether ten weeks’ notice for the town that’s hosting the National Day of Famine Remembrance is...
- Online Safety
233. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht whether provisions within the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022 relating to the advertisement or display of harmful...
- Sports Facilities
234. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the financial supports his Department provides for development of hockey pitch facilities; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Artists' Remuneration
235. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to respond to correspondence received (details supplied) in relation to the basic income for the arts pilot programme; and if he...
- Tourism Industry
236. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the additional immediate steps Tourism Ireland will take to deal with the 30% reduction in tourist numbers arriving into Ireland...
- Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government
- Departmental Funding
237. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if there are capital funding streams available or planned to support the adaptive reuse of old or protected buildings for...
- Housing Schemes
238. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the total monies paid out or committed by his Department under the HAP scheme in each local authority in respect for each year...
- Housing Provision
239. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to provide further details on the Programme for Government commitment to earmark certain cost rental units for key local...
- Rental Sector
240. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to change the current procedure for obtaining from the Revenue Commissioners a “Statement of liability“ to show...
- Housing Provision
241. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his plans to address the housing crisis as it impacts one-person households; if his Department will ensure one-person...
- Housing Policy
242. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the numbers approved for social housing supports in each local authority, broken down by number of bedrooms approved, in...
- Rental Sector
243. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the numbers currently in HAP accommodation in each local authority, in tabular form and broken down by number of bedrooms...
- Housing Policy
244. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to explain the relationship between the €111 million capital funding for social and affordable housing announced on 31...
- Fire Service
248. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the amount of capital funding his Department provided to Laois County Council for the purchase of fire applicants and or...
- Housing Policy
250. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the capital funding for housing available to Cavan County Council for this year’s house building programme; and if he...
- Housing Schemes
252. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the reason an application was unsuccessful under the historic structures fund (details supplied); whether there is any further...
- Artificial Intelligence
253. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 988 of 19 March 2025, if he can refer the question asked to the State bodies under his...
- Local Authorities
254. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to provide greater details of plans to set up a local government taskforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
- Social Welfare Schemes
255. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of recipients currently in receipt of both the one parent family payment and the half rate carer’s...
- Social Welfare Appeals
257. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to review the case of an appeal regarding State pension non-contributory arrears for a person (details supplied); and if he...
- School Meals Programme
261. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to give greater flexibility in the hot meals programme menu being offered to children in special schools (details supplied),...
- Social Welfare Benefits
263. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the average time to process an application for carer's allowance, disability allowance, one-parent family allowance and...
- Department of Justice and Equality
- Legislative Measures
264. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding the progression of the Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024, as committed to in the Programme for...
- Family Reunification
265. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to examine the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16384/25]
- Policing of Events
266. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount currently still owed to An Garda Síochána in respect of policing non-public duties events in 2024 as of 28...
- An Garda Síochána
267. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when the last competition was held for sworn Gardaí to apply to join the Garda band; and the number of Gardaí that...
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
- Water Pollution
271. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will commission a report to investigate the benefits of using oyster farms to tackle water pollution in Dublin Bay;...
- Fishing Industry
272. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the current utilisation rate of fish by-products in the state, including progress towards achieving higher...
- Agriculture Schemes
273. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed and an update on payment provided; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
- Emergency Accommodation
275. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of beneficiaries of temporary protection currently residing in the State; of that number, how many...
- After-School Support Services
276. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there are any financial supports available for establishing an after-school service (details supplied); and...
- Mental Health Services
277. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to immediately engage with all relevant Departments and Ministers and establish an adult day service and a super...
- Emergency Accommodation
278. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an update in relation to the ARP scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter....
- Mental Health Services
279. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will provide a full and proper respite service at a location (details supplied) and provide adequate...
- Disabilities Assessments
280. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a speech and language assessment will be provided for a child (details supplied); and if she will make a...
- Departmental Data
281. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will provide an update on the status of an appeal on behalf of a person (details supplied); and if she...
- Disabilities Assessments
284. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children in Laois who have not received an assessment of need within the statutory timeframe since...
- Disability Services
285. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children seen by Barrow children's disability network team in 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular...
- Health Services Staff
288. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide specific examples of where the HSE has been supported by external providers in accessing...
- Health Services
291. To ask the Minister for Health for an update on what is being done to ensure that current patients at HSE Louth Community Care, Dundalk, County Louth continue to receive treatment in the...
- Health Services Staff
293. To ask the Minister for Health the number of staff vacancies in mental health services, by CHO area, at the end of 2024, and the number of vacant posts in mental health services at present,...
- Health Services
296. To ask the Minister for Health the number of people seen by the Psychology in Primary Care children's service in 2024 and to date in 2025, respectively; and if she will make a statement on...
- Health Services Waiting Lists
297. To ask the Minister for Health the average waiting time and length of the waiting list for children to access insulin pumps for the management of diabetes; and if she will make a statement...
- Health Services
298. To ask the Minister for Health how the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics is funded; its annual expenditure; if it is funded per application; and if she will make a statement on the...
- Health Service Executive
299. To ask the Minister for Health if she will publish the terms of reference of the HSE Drugs Group and the HSE products committee for medicines; and if she will make a statement on the matter....
- Health Services
300. To ask the Minister for Health if she will outline and publish the terms of the service level agreement between the HSE and the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics; and if she will make a...
- Programme for Government
302. To ask the Minister for Health how she intends to implement the Programme for Government commitments regarding exploring early access schemes for medicines. [16353/25]
- Medicinal Products
303. To ask the Minister for Health the level of spending on pharmaceutical treatments in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16354/25]
- Health Services Staff
305. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 187 of 5 March 2025, if the reply will now be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16363/25]
- Health Services Waiting Lists
306. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for audiology appointments and treatment in CHO Areas 6, 7 and 9, broken down by children and adults, in tabular form; the length...
- Nursing Homes
307. To ask the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a determination on their fair deal application. [16382/25]
- Health Services
309. To ask the Minister for Health if a request can be expedited (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16385/25]
- Departmental Expenditure
310. To ask the Minister for Health the total monies paid out or committed by her Department to each local authority in respect of building social houses and apartments; and home purchase for...
- Home Care Packages
311. To ask the Minister for Health if adequate home care will be expedited for a family in County Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16415/25]
- Hospital Waiting Lists
312. To ask the Minister for Health if the case of a person in County Kerry (details supplied) will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16416/25]
- Primary Care Centres
313. To ask the Minister for Health if she will provide an update regarding the location of a primary care centre (details Supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16427/25]
- Medical Cards
314. To ask the Minister for Health when a decision will be made on a medical card application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16433/25]
- Departmental Communications
315. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1579 of 22 January 2025, if the reply might now be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16442/25]
- Health Services
316. To ask the Minister for Health if she will support the establishment of a centre of excellence for the treatment of amyloidosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16451/25]
- Health Services Staff
318. To ask the Minister for Health the number of full-time agency posts converted to HSE posts in 2024 and to date in 2025, by staff category, in tabular form. [16454/25]
- Health Services
319. To ask the Minister for Health her plans to ensure timely access to diagnostics and treatment for rare diseases such as transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM); and if she will make a...
- Pharmacy Services
320. To ask the Minister for Health if she will ensure the fees paid to pharmacists are increased (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16460/25]
- Medicinal Products
321. To ask the Minister for Health if she will address the medicine shortages that are forcing pharmacists to source expensive unlicensed medicines for patients with medical cards (details...
- Pharmacy Services
322. To ask the Minister for Health the steps his Department and or the HSE will take to ensure wastage is reduced in pharmacies with regard to the dispensation of drugs, particularly expensive...
- Medicinal Products
324. To ask the Minister for Health if the drug mounjaro will be considered for reimbursement as a treatment for obesity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16464/25]
- Health Service Executive
325. To ask the Minister for Health if the HSE will engage with a local volunteer health group (details supplied) and consider providing it with an office space in the Nenagh primary care centre,...
- Health Services
326. To ask the Minister for Health whether in light of HIQA’s determination that the shingles vaccine is not cost-effective for those over the age of 50, she will consider instead...
- Health Services Staff
327. To ask the Minister for Health the staffing budget allocation to CHI Temple Street and CHI Crumlin in 2023, 2024 and 2025, in tabular form; and the amount of that budget allocation that was...
- Health Services
328. To ask the Minister for Health if she will provide a list of dual diagnosis services in CHO9. [16489/25]
- Hospital Services
329. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons that have attended the eye emergency department at the Mater Hospital in 2024 and to date in 2025; and if there are plans to restore this...
- Dental Services
330. To ask the Minister for Health if she will provide a list of dentists within CHO7 that are currently accepting new medical card holders, also to include the addresses of same, in tabular...
- Parking Provision
331. To ask the Minister for Health whether she supports free car parking for patients attending hospital; whether the Government could provide the income that would be lost if this measure was...
- Department of Education and Skills
- Irish Language
332. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills in light of the 20% recruitment target in the Official Languages Acts for the State system, if his Department has spoken to any...
- Department of Rural and Community Development
- Control of Dogs
333. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will provide an update on the status of the Control of Dogs (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024; and if he will make a...
- Local Authorities
334. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his Department has asked or advised local authorities to produce outdoor recreation plans; if so, what the plans are supposed to...
