Written answers
Thursday, 18 September 2025
- Department of Defence
- Departmental Policies
14. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to provide an update on the establishment of a network of Defence attachés to be assigned to embassies around the globe; and if he will make...
- Defence Forces
16. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the total number of members of the Irish Defence Forces currently deployed to the UNIFIL mission; and the number of further deployments of Irish...
- Ukraine War
17. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if Ireland plans to be part of a peacekeeping force in Ukraine even if Russia does not consent to the mission; and if he will make a statement on...
- Defence Forces
18. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for an update on the review of the first masterplan for Airside in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, by officials in his Department; and if he will...
- National Security
21. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps he will take to safeguard undersea critical infrastructure given the recent €60 million investment in sonar capabilities; and if...
- Defence Forces
22. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to report on the progress of recruitment campaigns for school leavers and women into careers in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a...
- National Security
26. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for an update on the development of Ireland’s first national maritime security strategy. [48427/25]
- Budget Process
27. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the commitment the Government have given to increase defence spending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37866/25]
- Naval Service
28. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the strength of the Naval Service fleet; if there is an adequate number of personnel in the service to keep all ships operational when needed;...
- Defence Forces
30. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will consider the introduction of service commitment schemes to retain key specialist functions within the Defence Forces; and if he will...
- Air Corps
33. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for an update on the operational functionality of Baldonnell Aerodrome given the recent issues with air traffic control personnel. [48979/25]
- National Security
34. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to provide an update on the current work ongoing with the British government regarding a memorandum of understanding for Ireland's defence, which...
- Defence Forces
36. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the Army nursing service; the decision to outsource to private contractors; and if he will make a...
- Commemorative Medals
37. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the process for the awarding of historical IRA medals to families of volunteers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49282/25]
- Defence Forces
38. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the means by which he is examining incentives and structural changes to make a military career accessible to a wider range of candidates, and to...
- Foreign Policy
46. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will report on Ireland's engagement with EU partners on defence innovation, including the development of radar and AI technologies; and if...
- Departmental Properties
47. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which his Department owns property at Knockalisheen, Meelick, County Clare; the purpose for which this land is currently used; and...
- Defence Forces
49. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces or his Department is keeping data on the number of people leaving the Defence Forces, by service, rank, and when they are...
- Naval Service
50. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the level of specialist technician recruitment to the Naval Service over the past three years; the positions filled in that period; if he...
- Defence Forces
53. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he has examined the extent to which pension entitlements are hindering retention levels in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement...
- Naval Service
58. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures he will take to improve the Irish Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49293/25]
- Departmental Funding
59. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will report on the capital funding allocated to defence in the National Development Plan for the period 2026 to 2030. [48984/25]
- Defence Forces
61. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the required number of nurses, doctors and dentists required by the Army nursing service to operate at full capacity; the number in 2020; and the...
- Air Corps
63. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding air traffic controllers and the impacts of the reduced staff force on Air Corps flights; and if he will make a statement...
- Defence Forces
64. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of students in the most recent intake of cadets into the Defence Forces; the steps his Department is taking to encourage more young...
- EU Funding
65. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if Ireland intends to make use of the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) EU financial instrument; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- Defence Forces
66. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department is considering redeploying peacekeepers to UNDOF in the next two years, considering the wind down of UNIFIL and expected...
- Departmental Properties
67. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans for accommodation at the Manor Kilbride Army Camp and Range, County Wicklow. [49267/25]
- Defence Forces
68. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures being taken by his Department to create new accommodation for military personnel in Collins Barracks, Cork; and if he will make a...
- Departmental Strategies
69. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to provide an update on the implementation of the Technology Strategy and Roadmap for his Department; the expected costs of the implementation;...
- Cybersecurity Policy
70. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding Ireland's preparedness for a significant cyber-attack on his Department's offices and institutions; and if he will make a...
- Defence Forces
71. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the progress to date in implementing the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49233/25]
- EU Meetings
73. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will report on his attendance at the recent informal Meetings of EU Defence Ministers. [48982/25]
- Defence Forces
74. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of funding the full implementation of the Working Time Directive, welfare provisions; and the way in which he intends to...
- Legislative Measures
80. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to provide an update regarding the progress made by his Department in progressing the Defence Amendment Act 2025. [49118/25]
- Department of Environment, Community and Local Government
- Electricity Grid
96. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the current and projected contribution of solar farms to the national grid; the impact this is having on the grid's...
- Energy Policy
98. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the reason he has decided to replace the proposed Energy Poverty Action Plan with an Energy Affordability Action Plan; and...
- Energy Conservation
99. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the number of applications currently in place for the warmer homes scheme; the number of applications processed in 2022,...
- Inland Fisheries
100. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the status of the current investigation into the widespread fish kill in the River Blackwater in recent weeks; if his...
- Renewable Energy Generation
101. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his Department’s plans to support the development of biomethane. [48951/25]
- Wind Energy Guidelines
103. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government when his Department will issue new guidelines on the way in which offshore windfarms should be developed; and if he will...
- Energy Infrastructure
104. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government in view of severe weather events in 2024 and to date in 2025, the measures being implemented to strengthen critical...
- Sustainable Energy Communities
105. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if there are plans to fund the development of district heating. [48950/25]
- Renewable Energy Generation
106. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government to provide an update on the publication of the Biomethane Sustainability Charter which is intended to transparently...
- Energy Infrastructure
107. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if additional legislative or regulatory measures need to be implemented by his Department to protect critical...
- Departmental Schemes
110. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government to report on the low-cost loan retrofitting scheme; to report on the scheme's uptake since its inception; and if he will...
- Environmental Policy
111. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he is aware that GHG emissions went up by 2.9% in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024; to report on any meetings he has had...
- Energy Policy
112. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the reason he has established the National Energy Affordability Taskforce without civil society representation; and if he...
- Recycling Policy
113. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his proposals to increase the amount of PET plastic recycled in Ireland. [48879/25]
- Closed-Circuit Television Systems
115. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government to provide an update on the implementation of the relevant sections of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions...
- Climate Change Policy
117. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government for the provision of a local community climate action officer for County Cork to liaise and work directly with the various...
- Departmental Schemes
119. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the number of home energy upgrades completed to date in 2025, in each county; the way in which this compared to the same...
- Energy Policy
121. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will transpose the EU definition of energy poverty into Irish law; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- Air Quality
122. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on Ireland's capacity to monitor air pollution; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Marine Protected Areas
123. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will urgently introduce legislation to properly protect marine protected areas; and if he will make a statement on...
- Waste Management
124. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government when a new a waste action plan for a circular economy is planned to be delivered after the current plan is due to expire...
- Energy Usage
126. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will support legislation to enable the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities to give more specific directions...
- Electricity Generation
128. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the proposed timeline for the delivery of the private wires legislation referenced in the Private Wires Policy Statement;...
- Departmental Funding
129. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the supports available within his Department to further develop the Galway warm home hub; and if he will make a statement...
- Renewable Energy Generation
131. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government for an update on the development of renewable energy. [48943/25]
- EU Agreements
133. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if the Government remains committed to the decision of the previous Government to withdraw from the EU Energy Treaty; if...
- Renewable Energy Generation
134. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if a separate renewable heat obligation rate was considered for the liquid fuels sector; the reason this was not advanced...
- Energy Conservation
135. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the progress that has been made to date in 2025 towards reaching the Government’s retrofitting targets across...
- Renewable Energy Generation
136. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding any incentives or obligations under review within his Department that would support data centres in...
- Wind Energy Generation
137. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will intervene to oppose plans for wind turbines in east Clare (details supplied); if aviation authorities have been...
- Departmental Schemes
139. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the progress being made to reduce waiting times for the warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Climate Action Plan
140. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has carried out a review of the level of performance of all public bodies with regards to their...
- Recycling Policy
141. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will report on the deposit return scheme; if he is aware of the €66.7 million in unclaimed deposits; if he is...
- Energy Prices
144. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the steps his Department is taking to reduce the cost of electricity. [49292/25]
- Electricity Generation
146. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the progress made in the development of flexible electricity generation capacity; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Environmental Policy
148. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he will take to ensure Ireland meets its commitment to protect 30% of its oceans by 2030 through the designation...
- Waste Management
149. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he has engaged with the European Union or international partners on the collection and reporting of data which will...
- Noise Pollution
150. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the legislative and policy measures his Department is planning to take with respect to noise pollution from commercial...
- Electricity Transmission Network
152. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government given the frequent long delays for electricity connections on newly built houses, if there are plans to ensure available...
- Electricity Grid
154. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government to outline the plans for investment in the grid over the coming decade. [48949/25]
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Departmental Functions
156. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the work his Department has undertaken ahead of the tenth session of the UN Open-Ended Inter-Governmental Working Group on Transnational...
- International Relations
157. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade following the joint UK-US naval transit of the Taiwan Strait and China's subsequent condemnation, if he will outline Ireland's official...
- United Nations
158. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland will support and advocate for drafting of the proposed new optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child...
- Air Navigation Orders
159. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he still believes that Israeli munitions are not being flown through Irish airspace (details supplied); and if he will make a statement...
- Department of Environment, Community and Local Government
- Energy Conservation
161. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the number of businesses that have been supported through energy efficiency grants in each of the past five years; and if...
- Planning Issues
162. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he is developing plans to streamline the co-location of islanded data centres with large, multi-use urban developments...
- Departmental Funding
163. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the breakdown of the €27 million funding announced for the acceleration of the circular economy transition, by...
- Energy Prices
164. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he intends to take to protect consumers from excessive energy costs, particularly given the profit figures from...
- Planning Issues
165. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the up-to-date position on advancing the development of planning guidelines for biogas; and if he will make a statement on...
- Tax Code
166. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he has met with the Minister for Finance to discuss the tax free exemption of earnings up to €400 by households...
- Energy Infrastructure
167. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government in light of recent volatility in European energy markets, the steps been taken as of September 2025 to diversify Ireland's...
- Department of Defence
- Defence Forces
168. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the type of ancillary benefits available to members of the Defence Forces, such as healthcare; if there are any plans to expand these benefits;...
- Air Corps
169. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if steps have been taken to address the shortage of people and facilities for the training of pilots in the Air Corps. [49369/25]
- Public Sector Pensions
170. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost increasing Vote 35 to allow for occupational supplementary pension to be provided to members of the Defence Forces on...
- Defence Forces
171. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the estimated cost of increasing capital spending in line with 2022-2027 Defence Forces Capital Infrastructure Development Plan to enhance...
- Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
- Driver Licences
180. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the policy of the RSA and the NDLS with regard to the requirement for an eyesight report when renewing or replacing a driving licence; ...
- Driver Test
181. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will outline his Department's plan on opening a new driving test centre in County Cork; the current test waiting times in Cork; and...
- Road Safety
182. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport whether he has had any engagement with the Road Safety Authority, An Garda Síochána or the Department of Justice, |Home Affairs...
- Electric Vehicles
183. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress being made to increase the availability of EV charging points across the country, and the various models being explored to...
- Dublin Airport Authority
185. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to recent media reports of tensions between the board of the Dublin Airport Authority and its chief executive, to set out all...
- Road Network
194. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of scheduled tunnel closures for the Jack Lynch tunnel (N40), the Dublin tunnel (M50) and the Limerick tunnel (N18), by...
- Public Transport
196. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current capacity and frequency of public transport services bus and rail between Cork City and commuter satellite towns such as...
- Regional Airports
197. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the regional airports programme; if there will be a consultation on the programme; if not, the reasons; and if he...
- Air Navigation Orders
198. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on reports of Israeli munitions travelling through Irish airspace; if he is aware of these reports; if he has ever been warned...
- Department of Finance
- Tax Reliefs
200. To ask the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 668 of 29 July 2025, if the exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant, under the disabled drivers and disabled...
- EU Programmes
202. To ask the Minister for Finance for an update on the ongoing work of the EU’s Retail Investment Strategy; when he expects it to be finalised; the means by which that strategy will...
- Renewable Energy Generation
203. To ask the Minister for Finance if he plans to continue the exemption householders with solar panels to sell excess energy back to the grid whereby they can earn up €400 tax free...
- Fiscal Policy
205. To ask the Minister for Finance in view of the September 2025 warnings from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council about Government overspending relative to agreed targets, the immediate measures...
- Economic Policy
206. To ask the Minister for Finance to provide an update on his Department’s efforts to progress and publish an implementation plan taking into consideration the Funds Review...
- Tax Code
207. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider abolishing the eight-year deemed disposal rule in the capital gains tax system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49573/25]
- Economic Policy
208. To ask the Minister for Finance if his Department is considering any measures to expand investment opportunities in capital markets for the average retail investor; and if he will make a...
- Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
- Office of Public Works
210. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the OPW plans in place for the vacant Garda station in Templederry, Nenagh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49338/25]
- Dublin Airport Authority
211. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the approvals that are required before any severance or settlement is paid by the Dublin Airport Authority to a departing executive; to...
- Fiscal Policy
212. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in view of the September 2025 warnings from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council about Government overspending relative to agreed targets,...
- Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
- Small and Medium Enterprises
213. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment following recent Cork Chamber survey findings that 41% of businesses face significant challenges in international trade, the supports...
- Economic Data
214. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department monitors the prevalence of shrinkflation in the Irish market; if there is a mechanism to publish a list of products...
- Tourism Policy
217. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the development of cruise tourism in Dublin will form part of the forthcoming Marine Tourism Strategy; and if opportunities will...
- EU Regulations
221. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Denmark's estimate that pending EU regulations could impose €124.2billion in annual compliance costs EU-wide, to...
- Planning Issues
222. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the specific steps in the Action Plan on Competitiveness & Productivity which will address planning delays, approval times...
- Department of Education and Skills
- School Transport
223. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will review correspondence regarding school transport (details supplied); if she will issue tickets for the children concerned; and if she...
- Schools Building Projects
225. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a school building project being processed by the large scale development section of her Department which is to provide a new...
- School Transport
226. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department has engaged with Bus Éireann regarding the ongoing failure to secure a school transport provider for students at a school...
- Health and Safety
231. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her views regarding the disparity in the health and safety leave policy between pregnant teachers and SNAs in special schools. [49337/25]
- Teacher Training
232. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason some teachers have not yet received an outcome to their PME refund scheme application (details supplied); when all applicants will...
- School Accommodation
233. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will review correspondence regarding a school (details supplied); if she will address the concerns raised; if she will expedite the...
- School Facilities
234. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will ensure that a school (details supplied) is allocated €75,000 to cover the cost of modernisation of school facilities. [49401/25]
- Special Educational Needs
235. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the NCSE carries out risk assessments such as to identify flight risks of children in determination of SNA allocations to schools; and if she...
- Departmental Data
237. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) is in the Cabra-Phibsborough or Finglas-Scribblestown school planning area. [49442/25]
- School Attendance
238. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department has a record of the number of children of school-going age who are not attending primary school or are simply refusing to...
- Departmental Data
239. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the average daily minutes available for lunch in primary and post-primary schools for 2022 to 2025, with the distribution (median, inter-quartile...
- School Facilities
240. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools that lack kitchen facilities to prepare or safely reheat meals on site; and to provide a capital plan with timelines and...
- Special Educational Needs
241. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware that there are children due to attend the east Cork special school still awaiting a start date.; and if she will make a statement...
- School Transport
242. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware that at least 12-children accepted into a school (details supplied) have been unable to attend school this term due to the...
- School Facilities
246. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the additional accommodation scheme project for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter....
- School Admissions
248. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students in Galway city, due to enter special classes in second level this year, who had not secured places by the end of the...
- Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment
- Arts Funding
252. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to extend the basic income for the arts scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49340/25]
- Housing Provision
263. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the estimated cost to set up the residential property price register; the estimated costs on a monthly or annual basis to...
- Invasive Species Policy
264. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 1239 of 8 September 2025, the reason a comprehensive review of the entire List of...
- Special Areas of Conservation
265. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to list all sites currently being assessed as sites of community importance under Article 4 of the Habitats Directive; and if...
- National Parks and Wildlife Service
270. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if a list of prospective sites for SCI designation is kept by the scientific unit of the National Parks and Wildlife Service;...
- Student Accommodation
271. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if every local authority has adopted and published an operational policy for the room for a student local authority tenancies...
- Defective Building Materials
273. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the protections a building contractor has under the defective concrete block grant scheme, if the homeowner has not paid them...
- Departmental Inquiries
274. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 497 of 24 June 2025, for an update regarding the issue which continues to be causing...
- Local Authorities
275. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will consider introducing stronger requirements to ensure essential infrastructure, such as public lighting, footpaths,...
- Housing Provision
276. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 1106 of 8 September 2025, the research carried out by his Department which indicated the...
- Heritage Schemes
279. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the application under the built heritage investment scheme by a school (details supplied);...
- Departmental Data
280. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the total number of planning applications referred to An Bord Pleanála in each county for each of the past five years....
- Planning Issues
282. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will review the current planning policies requiring a minimum period of residence, often seven years, before an...
- Departmental Funding
284. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the funding which has been allocated or ring-fenced to support necessary infrastructure that is, roads, drainage, schools,...
- Departmental Data
285. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of Government annual housing targets which have been met as of September 2025 in each local authority to date; the...
- Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
- Food Safety
286. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the role his Department plays in setting, monitoring, and enforcing nutritional standards for food served on school premises,...
- School Meals Programme
287. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to list every post-primary school that applied for participation in the hot school meals or school meals scheme and that was...
- Departmental Data
289. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the percentage of pupils regularly present who do not collect a school meal when it is available, by school and term since...
- Legislative Measures
290. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to confirm whether he will bring forward primary legislation establishing a pupil entitlement to a nutritious school meal...
- School Meals Programme
291. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the procurement model used by schools and patron bodies for meal provision, including the use of frameworks, lot sizes, SME...
- Disability Services
294. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he is aware that disability allowance recipients are having their allowance revoked based on his Department’s...
- Departmental Schemes
295. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if his Department is currently carrying out a review of the work and access scheme; and if he is aware of a number of issues...
- Departmental Policies
296. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will consider amending the supplementary welfare allowance policy to allow referrals from An Garda Síochána...
- Departmental Inquiries
297. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if matters regarding contributions for persons will be clarified (details supplied). [49450/25]
- State Pensions
298. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the projections made regarding the sustainability of the State pension system given demographic trends as of September 2025;...
- Social Welfare Benefits
300. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will consider allowing those on primary social welfare payments, such as disability allowance, to receive half rate...
- Department of Justice and Equality
- Departmental Data
301. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality in view of a recent media report regarding An Garda Síochána’s Security and Intelligence Section payment to a...
- Courts Service
302. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the secured funding for the courts service to facilitate the development and delivery of the eProbate...
- Work Permits
303. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to examine the case of a person whose work permit will expire in October 2025 (details supplied) given they have not received...
- Road Safety
304. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality whether he has had any engagement with An Garda Síochána on the Crowe Report; the way in which the issues raised...
- Departmental Strategies
305. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the specific measures, strategies, or initiatives he intends to implement to eliminate violence against women in Ireland; if he...
- Domestic Violence
306. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps he is taking to ensure that all victims of domestic and gender-based violence have access to emergency accommodation,...
- Driver Licences
307. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of convictions in the past five years for non-surrender of licences by disqualified drivers. [49441/25]
- Naturalisation Applications
308. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a naturalisation application (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49546/25]
- Departmental Investigations
309. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the actions he intends to take regarding the revelation that files and evidence in relation to the 1987 murder of a person...
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
- Agriculture Supports
310. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will introduce financial support for tillage farmers, considering the income crisis currently being faced by the sector due to...
- Environmental Schemes
311. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a premium will be payable to persons who as a result of storm Éowyn have to replant their forest under the new scheme; and if...
- Greyhound Industry
312. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of non-coursing greyhounds registered at whelping stage with the Irish Coursing Club whose year of birth was 2024; and if...
- Departmental Funding
315. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider providing funding to an association (details supplied) for the purchase of essential equipment. [49407/25]
- Animal Welfare
316. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the arrangements that are in place to ensure that regional ISPCA facilities, such as the Donegal Animal Rehabilitation Centre, are...
- Vaccination Programme
317. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the rollout of the badger BCG vaccination programme as part of the national bovine TB eradication...
- Department of Children, Disability and Equality
- Childcare Services
318. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her views on restrictive practice as it relates to children with additional needs that are a flight risk; and whether she will...
- Departmental Funding
320. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to expedite awarded funding for an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49372/25]
- Departmental Contracts
321. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will provide information in relation to the contracts awarded to private companies to conduct assessment of need for...
- Childcare Qualifications
322. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will outline the professional qualifications and disciplines required under HSE contracts for individuals conducting autism...
- Disability Services
326. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of WTE psychologists, by grade based at Swords children's disability network team in 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular...
- Childcare Services
327. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the reason children with additional needs are only sponsored with the national childcare scheme until children turn four years; and...
- Departmental Data
328. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if Ireland will support and advocate for drafting of the proposed new optional protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child...
- Department of Health
- Departmental Inquiries
329. To ask the Minister for Health if a date for surgery in the department of vascular surgery WUH has been arranged for a person (details supplied); and if the matter will be expedited. [49324/25]
- General Practitioner Services
330. To ask the Minister for Health to examine the case of a person (details supplied) referred by their GP to the University Hospital Limerick ENT section but has yet to receive an appointment...
- Departmental Staff
331. To ask the Minister for Health if all frontline health staff, carrying out the same work as their colleagues, are in receipt of the same pay and conditions; and if she will make a statement...
- Hospital Services
332. To ask the Minister for Health if the HSE will provide, for each of the past three years, the number of hospital outpatient and day-case attendances where alopecia areata (ICD-10 L63) was...
- Hospital Staff
333. To ask the Minister for Health the number of whole-time equivalent consultant dermatologists and dermatology clinical nurse specialists, by hospital and hospital group; the number that list...
- Abortion Services
334. To ask the Minister for Health the counselling services that are required to be provided to women prior to undergoing an abortion; the counselling and after-care services that are provided...
- Health Services Staff
336. To ask the Minister for Health the counselling and psychological supports that are available for medical staff, including doctors, nurses and operating theatre staff, who participate in...
- Abortion Services
337. To ask the Minister for Health the national guidelines that govern the provision of counselling in the context of abortion; whether these guidelines have been updated in light of the 12...
- Childcare Services
339. To ask the Minister for Health the services and supports that will be provided to a child (details supplied) through their CDNT in Cork; if she will provide information on the roll-out of...
- Hospital Procedures
340. To ask the Minister for Health to provide an update on the implementation of the safe staffing framework at Mayo University Hospital; the findings of any audit or assessment conducted into...
- Health Services
341. To ask the Minister for Health if she will provide a timeline for the CHI's and HSE's plans for developing a sustainable and robust psychological support service for the families being...
- Health Services Staff
342. To ask the Minister for Health the number of WTE social workers, by grade posts that were actually filled within the primary care system in CHO9 in 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular...
- Parking Provision
344. To ask the Minister for Health the amount of revenue generated through public car-parking charges at Beaumont Hospital in 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [49398/25]
- Health Services Staff
345. To ask the Minister for Health the number of approved play specialist posts in Cork University Hospital; the number of posts that are in place and filled; the number that are vacant; if...
- Hospital Staff
346. To ask the Minister for Health her plans to recruit a dedicated consultant paediatric gastroenterologist for Cork University Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49400/25]
- Hospital Services
347. To ask the Minister for Health the current inpatient bed capacity across Cork University Hospital, Mercy University Hospital and Mallow General Hospital, as of September 2025; the way in...
- Health Service Executive
348. To ask the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in providing a carer's business plan promised by the HSE, Limerick, relative to a person (details supplied) while they resided in the...
- General Practitioner Services
349. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons currently eligible under the expanded general practitioner visit card scheme, announced in August 2023, who have not yet applied; and if...
- Departmental Schemes
354. To ask the Minister for Health to provide an update on the timeframe for payments to be made as a result of the WRC payment agreement which was ratified by members in May 2025 and applies to...
- Health Service Executive
355. To ask the Minister for Health if she will consider additional financial supports for community and voluntary organisations including Section 39, Section 56, Section 10 and Section 40...
- Departmental Data
356. To ask the Minister for Health the age limit for eligibility for access to CAR T-cell therapy in Ireland; the reasons for such an age limit; her plans to expand access across all age groups;...
- Departmental Schemes
357. To ask the Minister for Health the plans to add PHP1B (Pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1B) to the long-term illness benefit scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49446/25]
- Care Services
358. To ask the Minister for Health the supports available in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49447/25]
- Departmental Funding
360. To ask the Minister for Health if the HSE will cover the cost of providing a splint for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49449/25]
- Health Service Executive
361. To ask the Minister for Health to provide details of the businesses or persons that provide private assessments for children referred by the HSE, relative to determining a diagnosis for...
- Hospital Waiting Lists
362. To ask the Minister for Health the number of patients on hospital waiting lists nationwide as of September 2025; how this compares to September 2024; the number of consultant posts that...
- Departmental Data
363. To ask the Minister for Health the number of Ukrainian doctors who are now registered to practice in Ireland; the process to achieve registration; and to provide data on the types of...
- Departmental Policies
364. To ask the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be considered for CAR T- cell therapy in St. James’s Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49487/25]
- Health Services
365. To ask the Minister for Health if the neurorehabilitation centre in Bray, County Wicklow is now fully operational; if not, when it is expected to become fully operational; and if she will...
- Healthcare Policy
366. To ask the Minister for Health if she will consider the introduction of a free shingles vaccine for older people, in particular those over 66 years-of-age, in line with best practice in...
- Health Service Executive
367. To ask the Minister for Health the number of food-business notifications, by county, which have been lodged with HSE environmental health for school meal providers since 2023; the number of...
- Departmental Contracts
368. To ask the Minister for Health the proportion of providers serving schools that have documented HACCP systems verified by inspection; to publish compliance rates with Reg. 852/2004; and to...
- Health Service Executive
369. To ask the Minister for Health to publish HSE guidance issued to schools on mandatory written allergen information for non-prepacked foods, including the 2025 update to FSAI guidance note...
- Departmental Policies
374. To ask the Minister for Health to detail the cross-departmental governance for safeguarding pupils with serious allergies consuming externally prepared meals, including traceability of...
- Health Promotion
375. To ask the Minister for Health the HSE estimates of the health impact (BMI, anaemia, dental caries, attendance) of high-sugar options in school meals; and whether you have recommended...
- Legislative Measures
376. To ask the Minister for Health whether her Department supports legislating for statutory school-meal nutrition standards and inspection powers; and if not, to provide the evidence base....
- Health Service Executive
377. To ask the Minister for Health if the HSE would consider funding CAR T-cell therapy for cancer patients in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49530/25]
- Healthcare Policy
378. To ask the Minister for Health if a treatment will be made available for a person (details supplied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49532/25]
- Dental Services
379. To ask the Minister for Health if she will provide an update on the provision of special needs dental services in Nenagh; if she is aware that the post of special needs dentist has been...
- Departmental Inquiries
380. To ask the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49547/25]
- Departmental Correspondence
381. To ask the Minister for Health if she will review correspondence (details supplied); if she will address the concerns raised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49552/25]
- Middle East
383. To ask the Minister for Health to provide an update on medical evacuations to Ireland, of children who are paediatric patients from Gaza to which Government approval was secured in September...
- Health Services
384. To ask the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to the case of a patient (details supplied); if the therapy in question will be provided to address the patient’s urgent...
- Ambulance Service
385. To ask the Minister for Health the reason for the disruption to the authorisation of newly qualified paramedics and advanced paramedics within the National Ambulance Service; to outline the...
- Department of Education and Skills
- Student Accommodation
386. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of student accommodation units available in Cork city, Blarney, Mallow and Glanmire, as of September 2025; the number of units...
- Departmental Data
387. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 589 of 7 May and 2693 of 8 September 2025, if the total number of places for ICT and digital training on...
- Apprenticeship Programmes
388. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to give urgent consideration to a query (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49394/25]
- Education and Training Boards
389. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when ETB employees who accepted adult educator contracts will be moved to the appropriate point on the salary scale; when all back pay owing to...
- Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
- Departmental Funding
390. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will ensure that a local improvement grant, change of use request, is approved for a group (details supplied). [49531/25]
