Written answers
Thursday, 6 November 2025
- Department of Defence
- Defence Forces
14. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of new recruits who entered the Defence Forces to date in 2026; the number of persons who left over the same period; and if he will...
- National Security
17. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures being taken to protect any threats of damage to vital subterranean and submarine infrastructure, with Ireland being a major...
- Defence Forces
18. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to address the challenges of the single pension scheme for Defence Forces personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- National Security
19. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which his Department is preparing to use robotic drones and remote control submersibles to protect undersea cables and...
- Air Corps
20. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to outline, further to recent Dáil debates, his views on past health and safety measures in the Air Corps; the potential engagements with...
- Defence Forces
21. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on improvements to pay and conditions for members of the Permanent Defence Force arising from the €485...
- Air Corps
22. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for an update on plans for Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60418/25]
- Defence Forces
23. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for an update on his Department and the Defence Forces Strategy Statement 2025–2028; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60433/25]
- Emergency Planning
24. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Office of Emergency Planning plans to advertise the way in which the public should respond to the various emergencies it deals with; and...
- Defence Forces
25. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the progress made in all the investigations into the death of a Defence Forces member who was killed on duty in the Lebanon (details supplied);...
- National Security
31. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the actions being taken to strengthen maritime and cyber surveillance to safeguard Ireland’s critical undersea infrastructure; the extent...
- Defence Forces
32. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will ensure that the Defence Forces and his Department adhere to their responsibility of providing balancing statements for Defence Forces...
- Air Corps
33. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to provide an update on the Government’s plans to purchase fighter jets; the cost associated with the planned purchase of these jets; and...
- Defence Forces
34. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps his Department is taking to improve pay and conditions of members of the Defence Forces. [60260/25]
- National Security
35. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for an update on the national maritime security strategy; the timeframe for delivery of the strategy; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Defence Forces
36. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the improvements the revised NDP will mean for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60434/25]
- Departmental Budgets
37. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if spending under Vote 36 is within profile; if he expects an underspend in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60414/25]
- Defence Forces
38. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on the matter of entry level cadet pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60437/25]
- Naval Service
39. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to expand the Naval Service capacity, outside of increasing the numbers of personnel. [59618/25]
- Defence Forces
40. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces’ personnel serving overseas at present; if the number is anticipated to change over the next 18 months; and...
- White Papers
42. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the input his Department has made to the EU’s White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030; and if he will make a statement on...
- Military Neutrality
43. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to provide an update on his plans to introduce legislation abolishing the triple lock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60397/25]
- Defence Forces
44. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the present enlistment in the Permanent Defence Force; the proposals to increase recruitment and improve retention levels in 2026; and if he will...
- Military Neutrality
47. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will report on his engagements with regard to the impact his proposed removal of the triple lock neutrality protection will have on Irish...
- Naval Service
48. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of naval vessels that can currently simultaneously be put to sea; and the number required under level of ambition 2. [60466/25]
- Military Neutrality
50. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his views on whether NATO warships carrying out drills with the Naval Service compromises Irish neutrality; and if he will make a statement on...
- Commemorative Events
52. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the consideration given to introducing guard ceremonies at the Defence Forces monument at Merrion Square in Dublin and in other locations in the...
- Official Engagements
53. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for a report on his attendance at the recent RACO conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60432/25]
- Departmental Budgets
54. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current budget he has secured for defence in 2026 under Vote 36; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60413/25]
- National Security
55. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his Department’s position on the feasibility and legality regarding defence of subsea cables outside of Irish territorial waters; and if...
- Military Archives
58. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the details of the historic weaponry and machinery his Department still holds; if this is held in archive; if there are plans to conserve this...
- Defence Forces
60. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the measures he is taking to improve retention levels in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60417/25]
- EU Funding
76. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department plans to avail of SAFE funding; the guarantees his Department has sought to ensure any joint procurement for the Defence Forces...
- Department of Environment, Community and Local Government
- Waste Management
87. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he has advocated for the collation of data relating to specific plastic polymers at an EU level. [60468/25]
- Energy Prices
89. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he is concerned at high household energy costs; the steps he will take in areas under his remit to lower the cost of the...
- Energy Infrastructure
90. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government for an update on proposed regulations for biogas facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59452/25]
- Electricity Grid
94. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the measures being taken to ensure grid resilience in vulnerable areas during the 2025-26 winter period; the means by which...
- Climate Change Negotiations
97. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his priorities ahead of COP30; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60499/25]
- Waste Management
98. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the steps the Government plans to take to support the move to reusable cups to reduce waste from disposable coffee cups;...
- Renewable Energy Generation
99. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the plans his Department is currently evaluating to reduce barriers for the construction of renewable energy; and if he...
- Climate Action Plan
100. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government to address the findings of a recently published report (details supplied); the steps he is taking to address this...
- Energy Prices
101. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider implementing a comprehensive strategy for the utilisation of surplus renewable energy to help reduce...
- Fisheries Protection
102. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government for an update on the investigation into the fish kill on the River Blackwater in August 2025; the actions being taken to...
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions
103. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he accepts that that lobbying efforts by officials in the EU may not work in relation to payments (details supplied);...
- Waste Management
104. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will outline his Department's policy on the building of new incinerator facilities; and if he will make a statement...
- Energy Infrastructure
106. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the measures that will be implemented in 2026 to strengthen critical infrastructure including energy supplies; and if he...
- Recycling Policy
107. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the roll-out of deposit return scheme machines; the mechanisms put in place to repair faults and...
- Renewable Energy Generation
108. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the progress on publishing the regulations for anaerobic digesters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59354/25]
- Energy Prices
109. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the steps being taken to strengthen the powers and remit of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities in light of the...
- Wind Energy Generation
110. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government for an updated timeline for the delivery of Ireland’s offshore wind targets under CAP25, in view of industry...
- Energy Infrastructure
111. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government for an update on proposed regulations for battery energy storage systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- Climate Action Plan
112. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government to provide an update on the implementation of the Climate Action Plan 2025; the progress on legacy actions from previous...
- Recycling Policy
113. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the changes that will be made to the terms of Repak’s new licence to operate as an approved body for packaging...
- Energy Prices
114. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the analysis his Department has undertaken into the effect the withdrawal of energy credits in budget 2026 will have on...
- Energy Conservation
115. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if the Government's retrofitting targets across private housing have been set for 2026; and if he will make a statement on...
- Illegal Dumping
116. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider rolling out countrywide the Pure Mile Project that works successfully in County Wicklow and the Dublin...
- Business Supports
117. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government for an update on the business energy upgrade scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50831/25]
- Energy Prices
118. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he aware of the extent of energy poverty in Ireland; the measures that will be put in place to address this issue; and...
- Recycling Policy
121. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the status of Ireland's progress on meeting recycling goals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60289/25]
- Wind Energy Generation
122. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding further initiatives proposed by his Department to increase the support for offshore wind...
- Recycling Policy
123. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government how the Government proposes to fulfil its pledge in the programme for Government to invest in waste sorting technology...
- State Bodies
124. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the current status of his Department’s plan to increase the staff headcount of the CRU; and if he will make a...
- Departmental Budgets
125. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the amount allocated to EirGrid in each of the years 2022 to 2025 and the purpose of such allocations. [60490/25]
- Renewable Energy Generation
126. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the reason his Department departed from the Government's original implementation plan for the Accelerated Renewable...
- Data Centres
127. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government whether he has assessed the impact of projected data centre demand on Ireland’s electricity grid and climate...
- Renewable Energy Generation
128. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government for an update regarding publishing of planning guidelines for biogas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60406/25]
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions
129. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the measures being taken to address Ireland’s projected shortfall in meeting EU climate targets under the Effort...
- Energy Infrastructure
130. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department is currently reviewing ways to reduce the duplication of licensing applications needed to be attained to...
- Solar Energy Guidelines
131. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the number of Government-owned buildings which have been retrofitted with solar panels; and if he will make a statement on...
- Emergency Planning
132. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he is aware of annual review recently published by the Climate Change Advisory Council (details supplied) that Ireland...
- Renewable Energy Generation
133. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which his Department is supporting innovation, research and invention in the realm of new forms of renewable...
- Aquaculture Industry
136. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he has considered the use of aquaculture or seaweed farms within ORE projects, as has been done successfully alongside...
- Renewable Energy Generation
138. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the work of the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce and the development of a...
- Energy Conservation
139. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the options available through the better energy warmer homes scheme given the restrictions on coverage for new fossil fuel...
- Recycling Policy
140. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government to report on the engagements he has had with Re-turn since the publication of its annual report; if he has discussed...
- Wind Energy Generation
143. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the €35 million penalty paid by a company (details supplied) after it pulled out...
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions
144. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his engagements with the European Commission on the EU’s ‘simplification’ process as it applies to...
- Energy Policy
145. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government for an update on the actions taken under the programme for Government commitment to explore if legislation could be...
- Electricity Generation
146. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government for an update on private wires policy; the timeline for delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60034/25]
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Middle East
148. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will ensure Ireland plays a leading role in the restoration of the Palestinian banking system; if he will advocate for the immediate...
- Military Aircraft
149. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade regarding granting a US Department of War chartered flight, carrying troops or military cargo, to refuel at Shannon Airport en route to the...
- Department of Environment, Community and Local Government
- Environmental Policy
150. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has assessed the economic impact on domestic retailers arising from the non-compliance of overseas...
- Renewable Energy Generation
151. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the way in which his Department is engaging with enterprise agencies to attract investment into the emerging biomethane...
- Energy Policy
152. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government to provide an update on his engagement with Ireland's major energy providers, including the meeting held on 26 September...
- Environmental Schemes
153. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government for an update on the National Retrofit Plan, specifically regarding the targets of retrofitting 500,000 homes and...
- Wind Energy Generation
154. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the status of Ireland’s offshore wind energy projects, particularly the 5 GW target for 2030; the measures being...
- Air Quality
155. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government to address Ireland’s preparedness for the stricter EU air quality standards set to take effect in 2030; the actions...
- Environmental Schemes
160. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if consideration will be given to expanding the Better Energy Homes Programme to include replacement of items such as heat...
- Renewable Energy Generation
161. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his policy regarding supporting and financially assisting agri-based biomethane plants across the country; and if he will...
- Waste Management
166. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the implementation of the levy on disposable coffee cups as provided for in the Circular...
- Department of Defence
- Defence Forces
172. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when he expects local bargaining 1% adjustments to be approved and to commence in the defence sector (details supplied); and if he will make a...
- Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
- Military Aircraft
176. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the specific, proactive measures his Department is taking to inspect such aircraft for illegal munitions, given the numerous reports of...
- Road Projects
177. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the updated criteria for community involvement schemes will issue to all local authorities [60542/25]
- Bus Services
178. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps being taken by his Department and the National Transport Authority (NTA) to progress the introduction of a dedicated east-west...
- Taxi Regulations
179. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current position regarding the cross-Border operation of small public service vehicle (SPSV); if there are plans to harmonise the...
- Semi-State Bodies
180. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware of the recent resignations of senior executives at a company (details supplied) in October 2025 and any other departures...
- Coast Guard Service
188. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he can provide a briefing on the reason search and rescue crews who commence work at 1300 hours for a continuous 24hr duty period,...
- Transport Policy
189. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the roll out of transport police; the details of the way in which they will operate; and if he will make a statement on...
- Bus Services
190. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of cancellations of the G2 bus route; his views on the reason for the number of high cancellations; the regularity of the...
- Rail Network
191. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport regarding the ongoing Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, for a detailed update on the station upgrade works at Mallow, including...
- Road Traffic Offences
192. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied with the effectiveness of the of the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, focusing on scrambler bikes and e-scooters; and...
- Coast Guard Service
193. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware of a situation (details supplied); the measures he has taken to address same; the measures he has put in place to ensure...
- Rail Network
195. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the specific accessibility upgrades which are included in the Mallow station redevelopment project; whether provision has been made for...
- Driver Test
197. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of learner permits issued and the average driving test waiting times, by test centre in Dublin for each month since January...
- Dublin Bus
198. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of accessible low-floor buses currently in operation within the Dublin Bus fleet; the proportion of bus stops in the Dublin...
- Department of Finance
- Customs and Excise
199. To ask the Minister for Finance the process for customs approvals for perishable goods coming via air freight into Dublin Airport; the required timeframe/target from passing through customs...
- Illicit Trade
200. To ask the Minister for Finance if funding has been allocated for expanded operations to the Joint Agency Task Force to tackle the cross-Border smuggling of illicit tobacco products. [60616/25]
- Tax Reliefs
202. To ask the Minister for Finance whether tax incentives or accelerated capital allowances are being considered for companies investing in biomethane production or grid injection facilities....
- Departmental Expenditure
203. To ask the Minister for Finance the amount paid to companies (details supplied) for advice on stocks and the cancelation of warrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60748/25]
- Tax Data
204. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown of the dwellings purchased where the 10 % stamp duty was paid, by year since the enhanced stamp duty was introduced, in tabular...
- Tax Yield
205. To ask the Minister for Finance in relation to the excise on e-liquid commencing on 1 November 2025, the expected annual revenue, the assumptions used on price elasticity and switching to...
- Banking Sector
206. To ask the Minister for Finance if he has reviewed the recent remarks by the former Central Bank Governor (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60860/25]
- Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
- Public Appointments Service
207. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the safeguards for independence and impartiality, including potential conflicts of interest, used in the appointment process of an...
- Flood Risk Management
209. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of defective homes built on a flood plain at a location (details supplied); the predicted cost of installing flood defences;...
- Planning Issues
210. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to reports of proposed emergency planning powers for critical national infrastructure, the specific statutory provisions under...
- Public Sector Pensions
211. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of persons who have been contacted regarding alleged overpayments relating to pension abatement; the total sums involved; and...
- Houses of the Oireachtas Commission
212. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has been informed by the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission that the recent public tender for the recording, broadcasting and...
- Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
- Tourist Accommodation
214. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to consider the introduction of a national register of short-term lets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60642/25]
- Business Regulation
215. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on when definitive clarification and guidance will be issued to the Irish steel sector regarding the EU...
- Environmental Policy
216. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the actions his Department is taking, in coordination with the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, to ensure that a...
- Enterprise Support Services
219. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if regional enterprise funding streams will prioritise bioenergy clusters in rural areas, particularly in counties such as Louth that...
- Budget 2026
220. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the impact assessment conducted on the Budget 2026 VAT and excise increases for small independent retailers; and if he will commit to...
- Company Liquidations
221. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the specific supports or protections which are available to self-employed contractors and franchisees affected by the receivership of...
- Work Permits
226. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 325 of 1 July 2025, regarding his commitment to discuss with the Department of Health the...
- Department of Education and Skills
- Residential Institutions
227. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware of a protest being conducted by four survivors of Industrial schools outside Leinster House; if her Department is engaging in any...
- Special Educational Needs
228. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will consider sanctioning an ASD special class in a school (details supplied) for September 2026, considering the significant need...
- Schools Building Projects
229. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to confirm if any construction related reports are still outstanding and waiting completion required to progress a building project (details...
- School Staff
231. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 236 of 22 May 2025, if a matter will be reviewed taking further details into account (details supplied);...
- School Facilities
232. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update regarding the programme of Government commitment to develop physical education halls and sporting facilities, including yards and...
- Adult Education Provision
233. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department will support the inclusion of domestic and sexual violence awareness in adult education and language classes for asylum seekers...
- Special Educational Needs
234. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which the new Inclusive Education for All strategy 2025-2028 will address barriers faced by students with additional needs; and if she...
- National Educational Psychological Service
235. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the up-to-date position on the allocation of a child psychologist for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the...
- Education Policy
236. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills in view of the Government’s decision to zone more land for essential housing needs, the steps her Department will take to ensure that...
- School Accommodation
237. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to consider ensuring that special classes be a mandatory part of every new school build project, with at least one special class sanctioned in...
- Teaching Qualifications
238. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when a newly qualified teacher (details supplied) will receive their full entitlements to a qualified teacher's salary; and if she will make a...
- Special Educational Needs
239. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if additional special education places will be provided in the Castleisland region to cater for those with additional needs (details supplied);...
- School Curriculum
240. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the measures in place in schools to promote media literacy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60760/25]
- School Staff
241. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of days that substitute teachers were engaged in primary schools, and in secondary schools during the 2024-2025 school year. [60761/25]
- School Funding
242. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a full economic cost examination has been carried out for the day-to-day operation of primary and/or secondary schools; and if she will make a...
- School Equipment
244. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the preparedness of Irish schools for a medical emergency (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60833/25]
- School Accommodation
245. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will urgently address the concerns regarding school accommodation raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a...
- Special Educational Needs
246. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a child's medical reports recommend they attend a special class or a special school; if the child will be provided with a preliminary...
- Pupil-Teacher Ratio
248. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the current pupil–teacher ratio in primary and secondary schools located in the Dublin 3, Dublin 5, Dublin 7, and Dublin 9 areas; the way...
- Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment
- Public Sector Pensions
249. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the business case made by An Post to Ministers and NewERA to increase the pension payment from the An Post main...
- Freedom of Information
250. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 537 of 14 October 2025, if he will address matters raised in correspondence...
- Sports Funding
251. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to review the decision that led to an organisation's official recognition as a sporting body to be withdrawn (details...
- Sport and Recreational Development
254. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment in view of the Government’s decision to zone more land for essential housing need, the steps his Department will...
- Sports Funding
256. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to consider creating a school's stream within the sports capital grant, in which schools can individually apply for...
- Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government
- Wildlife Protection
258. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government how the recent IUCN reclassification of apis mellifera as endangered will influence Ireland's national biodiversity and...
- Water Quality
260. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the safeguards in place to improve the water quality in rivers and lakes throughout the country; and if he will make a...
- Fire Service
261. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he is aware of concerns raised by members of the Dublin Fire Brigade regarding the proposed implementation of the NMACS...
- Defective Building Materials
262. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will provide an update on the review of costings (details supplied) that underpin the enhanced defective concrete blocks...
- Wastewater Treatment
264. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the funding being provided for wastewater projects under the National Development Project; and if he will make a statement on...
- Housing Policy
265. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government given the Governments positive decision to request local authorities to zone more land to meet essential housing needs, the...
- Local Authorities
266. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of whole-time equivalents working in planning enforcement in each local authority area; and his views on whether...
- Housing Provision
267. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of residential units nationwide which failed to reach completion in 2025 despite receiving planning permission; the...
- Rental Sector
268. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to clarify a matter in relation to short-term lets (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60863/25]
- Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
- Social Welfare Benefits
269. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the application for disability allowance will be expedited for a person (details supplied) to allow access to further...
- State Pensions
270. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the income assessment for the non-contributory pension has been increased as part of budget 2026; and his views on whether...
- Social Welfare Benefits
271. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the invalidity pension application by a person (details supplied); when a decision will be made; and if he will...
- Employment Support Services
273. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if his Department will consider providing targeted employment and training supports for women who have left abusive...
- Social Welfare Benefits
275. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a full review of an application for carers allowance for a person (details supplied) will be undertaken. [60801/25]
- Departmental Policies
276. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection whether he intends to establish a register and baby loss certificates for parents who experience loss before 24-weeks; and if...
- Social Welfare Fraud
277. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of people convicted of welfare fraud in the years 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- Paternity Leave
278. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of people who have availed of paternity leave and benefit in the years 2024 and 2025 to date; and if he will make...
- Social Welfare Benefits
279. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of people in each county that have received the new baby grant since it was introduced, in tabular form; and if he...
- Social Welfare Payments
280. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of people whose welfare payment has been stopped for refusing to engage with training and/or employment supports...
- Social Welfare Benefits
281. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of people that have received the pay related job seekers benefit since it was introduced; and if he will make a...
- Department of Justice and Equality
- Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
282. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the most recent annual figures for reported Domestic Sexual and Gender-based Violence, by county, for the past five years; the...
- Stardust Fire
297. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he can provide an update on the redress scheme for Stardust survivors and their families; when he expects to bring proposals...
- Prison Service
298. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the protocols in place to support neurodiverse prisoners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60746/25]
- Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
300. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to the appearance of Departmental officials at the Oireachtas Committee on Public Accounts of 23 October 2025 (details...
- International Protection
301. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons and family units who have availed of the enhanced voluntary return scheme since its introduction on 28...
- An Garda Síochána
304. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Gardaí currently assigned to community policing and night patrols in the Shandon, Blarney Street, and north...
- Penalty Points System
306. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of drivers listed in court for penalty point offences, by District Court, from 2022 to date in 2025 which resulted...
- Courts Service
308. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the Courts Service publish annual reports that show which charities benefited from court poor box donations. [60830/25]
- Road Traffic Offences
310. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide data on the number of e-scooters seized under the Road Traffic Act 1994 (Detention of Powered Personal...
- International Protection
311. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality for information on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60841/25]
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
- Agriculture Supports
313. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if funding under the €40 million capital grant scheme for biomethane will be expanded to support small- and medium-scale...
- Assisted Animal Reproduction
314. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when his Department intends to publish the results of the 2024 public consultation on surgical artificial insemination (SAI) in dogs;...
- Animal Welfare
315. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to provide an authorised officer in County Clare for the purposes of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013; and if he will...
- Animal Breeding
316. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider amending the Dog Breeding Establishment Act 2010 to include an obligation for dog breeders to keep a record of to...
- Agriculture Schemes
317. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the timeline and commencement dates for the advance payments for the areas of natural constraint scheme. [60637/25]
- Wildlife Protection
324. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the immediate actions being taken in response to the recent International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classification...
- Animal Feedstuffs
329. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his Department's role in supporting farmers' participation in the biomethane supply chain, including feedstock provision and...
- Agriculture Industry
330. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which his Department plans to balance the use of agricultural land for energy crops with food production, biodiversity,...
- Agriculture Supports
331. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a dedicated advisory service for farmers engaging in anaerobic digestion projects will be established through Teagasc or other...
- Animal Welfare
332. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of calls received by his Department's confidential animal welfare helpline in each of the past five years; the number of...
- Agriculture Industry
344. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has corresponded with the Aquaculture Licence Appeals Board regarding the reason they allowed a commercial salmon farm by a...
- Agriculture Schemes
345. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a BISS payment can be expedited on behalf of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60873/25]
- Department of Children, Disability and Equality
- Childcare Services
346. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to address the shortage of early childcare places, particularly for children between the age of nought to two years, which is...
- Disabilities Assessments
347. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children and young persons on waiting lists for an assessment of need, by health region and integrated healthcare...
- Rights of People with Disabilities
349. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when her Department's action plan under the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 will be published in order...
- Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
350. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if structured community education programmes will be developed within IPAS to inform women of their rights in Ireland in relation to...
- Disability Services
351. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will outline how the €3 million in dedicated funding for community neurorehabilitation teams announced in Budget 2026...
- Patient Transport
362. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if permanent transport will be provided for a person attending treatment (details supplied). [60800/25]
- Unaccompanied Minors and Separated Children
363. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of unaccompanied minors who have entered the country in each of the past five years from Ukraine and elsewhere; the...
- Disability Services
364. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the progress in arranging a report or overview arising from the Farrelly Commission report and the Dáil debate on the subject;...
- Parental Leave
365. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the measures being considered to ensure that children in single-parent families have access to the same amount of parental leave as...
- Childcare Services
366. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether the system to track hours of attendance through the National Childcare Scheme will be revised, to give more flexibility to...
- Departmental Reviews
371. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the status of the 2025 mid-term review report of nurturing skills, if the Monitoring Committee and the Advisory Group has met to...
- Childcare Services
372. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the estimated full-year cost of increasing the spending on childcare to 1% of GDP. [60816/25]
- Disability Services
375. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of residential places that were provided by a service (details supplied) in north Dublin for the past three years; the...
- Department of Health
- Health Services Waiting Lists
377. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons on a waiting list for speech and language therapy by health region and integrated healthcare area, age category and time waiting, in...
- Meals-on-Wheels Services
379. To ask the Minister for Health if she will seek funding for a service (details supplied) in Courtown, County Wexford, as a matter of urgency, to prevent this vital service closing on 6...
- Health Services Staff
381. To ask the Minister for Health the rationale behind the implementation of pay and pension parity for medical scientists with biochemists with an effective date of 1 January 2024 when that...
- Medicinal Products
382. To ask the Minister for Health when her Department intends to complete the review of national policy governing the use of medications issued under special licence, as recommended by the Cork...
- Patient Deaths
385. To ask the Minister for Health if she will publish the correspondence dated 17 December 2024 from the Cork City Coroner concerning the inquest into the death of a person (details supplied)...
- Medical Qualifications
386. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons who have qualified as psychologists in each of the past five years; and of those qualified the number currently registered with CORU....
- Disease Management
387. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 846 of 14 October 2025, the action her Department and the HSE are taking in view of the statement of the Chief Operation...
- Mental Health Services
394. To ask the Minister for Health the waiting list figures for CAMHS services at the end of September and end of October 2025, by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60534/25]
- Hospital Appointments Status
397. To ask the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60545/25]
- Legislative Measures
398. To ask the Minister for Health if she plans to bring forward legislation to implement two key legislative recommendations from the 2017 Sláintecare report related to accountability...
- Home Care Packages
399. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons on a waiting list for home care packages by health region and integrated healthcare area, in tabular form. [60555/25]
- Patient Transfers
401. To ask the Minister for Health the number of delayed discharges, by category and hospital, in tabular form. [60557/25]
- Health Services Waiting Lists
402. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons on a waiting list for physiotherapy, by health region and integrated healthcare area, age category; and time waiting, in tabular form....
- Health Screening Programmes
411. To ask the Minister for Health the role of his Department and the HSE in the delivery of the seven-day screening process proposed under the International Protection Bill 2025; and the...
- Waste Management
414. To ask the Minister for Health whether the cost of the disposal of medical waste by the pharmaceutical Industry is specifically borne by the industry itself, covered by a built in cost of...
- Legislative Measures
415. To ask the Minister for Health to outline the body or authority responsible for inspecting and investigating retailers to ensure compliance with prohibitions on selling vapes, nicotine...
- Traveller Community
417. To ask the Minister for Health to provide the most recent statistics on mental health outcomes among the Traveller community, including prevalence of depression, anxiety, psychosis,...
- Health Services Staff
422. To ask the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in recruiting healthcare assistance in home support while there is an exceptional demand for such in Donegal; and if she will make a...
- Medical Cards
423. To ask the Minister for Health if her Department has taken steps to amend medical card eligibility to recognise clinically based eligibility with parity to income and automatically include...
- Nursing Homes
424. To ask the Minister for Health for an update on the demand for nurses in nursing homes to be able to administer IVs; and the measures being taken to alleviate current shortages. [60613/25]
- Medical Records
425. To ask the Minister for Health for an update on the progress that has been made toward the digitalisation of healthcare services under the 'Digital for Care: A Digital Health Framework for...
- Patient Files
426. To ask the Minister for Health for an update on the implementation of a "Shared Care Record" aimed at combining patient data across all elements of health services, as well as access to a...
- Substance Misuse
427. To ask the Minister for Health if her Department has considered implementing regulations for nicotine pouch marketing in an effort to reduce the addictive potential of such products; and if...
- Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
428. To ask the Minister for Health if her Department has reviewed the availability of mental health supports for survivors of domestic and sexual violence; her plans to expand access in 2026;...
- Vaccination Programme
429. To ask the Minister for Health if her Department has insight into long-term health and economic benefits that could be associated with adding the shingles vaccine to the routine immunisation...
- Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
430. To ask the Minister for Health if HIQA has undertaken inspections of IPAS centres specifically focused on compliance with policy statements on domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence...
- Medical Records
435. To ask the Minister for Health for an update on the rollout of the national electronic health record system; its expected impact on patient care coordination; and if she will make a...
- Disease Management
436. To ask the Minister for Health the timeline for the rollout of the national endometriosis framework; the way in which its implementation will be monitored; and if she will make a statement...
- Hospital Services
438. To ask the Minister for Health the number and location of public hospitals currently providing specialist chronic pain management clinics in each regional health area; the average waiting...
- Health Services Staff
439. To ask the Minister for Health the number of consultant anaesthetists or pain medicine specialists employed in the HSE; the number of vacant posts; the HSE’s projected staffing...
- Health Services
440. To ask the Minister for Health the total HSE expenditure on chronic pain management services in each of the past five years; the budget allocation for community-based non-pharmacological...
- Healthcare Policy
442. To ask the Minister for Health the publication timeline for the Model of Care for Pain being developed by the National Clinical Programme for Anaesthesia; whether an implementation budget...
- Primary Care Services
444. To ask the Minister for Health in view of the Government’s decision to zone more land for housing needs, the steps her Department will take to ensure that essential medical services...
- Health Screening Programmes
445. To ask the Minister for Health for an update on the roll-out of spinal muscular atrophy screening as part of the heel prick test for newborns; and if she will make a statement on the matter....
- Hospital Waiting Lists
446. To ask the Minister for Health the number of individuals with a neurodevelopmental diagnosis awaiting treatment in the Central Mental Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the...
- Hospital Facilities
447. To ask the Minister for Health the number of beds currently operational at the Central Mental Hospital; if there are plans to expand this; and if she will make a statement on the matter....
- Health Service Executive
448. To ask the Minister for Health given the ongoing dispute regarding governance and financial systems in voluntary hospitals, the current timeline for full implementation of the HSE integrated...
- Medicinal Products
449. To ask the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can receive the approved drug repatha (evolocumab) as prescribed; and the current availability of the drug. [60770/25]
- Medical Qualifications
450. To ask the Minister for Health the number of GP training places on offer in each of the years from 2018 to 2025; and the number that have graduated from the training programme in each of...
- General Practitioner Services
453. To ask the Minister for Health the total number of GP practices in the State; and the number that are single-handed practices. [60775/25]
- Hospital Staff
454. To ask the Minister for Health the number of staff in the Central Mental Hospital Portrane, by grade, in tabular form. [60778/25]
- Patient Transfers
456. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting transfer from prison to the Central Mental Hospital Portrane, by prison and gender, in tabular from. [60780/25]
- Hospital Staff
458. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 778 of 21 October 2025, the number of posts required to achieve baseline implementation of phases 1 and 2 of the...
- Medicinal Products
459. To ask the Minister for Health the number of people on a waiting list for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) by clinic; and the wait time to be offered a new appointment in each clinic, in...
- Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
460. To ask the Minister for Health to outline the engagement she has had with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and his Department in order to streamline and speed up the...
- Patient Transport
462. To ask the Minister for Health if permanent transport will be provided for a person attending treatment (details supplied). [60799/25]
- Hospital Appointments Status
463. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No.482 of 24 September 2024, the progress made in arranging an operation for a patient (details supplied) that was scheduled...
- General Practitioner Services
465. To ask the Minister for Health if she will ensure that an appropriate location will be provided for the newly appointed GP and associated medical services at Mullinavat, County Kilkenny, if...
- Ambulance Service
466. To ask the Minister for Health the way in which ambulance response times are measured from the time of 999 call to arrival at the scene of the emergency; the metrics and data which are...
- Health Services
467. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the home birth service in Limerick including a date for its resumption; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60819/25]
- Emergency Departments
468. To ask the Minister for Health the number of emergency department patients left on trolleys for over 12 hours in each of the past six months, by hospital; and the steps being taken to...
- Health Service Executive
474. To ask the Minister for Health the status of two planning applications to the HSE (details supplied); whether the HSE received a notification of the planning application; the planning...
- Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
475. To ask the Minister for Health the amount the HSE will be paying for the Killarney Community Hospital once the PPP is completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60867/25]
- Hospital Appointments Status
476. To ask the Minister for Health if an appointment can be expedited for a person (details supplied). [60869/25]
- Health Services
477. To ask the Minister for Health if a convalescence or respite period can be put in place for a person (details supplied). [60870/25]
- Hospital Waiting Lists
478. To ask the Minister for Health the impact of the Mount Carmel surgical hub in terms of waiting times for surgeries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60874/25]
- Healthcare Policy
479. To ask the Minister for Health for an update on plans to ban single use vapes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60875/25]
- Hospital Staff
480. To ask the Minister for Health the total and percentage increase in staffing numbers across all hospitals since 2020 to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter....
- Medical Cards
481. To ask the Minister for Health the number entitled to a medical card; the uptake since eligibility was extended to those on a median income; and if she will make a statement on the matter....
- Medicinal Products
482. To ask the Minister for Health the number that have availed of the free HRT scheme since its introduction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60878/25]
- Assisted Human Reproduction
483. To ask the Minister for Health the number that have availed of free IVF since its introduction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60879/25]
- Healthcare Policy
484. To ask the Minister for Health if progress has been made on the PFG commitment to examine the introduction of free pelvic floor physical therapy sessions for women after childbirth; and if...
- Home Help Service
485. To ask the Minister for Health to urgently intervene in the case of a person (details supplied) and allow for nursing home care-home help; and if she will make a statement on the matter....
- Legislative Measures
486. To ask the Minister for Health to provide further details regarding the proposed legislation referred to in media reports (details supplied); the timeline she is working towards; and if she...
- Health Service Executive
487. To ask the Minister for Health the timeline she is currently working towards in fully implementing the integrated financial management system (IFMS) across all HSE-funded sites; the date at...
- Dental Services
488. To ask the Minister for Health if she will consider allowing dental hygienists to set up a practice in their own right and independent of a dental practice; and if she will make a statement...
- Emergency Departments
489. To ask the Minister for Health for an update on the Beaumont Hospital emergency department upgrade; the current design stage, planning status, estimated capital cost, and programmed quarter...
- Health Services Staff
490. To ask the Minister for Health the number of whole-time equivalent psychologists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists employed in primary care in CHO Dublin north city...
- Department of Education and Skills
- Departmental Advertising
491. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the amount spent in the past five years on advertising campaigns to encourage Irish emigrants to return home, by year, in tabular form; and if he...
- Youth Services
492. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the status of alignment discussions on the Youthreach calendar year with the second level calendar year; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Third Level Admissions
493. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of first-year intake places approved by his Department in the past three academic years for undergraduate psychology-related...
- Third Level Education
494. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his position on institutes (details supplied); and the way in which he will ensure that academic freedom and independence is ensured in such...
- Third Level Costs
495. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address the concerns regarding the student assistant fund raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement...
- Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
- Community Development Projects
496. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht for a breakdown of funding allocated to community centres under the Community Recognition Fund in 2025; and if he will make a...
- Rural Schemes
497. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when the updated criteria for local improvement schemes will issue to all local authorities. [61326/25]
