Written answers

Thursday, 15 January 2026

  • Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
    • Social Welfare Payments
      4. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection for an update on meetings between his Department and disabled persons’ organisations regarding the proposed...
    • State Pensions
      14. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will review and change the current penal and outdated means test calculation on land or savings on, for example, the old...
    • Social Welfare Payments
      15. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the measures he is taking to address the growing gap between social welfare payment rates and the actual cost-of-living,...
    • Social Welfare Benefits
      16. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will examine the current situation where self-employed workers have no access to sick pay, illness benefit, leaving them...
    • Social Welfare Payments
      17. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection for an overview of measures being taken in his Department in 2026 to support people with disabilities; and if he will make a...
    • State Pensions
      18. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will amend the current weekly means limit for the increase for qualified adult allowance for recipients of the State...
    • Employment Schemes
      19. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the actions being taken to increase the low labour participation rate of 32% for persons with disabilities; and if he will...
    • Social Welfare Payments
      20. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of new applicants aged 66 years and over who have been approved for the fuel allowance under the revised means...
    • Youth Unemployment
      22. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection for the data his Department holds relating to any youth unemployment increases in certain sectors due to the rollout of AI;...
    • School Meals Programme
      23. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the position regarding the percentage of primary schools in the Dún Laoghaire constituency that are currently...
    • Social Welfare Payments
      24. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the rules and regulations governing the approval of rent supplement payments; and his plans to increase the payment. [2902/26]
    • Public Services Card
      26. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the plans in place in his Department to change the public services card provision, given data protection concerns of various...
    • Social Welfare Eligibility
      27. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of carers he expects to benefit from the means test changes announced in Budget 2026; and if he will make a...
    • Social Welfare Payments
      28. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection his plans to introduce a cost of disability payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2520/26]
    • Social Welfare Eligibility
      29. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection for an update on the progress being made in reviewing means testing across the social welfare system as outlined in the...
    • Employment Schemes
      30. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the future plans he has for the rural social scheme and the Tús programme; and whether he will ensure these schemes...
    • Social Welfare Eligibility
      32. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the timeframe for abolishing the means test for carer's allowance applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
    • Social Welfare Payments
      34. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to provide any analysis on the inflation of costs associated with energy, housing, and groceries for people dependent on...
    • Pensions Reform
      40. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the position regarding safeguards that have been put in place to protect employees from unsavoury practices that would require...
    • Social Welfare Payments
      41. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of people who received the newborn baby grant in County Cork in 2025, and so far in 2026; and if he will make a...
    • Social Welfare Offices
      46. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he has plans or intends to establish a social welfare office in Athenry, County Galway, in light of the town’s...
    • Social Welfare Payments
      47. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of people in County Carlow and in County Kilkenny who received the newborn baby grant in 2025, and so far in 2026;...
    • Pensions Reform
      49. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of people his Department predicts will be signed onto the auto-enrolment pension scheme by the end of 2026; and if...
    • Social Welfare Payments
      52. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of applications for the supplementary welfare allowance per month, for the past three years, specifying the...
    • Child Poverty
      53. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection his targets regarding the eradication of child poverty; his efforts to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
    • Social Welfare Code
      54. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the key measures to be taken to tackle poverty in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2888/26]
    • Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
      55. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the way in which eligibility for occupational injuries recognition and related supports for healthcare workers with long Covid...
    • Social Welfare Payments
      57. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the current average processing times for disability allowance and invalidity pension applications and appeals; the number of...
    • School Meals Programme
      58. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if there is a stipulation within the hot school meals programme requiring that only Irish-produced meat, poultry and dairy...
    • Pensions Reform
      59. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of employees in Cavan and Monaghan which have been auto enrolled for My Future Fund; and if he will make a...
    • Social Welfare Payments
      60. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the steps being taken to ensure that disability supports and payments adequately meet the needs of people with disabilities,...
    • Child Poverty
      61. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress being made in reaching our 2030 goals in tackling child poverty. [2628/26]
    • Social Welfare Eligibility
      62. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he has any plans to review the one-payment per household rule for fuel allowance, whereby children on low incomes are...
    • Social Welfare Payments
      63. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the possible payment schemes available to older children or young adults that will enable them to stay in full time secondary...
    • Social Welfare Eligibility
      72. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when the review of means testing for qualifying allowances in the social protection system will be completed; and if he will...
    • Social Welfare Appeals
      73. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the average time for a section 318 review to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1781/26]
    • Employment Schemes
      74. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of people in Mayo currently engaged with Intreo employment services; the steps his Department is taking to...
    • Dormant Accounts Fund
      75. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he is aware that the funding allocation to family carers and young carers has not increased in the 2026 Dormant Accounts...
    • School Meals Programme
      77. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he has concerns about the quality of meals being provided under the hot school meals scheme; if he has concerns about the...
    • Social Welfare Payments
      78. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection his plans to increase the living alone allowance. [2901/26]
    • Departmental Priorities
      81. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection his main priorities for his Department for the remainder of the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2861/26]
    • Social Welfare Payments
      82. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection his plans to increase supports for fishermen and women and the fishing industry after the disastrous quota negotiations...
    • Fuel Poverty
      83. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the measures he is taking to address energy poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2679/26]
    • Social Welfare Payments
      84. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to confirm whether he engages with the Minister for Health when increases to social protection payments are occurring,...
    • Social Welfare Code
      85. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will re-examine the report by the Child Maintenance Review Group, and the failure to find consensus on the establishment...
    • Official Engagements
      86. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the last date he met the ESRI and the agenda of the meeting. [2793/26]
    • Social Welfare Payments
      87. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress being made on introducing a new working age payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2593/26]
  • Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
    • Road Projects
      107. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocation in 2026 for the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney Road and Clontibret to the Border road schemes; the estimated date for...
    • Road Tolls
      108. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will engage with Transport Infrastructure Ireland regarding the need for toll charges on the M3 to be reduced (details supplied);...
    • Traffic Management
      109. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will travel to Donegal and meet with locally elected councillors to learn at firsthand about the serious traffic management crisis...
    • Public Transport
      110. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware of concerns regarding the increasing unreliability of the TFI Live RealTime app; if he has engaged with TFI on this issue;...
    • Bus Services
      112. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the future of the 425A bus service following the recent National Transport Authority public consultation; and if he will...
    • heading
      113. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the expansion of the extraordinarily skeleton train service and limited carriage numbers on the Rosslare...
    • Road Projects
      114. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of community involvement scheme applications on hand per local authority; the amount of time the applications are on hand; if...
    • Electric Vehicles
      116. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the rationale for the current pricing structure for public electric vehicle (EV) charging, including the reason ESB public chargers are...
    • Public Transport
      117. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding for Local Link will be increased in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2673/26]
    • Road Projects
      118. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the 2026 grant allocations to local authorities for roads will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2670/26]
    • Electric Vehicles
      119. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if clarification been provided as to the amount of public charging capacity on the public charging network for the number of EVs...
    • Road Tolls
      120. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will list the top ten highest penalties ever levelled against a commuter for failure to pay a motorway toll charge in this State...
    • Public Transport
      121. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an updated timeline of construction for the Luas Finglas extension project; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
    • Road Safety
      122. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he is taking to reduce road deaths in Cork; the measures he is taking to reduce the number of road deaths nationwide; and if...
    • Bus Services
      123. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the scope that is available to expand rural bus services across Carlow, in particular to service Tullow, Ardattin and Clonegal; and if he...
    • Rail Network
      124. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeline for completion of the new train stations at Blackpool/Kilbarry and Tivoli; if the NTA has given approval for these new...
    • Bus Services
      125. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he will take to address the problems with bus services in Dublin south-west; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
    • Road Traffic Accidents
      126. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on the drafting of the National Vehicle Driver File Bill 2025; to provide a timeline for when local authorities will...
    • Bus Services
      127. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on meetings he has held with Bus Éireann and the NTA on the ongoing bus crisis in Cork; and if he will make a...
    • Rail Network
      128. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has plans for an additional train station in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2873/26]
    • Road Projects
      130. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the ring road in Kilkenny. [2671/26]
    • Driver Test
      131. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the additional measures he is considering to further reduce driving test waiting times towards the ten week target, including any...
    • Driver Licences
      132. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on efforts to secure increased mutual recognition of driving licences. [2875/26]
    • Ports Policy
      133. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress that has been made in developing Foynes Port as a centre for the delivery of offshore wind energy; and if he will make a...
    • Road Projects
      134. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on the remaining sections of the Athenry relief road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2320/26]
    • Bus Services
      136. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the solution in place to combat the amount of cancellations of public buses in Dublin mid-west, including the reported 1,200...
    • Public Transport
      138. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will allocate additional capital and supplementary current funding for investment in public transport infrastructure and for new...
    • Bus Services
      139. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport whether he will review bus routes in Dún Laoghaire in view of delays, ghost buses, diversions, and buses that must skip parts of...
    • Road Projects
      140. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if any upgrade of the Lakeview Roundabout, Midleton, is included in the proposed N25 Midleton to Youghal (Castlemartyr and Killeagh...
    • Aviation Industry
      141. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the anticipated impact on aviation-related carbon emissions of his decision to remove the passenger cap at Dublin Airport; whether his...
    • Traffic Management
      143. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans in place to alleviate gridlock in rural towns, such as Arklow and Gorey, taking into account both local and national road...
    • Transport Policy
      144. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to alleviate traffic congestion across Dublin city and county; if he agrees that investment in public transport must take...
    • Road Projects
      145. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding can be provided to bring the N86 Tralee-Camp-Dingle road up to a safe and acceptable standard; and if he will make a statement...
    • Coast Guard Service
      147. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress that has been made to date to secure a new premises for Courtown Coastguard, since the announcement of a preferred site...
    • Public Transport
      148. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current status of the Programme for Government commitment to establish a transport security force to address antisocial behaviour on...
    • Electric Vehicles
      149. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to review the regulations for e-scooter use in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2734/26]
    • Public Transport
      150. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps his Department is taking to ensure that the funding given to public transport is used to deliver on-time, reliable services for...
    • Electric Vehicles
      151. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding any review being carried out into the merits of increasing the grant payment available to support the purchase of...
    • Rail Network
      152. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the direct oversight and cost-control measures his Department is exercising over the MetroLink project during the pre-procurement phase...
    • Transport Policy
      154. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he is taking to reduce costs for motorists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2732/26]
    • Rail Network
      155. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the works that are being undertaken to facilitate the reopening of the full length of the platform at Kilkenny’s MacDonagh...
    • Traffic Management
      156. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware that it has been reported that Galway is among the most congested cities globally and in Europe, with road users losing an...
    • Bus Services
      157. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the rationale of his Department and the National Transport Authority to not progress the introduction of a dedicated east–west bus...
    • Road Traffic Offences
      158. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to publication of the report ‘Recording of Penalty Points and Disqualifications on Driver Records’, the way in...
    • Driver Test
      159. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the opening of a new driving test centre in Drogheda. [2235/26]
    • Public Transport
      160. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding that has been provided for new public transport services in County Meath for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the...
    • Transport Policy
      161. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport whether there are plans in place to introduce registration, insurance and other regulatory requirements for the use of e-scooters; and if...
    • Bus Services
      162. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will examine options, including the potential expansion of Local Link and/or Dublin Bus services, to improve connectivity between...
    • Rail Network
      163. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport whether the delivery date for Dart+ SouthWest can be brought forward, given its role as crucial infrastructure to unlock housing supply;...
    • Public Transport
      164. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the new public transport services which were provided for as part of Budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2733/26]
    • Road Safety
      165. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he can urgently commit funding for improvement and safety works to be carried out on the N22, east of Macroom to Ballincollig, given...
    • Rail Network
      166. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for increasing capacity on the Midleton-Cork rail line; for an update on the transfer of carriages from Dublin to Cork to...
    • Bus Services
      167. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the inclusion within the NTA Capital Plan of the Galway Bus Connects project; and if he will make a statement on the...
    • Road Tolls
      168. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount raised via road tolls in the years 2015 to date; where such income was allocated to, and for what purpose, by year and by...
    • Rail Network
      169. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the anticipated cost to TII of purchasing ten homes in a location (details supplied) in order to enable the construction of the Metrolink...
    • Bus Services
      171. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will increase funding to Local Link to allow existing routes to be expanded and additional services added in County Roscommon and...
    • Rail Network
      172. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an updated timeline of construction for the MetroLink project following the judicial review and subsequent mediation between...
    • Bus Services
      173. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department provides support for the private coach sector to make their fleet more accessible for passengers with disabilities; and...
    • Public Transport
      175. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to address the persistent lack of reliable public transport services in County Mayo; whether he accepts that...
    • Bus Services
      176. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the increase in the 132 Bus Éireann Regional/Commuter Service, which was scheduled for April 2025, will happen; and if he will...
    • Public Transport
      177. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware of increasing instances of SPSV drivers refusing to take customers on short journeys; the way in which his Department, in...
    • Road Safety Authority
      178. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to bring forward legislative changes to the remit of the Road Safety Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
    • Rail Network
      179. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps that will be taken to improve the passenger rail service in the south-east following the publication of the rail project...
    • Road Projects
      180. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action his Department will take to progress the Mallow Relief Road, the status of same; and if he will make a statement on the...
    • Transport Policy
      181. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his Department’s efforts to ensure regional balance in capital expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2321/26]
    • Road Network
      182. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport whether consideration is being given to a dedicated or additional funding stream to address the unique challenges associated with...
    • Greenways Provision
      183. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made to date on each section of the West Clare Railway Greenway; the next steps to be taken for sections one and two; the...
    • Air Services
      184. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on the reinstatement of the Derry to Dublin airlink, with clear timeframes. [1397/26]
    • Road Projects
      185. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the overdue funding will be released to bring the main N70 road in Cahersiveen town, and the footpaths, up to a safe and acceptable...
    • Road Tolls
      186. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether the toll on the M50 is fit for purpose; if he has considered reversing the recent toll hike; and if he will make a...
    • Public Transport
      187. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures in place to ensure clear and timely communication to passengers across all public transport providers during service...
    • Taxi Regulations
      188. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on his request to the NTA to examine the fixed pricing model of a company (details supplied); and if he will make a...
    • Road Tolls
      189. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on the rationale for increasing the tolls for cars on the M3 motorway on 1 January 2026, when tolls on other toll...
    • Road Projects
      190. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the N53 project in County Louth and the possible interim plans to address safety at the Crossmaglen turnoff on the road;...
    • Rail Network
      191. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps being taken to improve capacity, frequency and reliability on the Dublin–Galway rail line serving the three stations in...
    • Bus Services
      192. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will extend the fare reduction scheme for children under nine years-of-age to include commercial bus operators, given that the...
    • Road Projects
      194. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when funding will be announced for the N11/M11 Junction 4 to Junction 14 improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the...
    • Public Transport
      195. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department will ensure that the Dart + South West project, which was recently pushed back until 2030, will be reinstated with its...
    • Bus Services
      196. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to ensure sufficient funding will be made available in 2026 for the provision of new bus services, to address...
    • Rail Network
      198. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the rail prioritisation strategy; the impact of not proceeding with the proposed new line between Clongriffin and...
    • Bus Services
      199. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on implementation of enhanced bus services for routes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter....
    • Transport Policy
      201. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when work will commence on a successor to the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan; and when the new plan will be published; and if he...
    • Rail Network
      202. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the proposed extension of the DART to Lucan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2367/26]
    • Electric Vehicles
      204. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding any actions he is taking to further expand the availability of EV charging points; and if he will make a statement...
    • Rail Network
      205. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport whether Irish Rail will introduce additional peak-time services for Kildare commuters, given that timetable changes in 2024 and 2025 did...
    • Public Transport
      206. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures being taken to ensure that public transport services and infrastructure are fully accessible for people with disabilities,...
    • Bus Services
      207. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware that the cost of the Tivoli depot in Cork has now doubled due to delays. [2788/26]
    • Rail Network
      208. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on the purchase of new DART carriages; the benefits they will provide passengers; and if he will make a statement on...
    • Coast Guard Service
      210. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on the planned Coastguard station for Courtown Harbour. [70590/25]
    • Rail Network
      211. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a comparative cost analysis with major European metro systems, including projects such as Madrid Metro expansions, has been completed...
    • Road Projects
      213. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on the progress of the Great Island connectivity scheme R624 Cobh Road in east Cork; and if he will make a statement...
  • Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
    • Departmental Advertising
      215. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount her Department, or agencies under its remit, spent on advertising on a social media platform (details supplied) in each of the...
    • National Archives
      216. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason officials in her Department have ordered the removal of a document from the National Archives (details supplied); if she will...
    • Middle East
      217. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade regarding the decision by the Israeli Government to restrict the ability of 37 international humanitarian aid organisations, including...
    • Human Rights
      218. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she is concerned by the reported harassment of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3232/26]
  • Department of Environment, Community and Local Government
    • Food Waste
      219. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the measures his Department is taking to prevent food wastage by supermarkets, in view of the fact that this wastage could...
    • Departmental Policies
      220. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the work that has taken place towards national strategy on resource security; and the actions that can be taken by...
  • Department of Defence
    • Departmental Advertising
      231. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount her Department, or agencies under its remit, spent on advertising on a social media platform (details supplied) in each of the years...
  • Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
    • Road Traffic Offences
      232. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied that existing legislation is sufficient in dealing with the misuse of scrambler bikes and e-scooters; and if he will...
    • Electric Vehicles
      233. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a person (details supplied) is expected to pay for an EV charger; and to update the relevant policy to ensure this is not a...
    • Road Traffic Offences
      234. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the widespread use of e-scooters by people under the age of 16 years; his plans to address this...
    • Airport Policy
      235. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason opportunities to expand the Dublin Airport passenger cap, as presented by the North Runway Technical Group June 2025, are...
    • Public Transport
      236. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the public-transport (bus, rail, park & ride facilities) forward planning is being worked on by his Department, Transport...
    • Bus Services
      237. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider providing additional funding to expand Local Link bus services in the Galway east area, particularly in towns and...
    • Electric Vehicles
      239. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review the regulation and oversight of public EV charging providers, in light of concerns that current tariffs bring EV...
    • Public Transport
      240. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in line with the objectives of "Our Rural Future", the specific, measurable interventions his Department will implement in County Mayo...
    • Transport Policy
      242. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport following the recent publication of the Accelerating Infrastructure - Report and Action Plan, if additional resources will be allocated...
    • Road Projects
      243. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on his engagements with his Cabinet colleagues regarding the inclusion of a bypass for Monaghan town in the National...
    • Transport Policy
      244. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will introduce a measure or credit to offset the cost to motorists in rural parts of the State that are dependent on private cars...
    • Traffic Management
      245. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether Dublin needs a Government led anti-congestion plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2226/26]
    • Bus Services
      247. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total investment in bus services planned for 2026; to clarify how much of this investment is to be utilised for additional bus...
    • Rail Network
      250. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to give favourable consideration to reopening the Rosslare to Waterford railway line, which is important to developing tourism in the...
    • Bus Services
      251. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to request the National Transport Authority to provide additional funding to Kerry Local Link to provide for a Bus Service from the Gap...
    • Penalty Points System
      254. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of the 113 unmatched penalty points on the NVDF to foreign motorists held a valid drivers licence from an EU member state, the...
    • Road Projects
      257. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when his Department intends to approve the Strategic Assessment Report for the Cork southern distributor link multi-modal route. [2966/26]
    • Traffic Management
      258. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for congestion charge legislation given that Dublin City Council has now rejected their use in the capital. [2973/26]
    • Road Network
      259. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total funding currently allocated to TII for national roads, broken down by county. [2974/26]
    • Greenways Provision
      260. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on the Galway-Athlone greenway project; the amount that has been spent on the project to date; and if he will make a...
    • Ports Policy
      263. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the Dublin Port 3FM infrastructure expansion project; and if he will confirm the level of engagement Dublin Port has had...
    • Public Sector Pensions
      264. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on the work his Department is doing to ensure that the agreed pension increases for Córas Iompair Éireann...
    • Rail Network
      266. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a level crossing will be provided at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3060/26]
    • Departmental Advertising
      267. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount his Department, or agencies under its remit, spent on advertising on a social media platform (details supplied) in each of the...
    • Bus Services
      277. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeline and budgetary measures being taken to improve the frequency, reliability and capacity of public bus services serving towns...
    • Rail Network
      278. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans, timeline and budgetary measures for upgrading Portlaoise Train Station and associated facilities (including accessibility,...
    • Road Safety
      279. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the latest safety statistics for the M7 and M8 corridors passing through County Laois; the targeted safety improvements planned; when...
    • Road Projects
      280. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current status of planned upgrades and resurfacing works on the N80 and N77 regional roads in County Laois; the expected timeframe...
    • Electric Vehicles
      281. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to expand publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure in County Laois, along key commuter routes and in towns...
    • Transport Policy
      282. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the specific supports planned to strengthen rural transport services (including Local Link) in the Laois region; how funding allocations...
    • Active Travel
      284. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding planned active travel (cycling and walking infrastructure) improvements in towns and villages in County Laois; the...
    • Flexible Work Practices
      285. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has quantified the potential reduction in daily commuter traffic to Dublin that would result from stronger remote working rights;...
    • Greenways Provision
      286. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will carry out an urgent review of the Greenway Code of Practice involving all stakeholders, in light of concerns about...
    • Road Network
      287. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total funding allocated to national, regional and local roads in County Waterford; and the amount drawn down each year, by project in...
    • Bus Services
      289. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of scheduled bus services, cancellations and reliability rates affecting Waterford city and county PSO routes in 2023, 2024...
    • Road Projects
      290. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on the Athenry relief road project; if the eastern section will progress in conjunction with the western rail...
    • Rail Network
      291. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the additional services on the Maynooth line, per year, from 2016 to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3184/26]
    • Road Traffic Offences
      293. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on his Department's work with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to increase the maximum prison sentence...
    • National Car Test
      294. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 310 of 16 December 2025, if he will review further correspondence relating to an NCT matter and if...
    • Public Transport
      295. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to ensure that Iarnód Éireann communicates live updates via their website rather than via a social media account (details...
    • Bus Services
      296. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to ensure that the NTA delivers the proposed additional 33D bus service for Donabate; if he will confirm that the active travel and road...
    • Public Transport
      297. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding Dart southwest in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3248/26]
    • Rail Network
      298. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional external lighting at Athy train station County Kildare to include a pedestrian crossing from the station will be provided;...
    • Driver Licences
      299. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the IT systems that will need to be changed to introduce the new provisions to restrict the use of multiple learner permits from 1...
    • Taxi Regulations
      302. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress to date in advancing a proposal to introduce a subsidised hackney service for remote rural areas, taking into account the...
    • Taxi Licences
      303. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a PSV licence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3268/26]
    • Driver Test
      304. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to urgently address the case of a person (details supplied); if the family will be reimbursed; and if he will make a statement on the...
    • Bus Services
      305. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the changes to a service under BusConnects (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3272/26]
    • Taxi Regulations
      306. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when a promised meeting regarding an important issue (details supplied) will take place; if it will be prioritised in quarter 1 2026; and...
    • Driver Test
      307. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of no-shows for scheduled driving test appointments in 2025, per month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3298/26]
    • Taxi Regulations
      309. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has formal announcements to make regarding the promised meeting with small public service vehicle, SPSV, drivers to review the Taxi...
  • Department of Finance
    • Tax Collection
      310. To ask the Minister for Finance the reason people with disabilities or their carers have their property tax deferred and have a 4% added interest cost added annually; and the way this will...
    • Tax Reliefs
      311. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider extending the €14,000 tax-free rental income relief to include rental arrangements involving family members, in recognition of...
    • Insurance Industry
      312. To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the significant increases currently taking place in motor insurance premia; if he has statistics as to the scale of these...
    • Illicit Trade
      313. To ask the Minister for Finance the estimated scale and value of the illicit roll-your-own tobacco market in Ireland; the most recent figures available on seizures and Revenue assessments;...
    • Financial Services
      314. To ask the Minister for Finance the mechanisms in place or that are being considered to ensure that any mortgage agreement between a customer and a financial institution cannot be sold on...
    • Departmental Advertising
      315. To ask the Minister for Finance the amount his Department, or agencies under its remit, spent on advertising on a social media platform (details supplied) in each of the years 2024 and 2025,...
    • Tax Data
      316. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of help-to-buy claims approved since July 2020, by county; the number of applicants associated with these claims; and the number of claims by...
  • Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
    • Flood Risk Management
      317. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the funding allocated, spent and outstanding for flood relief and coastal protection projects in County Waterford in each year 2020 to...
    • State Bodies
      319. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his position on whether public bodies should facilitate remote interviews for candidates based abroad who are seeking to return to...
    • Office of Public Works
      320. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works can provide an update on the location of the new proposed Garda station for Northern Cross; and if he will...
    • Departmental Advertising
      321. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount his Department, or agencies under its remit, spent on advertising on a social media platform (details supplied) in each of...
  • Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
    • Artificial Intelligence
      322. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to legislate against AI’s use in the creation of objectionable material, given issues that have arisen in certain...
    • Job Losses
      323. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of redundancy notifications received from employers in County Waterford in each year 2020 to 2025; and the number of...
    • Departmental Advertising
      324. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount his Department, or agencies under its remit, spent on advertising on a social media platform (details supplied) in each of...
    • Business Supports
      325. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the available grants and supports to a business (limited company) who has bought a derelict premises to assist in renovation/set up...
    • Enterprise Support Services
      327. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Enterprise Ireland supported jobs in each county at the end of 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement...
  • Department of Education and Skills
    • School Textbooks
      329. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if school policies allowing students to bring home free school books, keeping parents engaged in their child's education, are adopted nationally;...
    • Irish Language
      330. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department has considered a target for primary schools to become Gaelscoileanna using the Content and Language Integrated Learning method....
    • Special Educational Needs
      331. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the schools that have requested sanction for additional autism class supports in the city and county of Cork; the schools that have been...
    • Schools Building Projects
      332. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the tender submission process for the new school building project for a school (details supplied) will open in January as previously advised;...
    • Special Educational Needs
      333. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide the numbers of SNA increases that were recommended by special educational needs organisers (SENO) for Kildare, Wicklow and...
    • School Funding
      334. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will review correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3057/26]
    • Oideachas trí Ghaeilge
      335. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills an bhfuil sí ar an eolas faoin méid seo a leanas a tuairiscíodh i dTuarascáil na Cigireachta (2024) agus Athbhreithniú...
    • Oiliúint Múinteoirí
      336. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills an bhfuil sí ar an eolas go bhfuil 65% i scrúdú cainte TEG B1 (is é sin, caighdeán B1.2 nó B1+ ar an bhFráma...
    • Special Educational Needs
      339. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the efforts being made to increase the number of autism classes in the Clontarf area of Dublin, where there is significant demand; if she is...
    • Departmental Advertising
      340. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the amount her Department, or agencies under its remit, spent on advertising on a social media platform (details supplied) in each of the years...
    • School Accommodation
      341. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department is aware that a school (details supplied) applied for an emergency works grant in November 2025; the reason there has been a...
    • Pupil-Teacher Ratio
      342. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the average class size in primary and post-primary schools in County Waterford at the end of each of the years 2020 to 2025; and the way this...
    • School Staff
      344. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of unfilled teaching posts and the number of days schools in County Waterford were unable to secure a substitute teacher in each of...
    • School Enrolments
      346. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children eligible for junior infant places residing within the Castleknock, Dublin 15, school planning area; and if she will make a...
    • School Transport
      348. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the pilot school bus scheme, including outlining any additional services that were provided for the 2025-2026 school year; the...
    • Special Educational Needs
      349. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the options available for a child (details supplied) to access an appropriate secondary school place; to ensure immediate engagement with her...
    • School Enrolments
      351. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the plans for new primary schools for Donabate tied to ADAPT 4 (Phase 2) with delivery projected between 2026-2030; if not, the reason; whether...
    • School Funding
      352. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide further funding for a school (details supplied) to provide resources for an additional class in the coming school year of 2026/2027;...
    • School Accommodation
      353. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if additional works can be considered for a school in County Kildare (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3246/26]
    • Special Educational Needs
      355. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of early intervention classes for each county, between the years 2020 to 2025; the number of new openings in each county in each of...
    • School Accommodation
      356. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide a schedule of the number of applications made to the emergency works grant scheme in 2023, 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026;...
    • School Staff
      357. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) in relation to the recognition of teaching service abroad for incremental credit...
    • Schools Administration
      359. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools that reported closures, outside of planned closures such as end of term, bank holidays and so on, in each of the years 2024...
    • State Examinations
      360. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason it will cost up to €317 for students to sit the junior certificate exams (details supplied); and if she will make a statement...
    • School Curriculum
      361. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there are plans to include modules in relation to toxic relationships in coercive control within the Junior Cycle SPHE curriculum; and if she...
    • Educational Disadvantage
      362. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to give an update on the rolling out of DEIS+ as of January 2026 considering the funding announcement in Budget 2026; the way in which schools...
  • Department of Culture, Communications and Sport
    • Postal Services
      364. To ask the Minister for Culture, Culture, Communications and Sport if data is available on the number of postal items delivered over the Christmas period by An Post; to provide said data;...
    • Sports Organisations
      365. To ask the Minister for Culture, Culture, Communications and Sport his position on the continued participation of Israel in FIBA given issues that have been raised (details supplied); and if...
    • Middle East
      366. To ask the Minister for Culture, Culture, Communications and Sport if he will support the Ireland senior women’s basketball team play against Israel in a EuroBasket qualifier match...
    • Public Sector Pensions
      367. To ask the Minister for Culture, Culture, Communications and Sport to provide an update on work his Department is doing to ensure that the agreed pension increases for An Post pensioners...
    • Media Sector
      368. To ask the Minister for Culture, Culture, Communications and Sport further to the recommendation included in the European Commission's 2025 Rule of law report for Ireland (details supplied),...
    • Sports Funding
      369. To ask the Minister for Culture, Culture, Communications and Sport the funding schemes administered by his Department which a club (details supplied) could apply to for support for the...
    • Departmental Advertising
      370. To ask the Minister for Culture, Culture, Communications and Sport the amount his Department, or agencies under its remit, spent on advertising on a social media platform (details supplied)...
    • Arts Funding
      371. To ask the Minister for Culture, Culture, Communications and Sport if his Department provides funding supports for independent artists who are invited to present their work at international...
    • Sports Facilities
      372. To ask the Minister for Culture, Culture, Communications and Sport when a campus will reintroduce cash payments (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3133/26]
    • National Broadband Plan
      374. To ask the Minister for Culture, Culture, Communications and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 260 of 17 December 2025, if he will review the case of a person (details supplied);...
  • Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government
    • Gaeltacht Policy
      375. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the priority being given to native Irish speakers in application for planning permission and the purchase of houses in...
    • Housing Schemes
      376. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to provide details on the new over the shop grant; who is eligible and the criteria for same; and if he will make a statement...
    • Housing Policy
      377. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government whether an extension has been granted to the replacement of boilers under the housing aid for older people grant in...
    • Housing Schemes
      379. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if in the instance of a social housing assistance income assessment being undertaken and that the decision is disputed by...
    • Compulsory Purchase Orders
      380. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the barriers that inhibit the use of compulsory purchase orders; whether legislative reform is planned during this Dáil...
    • National Parks and Wildlife Service
      381. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the suite of options for the control of cherry laurel that he has proposed to the National Parks and Wildlife Service for...
    • Housing Policy
      382. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the mechanisms in place or are being considered to restrict the purchase of residential property by foreign...
    • Legislative Measures
      383. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to provide an update on the Apartments and Duplex Defects Remediation Bill 2024; if the general scheme has been published for...
    • Planning Issues
      387. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to provide an update on the legal challenge to the 2025 Section 28 guidelines on apartment design standards including an...
    • Housing Schemes
      389. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the average cost of social homes delivered in 2025 broken down by delivery stream, including SHIP Construction, SHIP Turnkey,...
    • Septic Tanks
      394. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will provide an update on the review of the grant support arrangements for septic tanks, especially for those currently...
    • Planning Issues
      395. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the progress of exempted development regulations; when the details of what is included in the new regulations will be provided...
    • Departmental Advertising
      396. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the amount his Department, or agencies under its remit, spent on advertising on a social media platform (details supplied) in...
    • Commercial Rates
      397. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he is aware of preschool providers who operate under ECCE, and not previously paying rates, now being contacted by Tailte...
    • Planning Issues
      398. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government , further to Parliamentary Question No 216 of 21 November 2025, the way he can equate that response with the reply by his...
    • Housing Provision
      399. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he can provide details of the options open to a person or family in need of housing who earn over the income limit to...
    • Housing Schemes
      400. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will consider increasing the current income threshold for studio apartments under the cost rental scheme, given issues...
    • Archaeological Sites
      401. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will consider matters raised in correspondence relating to archaeological costs (details supplied); and if he will make...
    • Housing Policy
      403. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government in view of the rapid population growth in the Donabate and Portrane area, and the strain this will put on existing services,...
    • Local Authorities
      404. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government in light of his Department's policy requiring local authorities to review, or vary, their development plans to provide...
  • Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
    • State Pensions
      405. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will consider increasing the capital means threshold for women over 70 years entitled to a non-contributary pension who...
    • Social Welfare Payments
      406. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will consider the case of a student requiring access to the back-to-education allowance (details supplied); and if he...
    • Official Engagements
      407. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will report on his attendance at the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions-the...
    • Social Welfare Payments
      409. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he is considering any additional legislative measures to end enforced deprivation and poverty of disabled people; and if...
    • Youth Unemployment
      411. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he has plans to expand funding to the CE, RSS and Tús schemes given the rising rates of youth unemployment; and if he...
    • School Meals Programme
      413. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he plans to shift provision of the hot school meals scheme to non-profits (details supplied); and if he will make a...
    • Social Welfare Payments
      414. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection his plans for a cost of disability package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73016/25]
    • Social Welfare Appeals
      416. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the measures being taken to reduce waiting times for appeals within the social welfare appeals office; his plans to improve...
    • Pensions Reform
      417. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason for proposing restrictions on investment options for self-directed PRSAs and the objectives these changes are...
    • Social Welfare Eligibility
      427. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will seek a review of the means-testing arrangements affecting farm families where one parent is a full-time unpaid...
    • Social Welfare Payments
      429. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress made to date on the introduction of a permanent annual cost of disability support payment; and if he will make a...
    • Departmental Advertising
      433. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the amount his Department, or agencies under its remit, spent on advertising on a social media platform (details supplied) in...
    • Social Welfare Eligibility
      434. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will review the current treatment of part-time school bus drivers under the social welfare system; the reason drivers...
    • Social Welfare Payments
      435. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will examine the feasibility of establishing a non–means-tested audiology support pathway for people born deaf,...
    • Social Welfare Offices
      438. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection his plans to enhance and expand social welfare and Intreo services in County Laois to ensure timely access for claimants; and...
    • Employment Schemes
      439. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the uptake of back to work enterprise allowance, community employment, and other activation programmes in County Laois; and...
    • Social Welfare Payments
      440. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the current processing times for disability allowance, carer’s allowance and domiciliary care allowance applications...
    • State Pensions
      441. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the initiatives underway to assist older people in County Laois in accessing pension entitlements; and if he will make a...
    • Social Welfare Payments
      442. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to examine a submission from a person (details supplied) to implement an emergency winter payment to offset the cost of...
    • Social Welfare Eligibility
      443. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in relation to a decision on jobseeker’s allowance claim;...
    • Social Welfare Payments
      444. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated cost of extending the domiciliary care allowance from 16 to 18 years of age; and if he will make a statement on...
  • Department of Justice and Equality
    • Naturalisation Applications
      447. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the reason an application was rejected (details supplied) given that all documentation was lodged for the application and no...
    • Visa Applications
      449. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the timeframe for deciding upon visa applications and appeals in cases where an Irish citizen born in this State is the named...
    • Departmental Data
      450. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when crime statistics will be made available by the nationality of the offender and migration status. [2994/26]
    • Prison Service
      451. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality for an update on new prison scoping and the way in which his Department is addressing prison overcrowding. [2995/26]
    • Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
      452. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the funding allocated to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services in County Waterford in each year 2020 to 2025; and...
    • Prison Service
      453. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of people committed to prison from Waterford courts in each year 2020 to 2025, broken down by offence type, in...
    • International Protection
      455. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the measures taken by IPAS to ensure the suitability of accommodation for people with serious medical conditions when planning...
    • Intelligence Sharing
      456. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will outline the laws and regulations currently covering the area of covert human intelligence sources (CHIS); his views...
    • Legislative Measures
      457. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when he will present the Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 to the Houses of the Oireachtas; and...
    • International Protection
      458. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for a local international protection centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3091/26]
    • Departmental Advertising
      459. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the amount his Department, or agencies under its remit, spent on advertising on a social media platform (details supplied) in...
    • An Garda Síochána
      460. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the way in which Garda resourcing levels are impacting crime detection and prevention; the resourcing improvements expected in...
    • Visa Applications
      461. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps being taken to address the ongoing delays in the processing of visas, including family re-unification visas; and if...
    • An Garda Síochána
      462. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of former gardaí that applied to rejoin An Garda Síochána in each year 2020-2025 inclusive; the...
    • Departmental Data
      463. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of offences recorded by An Garda Síochána under sections (details supplied); the number of prosecutions...
    • An Garda Síochána
      464. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of GoSafe speed camera vans in operation in 2025; if that number has been increased now to cater for the 390...
    • Penalty Points System
      468. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of fixed charge penalty point notices (FCPNs) issued by gardaí on interception of speeding drivers, by Garda...
    • Road Traffic Offences
      471. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of drivers intercepted by Gardaí in 2025 who were arrested and charged with drink driving on the day of the...
    • Visa Applications
      472. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3223/26]
    • An Garda Síochána
      473. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if Donabate is included in the Garda Capital Investment Programme 2023–2030; and if not, the reason. [3227/26]
    • Crime Prevention
      474. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the initiatives planned to address juvenile crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3263/26]
    • Family Reunification
      475. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of people who have come to Ireland in each of the past ten years under the family reunification rules. [3301/26]
    • Departmental Data
      476. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of offences aggravated under section 8 of the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024 have been recorded in...
  • Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
    • Agriculture Schemes
      477. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers in County Waterford awaiting income support and other scheme payments at year-end 2020 to 2025, in tabular...
    • Farm Inspections
      479. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farm inspections carried out in County Waterford in each year 2020 to 2025; and the number resulting in penalties, in...
    • Forestry Sector
      481. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of forestry licence applications submitted, approved and pending in each county for each year 2020 to 2025, in tabular...
    • Harbours and Piers
      482. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of capital funding allocated to and drawn down by harbours and piers in each county for each year 2020 to 2025, in tabular...
    • Departmental Advertising
      483. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount his Department, or agencies under its remit, spent on advertising on a social media platform (details supplied) in each of...
    • Greyhound Industry
      484. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of greyhounds injured in racing, trials and sales events in 2025 and to-date in 2026, by type of injury; the date and...
    • Horse Racing Industry
      485. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of horses from the horse racing industry sent to slaughter in 2025 in Ireland and abroad; and the locations of the...
    • Greyhound Industry
      488. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when surgical artificial insemination of canines, including greyhounds, will be banned in Ireland, given the results of his...
    • Food Safety
      489. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will demand confirmation from the European Commission that no imports can be allowed into the EU of any Mercosur district...
  • Department of Children, Disability and Equality
    • Disability Services
      490. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will consider matters raised in correspondence (details supplied), relating to a family with two sons in need of ongoing...
    • Disabilities Assessments
      493. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to report on the delay with an assessment of need for a child (details supplied). [2932/26]
    • Equality Issues
      494. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide the National Equality Data Strategy 2026-2031. [2949/26]
    • Special Educational Needs
      495. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to expedite an application for transport to the National Learning Centre in Tralee, County Kerry in respect of a person (details...
    • Departmental Funding
      496. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the funding schemes administered by her Department which a club (details supplied) could apply to for support for the redevelopment...
    • Early Childhood Care and Education
      497. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if a childcare provider can terminate an ECCE placement if a parent reduces their child’s childcare hours; and if she will...
    • Youth Services
      498. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will review the proposed reorganisation of services (details supplied) in Cork given concerns that the integration of youth...
    • Departmental Advertising
      500. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the amount her Department, or agencies under its remit, spent on advertising on a social media platform (details supplied) in each...
    • Child and Family Agency
      501. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she is aware of concerns raised by senior social workers to the CEO of Tusla; if she will provide responses to the issues raised...
    • Early Childhood Care and Education
      502. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if ECCE/early years childcare and education services that are 100% State funded and effectively not operating for profit are liable...
    • Disability Services
      503. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will provide significantly more physical and therapeutic supports through the Children’s Disability Network Team...
    • Childcare Services
      504. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 23 of 18 December 2025, if she will provide the breakdown of costs; and if she will make a...
    • Mother and Baby Homes
      505. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the estimated number of persons eligible for the Magdalene restorative justice ex-gratia scheme and the mother and baby institutions...
  • Department of Health
    • Immigration Policy
      507. To ask the Minister for Health her plans to improve the current waiting list for marriage of convenience interviews, given issues that have been raised (details supplied); and if she will...
    • General Practitioner Services
      508. To ask the Minister for Health the total number of GPs, and the number of GPs providing GMS services, in County Kerry, by local health area and per 10,000 population, at 1 December for each...
    • Hospital Appointments Status
      509. To ask the Minister for Health the number of hospital-initiated scheduled care cancellations at University Hospital Kerry, by year, from 2020 to 2025 and to date in 2026, broken down by...
    • Emergency Departments
      510. To ask the Minister for Health the average time to admission, the waiting-time distribution, and the number of patients leaving without being seen via the emergency department at University...
    • Hospital Services
      511. To ask the Minister for Health the number of delayed transfers of care, delayed discharges as a percentage of total discharges, and bed days lost as a percentage of total bed days at...
    • Health Services Waiting Lists
      513. To ask the Minister for Health the number of patients in County Kerry on primary care and community services waiting lists, broken down by service type, age group, and length of wait, at...
    • Hospital Equipment
      514. To ask the Minister for Health whether the cold cap/scalp cooling machine in CUH is in operation; the number of times in each of the past 12 months it has been used; the number of patients...
    • Cancer Services
      516. To ask the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to patients’ and their families’ concerns about breaks in the delivery of time-sensitive radiotherapy cancer...
    • Hospital Appointments Status
      517. To ask the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [2953/26]
    • Legislative Measures
      518. To ask the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to concerns related to larger disposable nicotine vaping devices that are becoming increasingly prevalent (details supplied);...
    • Health Promotion
      523. To ask the Minister for Health the way in which the recent announcement of funding to the Community Connections and Well-being Project will link with the already existing social prescribing...
    • Hospital Services
      524. To ask the Minister for Health the work being undertaken to ensure that hospitals using family rooms as wards should only do so on a temporary basis and the measures been taken to restore...
    • Primary Care Services
      525. To ask the Minister for Health the reasonable accommodations that are in place in primary care settings in relation to blood tests for people with disabilities who experience needle phobia;...
    • Insurance Industry
      526. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding any engagement she has had with the major health insurance providers in Ireland in relation to the increasing premiums facing their...
    • Hospital Services
      529. To ask the Minister for Health to provide an update on the operation for a child (details supplied). [3036/26]
    • Mental Health Services
      530. To ask the Minister for Health if funding will be allocated in the HSE Capital Programme for the development of a mental health facility adjacent to Wexford General Hospital; to provide...
    • Hospital Staff
      534. To ask the Minister for Health the steps her Department is taking to ensure continuity of care for women who have had difficult or traumatic previous pregnancies in light of recent changes...
    • Departmental Correspondence
      535. To ask the Minister for Health to review correspondence (details supplied); the steps her Department is taking on this issue; the actions her Department has taken to date; and if she will...
    • Assisted Human Reproduction
      536. To ask the Minister for Health the current eligibility criteria for access to publicly funded in vitro fertilisation treatment, including the basis for any requirements related to marital or...
    • Patient Safety
      537. To ask the Minister for Health if she is aware that steps are being undertaken to dismantle the Office of the Confidential Recipient contrary to the delegation by the Director General to the...
    • Hospital Procedures
      553. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 837 of 1 July 2025, to outline the funding arrangements for procedures for idiopathic scoliosis in a private hospital...
    • Patient Safety
      554. To ask the Minister for Health the number and type of incidents reported by CHI and logged on the National Incident Management System; how these events were ranked, and the relevant incident...
    • Departmental Advertising
      555. To ask the Minister for Health the amount her Department, or agencies under its remit, spent on advertising on a social media platform (details supplied) in each of the years 2024 and 2025...
    • Health Services
      556. To ask the Minister for Health the supports in place, excluding the 5/6 weeks physio after cross-border directive surgery, for patients who are having health issues sometime after...
    • Hospital Staff
      558. To ask the Minister for Health the number of whole-time equivalent consultant, non-consultant hospital doctor, nursing and health and social care professional posts approved, filled and...
    • Hospital Waiting Lists
      568. To ask the Minister for Health the number of cancer patients on waiting lists for cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, by hospital, in tabular form. [3179/26]
    • Dental Services
      569. To ask the Minister for Health the dental screening programme for primary school students; the level of uptake; to outline any regional variation; and if she will make a statement on the...
    • Mental Health Services
      570. To ask the Minister for Health the waiting times for access to an initial assessment for psychological therapy through primary care in Fingal east; the waiting times for access to...
    • Charitable and Voluntary Organisations
      571. To ask the Minister for Health to ensure that an organisation (details supplied) has adequate funding. [3224/26]
    • Mental Health Services
      572. To ask the Minister for Health if she will give consideration to providing a number of free sessions with registered therapists or counsellors, to improve mental health. [3225/26]
    • Primary Care Centres
      573. To ask the Minister for Health when the Donabate Primary Care Centre tender will proceed, considering the massive population growth in Donabate; if she will confirm there are plans to expand...
    • Patient Safety
      583. To ask the Minister for Health if she will meet with the Confidential Recipient. [3242/26]
    • Health Services Staff
      584. To ask the Minister for Health the rate of accrual for access to the public sector pension for those signing POCC23. [3251/26]
    • Hospital Staff
      585. To ask the Minister for Health the number signing up to POCC23 for each of the years 2023, 2024 and 2025. [3252/26]
    • Nursing Homes
      588. To ask the Minister for Health for an update on progress regarding the proposed new 60-bed community nursing unit for Cashel, County Tipperary; if the site option appraisal and...
    • Health Services
      589. To ask the Minister for Health if baby formula can be obtained from the UK through a scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3267/26]
    • Hospice Services
      590. To ask the Minister for Health the expected completion date for the new hospice facility in Drogheda; whether an interim community palliative care model will be funded and operational in the...
    • Home Care Packages
      595. To ask the Minister for Health the progress made to date in advancing the Programme for Government commitment to increase ring-fenced home care hours and funding for dementia intensive home...
    • First Aid Training
      596. To ask the Minister for Health to provide a list of funding open to first responders groups in order to facilitate training and the upkeep of such a vital service; and if she will make a...
    • Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
      597. To ask the Minister for Health the reasons survivors of rape and sexual assault in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary are required to make a report to the Gardaí before they can access...
    • Patient Transport
      598. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the tender contract in UHW regarding taxis for dialysis patients and patients in general; when the contract is up for renewal; and if...
  • Department of Education and Skills
    • Grant Payments
      599. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department will provide a detailed explanation about the ongoing technical issues with a new student record system at TU Dublin affecting...
  • Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
    • Flexible Work Practices
      602. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding allocated and drawn down for remote working hubs in County Waterford in each year 2020 to 2025; and current occupancy...
    • Rural Schemes
      603. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the initiatives his Department is undertaking to incentivise professionals to relocate to rural and commuter towns, with the goal...
    • Departmental Advertising
      605. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the amount his Department, or agencies under its remit, spent on advertising on a social media platform (details supplied) in each...

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