Written answers
Wednesday, 15 July 2026
- Department of An Taoiseach
- Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements
31. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent engagement with trade union and employer representatives at the Labour Employer Economic Forum. [46913/26]
- Cabinet Committees
48. To ask the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on children and education will next meet. [46914/26]
- Departmental Functions
68. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on the work of the economic division of his Department. [46917/26]
- Cabinet Committees
77. To ask the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on justice, migration and social affairs will next meet. [36937/26]
- Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements
95. To ask the Taoiseach if he will report on his meetings in June in Hungary with the Hungarian Prime Minister. [47367/26]
- Cabinet Committees
96. To ask the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Government Co-ordination will next meet. [49238/26]
- Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements
99. To ask the Taoiseach to report on the visit of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to Ireland in June 2026. [48556/26]
- Cabinet Committees
100. To ask the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on the Economy, Trade and Competitiveness will next meet. [49217/26]
- Consular Services
102. To ask the Taoiseach if he will raise directly with the President of Egypt the urgent and serious concerns of an Irish family (details supplied). [53994/26]
- British-Irish Co-operation
103. To ask the Taoiseach the issues discussed at the 45th summit meeting of the British-Irish Council in Guernsey on 10 July 2026. [54256/26]
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Foreign Policy
104. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her Department has assessed the extraterritorial provisions of China's law on the promotion of ethnic unity and progress, adopted on 12...
- Diplomatic Representation
105. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reasons for the closure in 2012 of Ireland's Institute for Trade and Investment in Taipei; if the Department has assessed the case for...
- National Security
106. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the current functions performed by the National Security Authority pending its proposed transfer to the Department of Justice, Home Affairs...
- EU Meetings
107. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the range of topics covered and the outcome of her discussions in Cork with the Members of the European Commission; and if she will make a...
- Passport Services
108. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on a passport application for a person (details supplied) as all requested supporting documentation has been submitted...
- EU Meetings
109. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there has been any recent discussion in EU Councils on Foreign Affairs or in other fora regarding the persecution of Christians around...
- Departmental Correspondence
110. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether her Department has a record of correspondence with French authorities regarding the 1948 repatriation of the remains of William...
- British-Irish Co-operation
111. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues discussed at the 45th summit meeting of the British-Irish Council in Guernsey on 10 July 2026; and if she will make a statement...
- Department of Environment, Community and Local Government
- Energy Prices
112. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the measures being taken to ensure that increased electricity demand from electric vehicle charging does not contribute to...
- Departmental Policies
115. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the way in which his Department is ensuring financial transparency and oversight of the Re-Turn deposit scheme funding,...
- Grant Payments
116. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has considered the awarding of grants to support small retailers or local clubs to support adaptation of...
- Departmental Policies
117. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government what specific regulatory changes are being sought by Re-Turn for the proposed rPET reprocessing facility; the Department's...
- Waste Management
118. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government whether alternative funding mechanisms will be required to maintain the scheme's operation if return rates of bottles and...
- EU Meetings
119. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with Members of the European Commission; and if he...
- Energy Prices
120. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the additional affordability measures the Minister is considering to protect households from global fossil fuel price...
- Energy Policy
121. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has conducted an updated risk assessment on Ireland’s exposure to geopolitical supply...
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions
122. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the corrective measures being taken in his Department to ensure our compliance with the second carbon budget, given that...
- Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
- Departmental Schemes
123. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total amount allocated to the road transporters scheme; the amount committed and paid to date; the amount expected to be expended by...
- Driver Licences
125. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the nature of a recent printer failure at the National Driver License Service; the customer service accommodations that will be made for...
- Bus Services
126. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review the removal of a bus service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53833/26]
- Rail Network
127. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the Revised Business Case submitted by Metrolink will be considered; the immediate issues that are preventing approval; and if he...
- Transport Infrastructure Ireland
130. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the lands purchased recently by Transport Infrastructure Ireland along O'Connell Street specifically include 10-25 Moore Street; if he...
- Departmental Correspondence
131. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); his plans to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Departmental Reports
132. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with Members of the European Commission; and if he will make a...
- Legislative Measures
133. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport whether he will introduce legislation to increase the maximum sentence for dangerous driving causing death to 14 years. [53952/26]
- Bus Services
134. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide an update on a bus service (details supplied) in County Kildare. [53131/26]
- Rail Network
135. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if an issue (details supplied) regarding pedestrian access at Dalkey DART Station has been brought to his attention; if he will request...
- Driver Licences
136. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 294 of 5 March 2026, for an update on the written request made by An Garda Síochána to...
- Departmental Funding
137. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide funding to the Ring of Kerry road (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54074/26]
- Bus Services
141. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount spent on the Parnell Place Bus Station in each of the past five years. [54095/26]
- Public Transport
142. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated overall cost of introducing the 90 minute fare in Cork. [54096/26]
- Bus Services
143. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount spent on BusConnects in Cork in each of the past five years, in tabular form. [54099/26]
- Rail Network
144. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the light rail system in Cork and the stations that will be on the northside of Cork city. [54154/26]
- Electric Vehicles
147. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of applications received for the electric taxi vehicle grant; and the number approved to date in 2026. [54174/26]
- Bus Services
149. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of reports of “ghost bus” incidents occurring in North Kildare in 2026; the steps being taken by his Department...
- Department of Finance
- Departmental Reviews
151. To ask the Minister for Finance to review the case of a person (details supplied) regarding their retirement; if an independent process will be established to work through outstanding...
- Arts Policy
152. To ask the Minister for Finance if research has been carried out by his Department or agencies within the aegis of his Department as to the impact of a case (details supplied) ruling on the...
- Departmental Strategies
153. To ask the Minister for Finance his proposals for a refreshed governance arrangement to oversee implementation of the Ireland for Finance Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Revenue Commissioners
154. To ask the Minister for Finance for an update on a request by an organisation (details supplied) to join the Revenue Customs Consultative Committee; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Departmental Priorities
155. To ask the Minister for Finance for an update on Ireland's priorities and position with respect to the EU Market Integration and Supervision Package; and if he will make a statement on the...
- Tax Residency
156. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will consider modifications to Section 626B of the Irish Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 to remove the trading test, to align with the participation...
- Customs and Excise
157. To ask the Minister for Finance to outline any further changes or charges that have yet to be implemented later this year as part of EU customs reforms. [53787/26]
- Legislative Reviews
158. To ask the Minister for Finance for an update on the Department's review of industry proposals to amend the law to facilitate the tokenisation of fund industry; and if it is intended to...
- Revenue Commissioners
159. To ask the Minister for Finance whether his Department, the Revenue Commissioners or any agency under his remit has undertaken an assessment of the scale of betting or betting-intermediary...
- Budget 2027
161. To ask the Minister for Finance the targeted supports being considered in Budget 2027 to support the viability and sustainability of rural pubs experiencing significant cost pressures; and...
- European Union
162. To ask the Minister for Finance the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with the Members of the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the...
- EU Directives
163. To ask the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 367 of 24 March 2026, to provide an update on the latest details and progress of national discussions in relation to the...
- EU Funding
164. To ask the Minister for Finance to provide an update on the approach of Government in MFF discussions up to 1 July 2026 in relation to the repayment of Next Generation EU funds, own...
- Tax Credits
165. To ask the Minister for Finance the full-year cost of a single person’s personal tax credit and earned income credit of €2,800, €3,000 and €3,500, respectively,...
- Cost of Living Issues
167. To ask the Minister for Finance the reason egg, fish and motor fuel prices have risen by double digits over the past 12 months despite a fall in the headline annual rate of inflation to 3.4%...
- Derelict Sites
169. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of meetings he has had with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the Derelict Sites Tax. [54186/26]
- Vacant Properties
170. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to reform the Vacant Homes Tax to ensure all vacant homes will pay. [54187/26]
- Tax Collection
171. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of businesses that registered and submitted returns for the accounting period 1 March 2026 to 30 April 2026 for the e-liquid products tax (EPT),...
- Revenue Commissioners
173. To ask the Minister for Finance to provide data for 1 January 2026 to 30 June 2026 inclusive outlining the number of cigarette and tobacco seizures carried out by the Revenue Commissioners;...
- Employment Rights
174. To ask the Minister for Finance the measures being implemented to ensure that employment is protected and the branch network maintained in the process of the sale of an organisation (details...
- Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
- EU Directives
175. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the arrangements in place to hear and consider the lived experience of whistleblowers as part of his review of the Irish legislative...
- Civil Service
176. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the process and prescribed steps mandated by natural and constitutional justice, by legislation and Civil Service Circular for the...
- Public Procurement Contracts
179. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an update on the commitment in the policy statement on developing a new public procurement strategy for Ireland (details supplied)...
- Flood Relief Schemes
180. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of all flood relief schemes in County Clare, including the funding allocated, expenditure to date, estimated completion dates...
- Flood Risk Management
181. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department will consider the approval of extra funding under the revised minor works scheme for a project (details supplied); the...
- EU Meetings
182. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with Members of the European Commission; and if he will make a...
- Public Sector Pensions
183. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to provide an update on the implementation of the local bargaining increment skip measures agreed under the Public Service Agreement;...
- Coastal Zone Management
187. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an update on the tidal barrier for Cork city; and the funding provided for same in each of the past five years. [54090/26]
- Office of Public Works
188. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount spent by the OPW in Cork for building rentals in each of the past five years. [54091/26]
- Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
- Business Supports
189. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide, for each year since 2012, the number of Microfinance Ireland loan applications submitted through the local enterprise...
- Health and Safety
190. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment whether the Health and Safety Authority will issue updated guidance to employers on protecting outdoor workers from solar ultraviolet...
- EU Meetings
191. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with the Members of the European Commission; and if he will...
- Department of Education and Skills
- School Equipment
192. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps being taken to tackle the increasing number of schools mandating students to purchase laptops or tablets from single-vendor suppliers;...
- Public Sector Staff
193. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason her Department decided to withdraw from the local bargaining measures for special needs assistants which formed part of the Public...
- School Transport
194. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her views regarding the increasing cost of private school transport for families; her views on the impact rising operating costs are having on...
- Special Educational Needs
195. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason assistive technology was refused for a child (details supplied) despite a medical report submitted stating that this support is...
- School Enrolments
196. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update and a timeline on the provision of additional school places at primary and post-primary schools in Ballincollig, County Cork; and...
- Schools Building Projects
197. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on the provision of new school infrastructure in Ballincollig, County Cork to provide for the population growth in the town; and if...
- School Staff
198. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 109 of 8 July 2026, and in view of the primary staffing appeals board's decision, to provide funding for a...
- School Accommodation
200. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when the application for additional permanent accommodation at a school (details supplied) will be progressed to the next stage; and if she will...
- School Staff
201. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the measures she is taking to protect rural primary schools that are at risk of losing teaching posts due to declining enrolment numbers; if her...
- Education Policy
203. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to the findings of the National Primary School Survey 2026, which found that 73% of parents with children attending single-sex primary...
- Official Engagements
204. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the range of topics covered and the outcome of her discussions in Cork with the Members of the European Commission; and if she will make a...
- Education Policy
205. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to further expand the Health Alliances for Practice-Based Professional Education and Engagement Project at the University of Limerick;...
- Departmental Data
206. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to address an issue (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53990/26]
- Special Educational Needs
207. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 378 of 7 July 2026, if she will provide information on the identified level of need in the school planning...
- School Accommodation
208. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her views on the need to develop additional accommodation for a school (details supplied). [54058/26]
- Schools Building Projects
209. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her views on the need for a permanent school building for a school (details supplied). [54059/26]
- Special Educational Needs
210. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide an update, including a timeline, on the new ASD classes for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the...
- Teaching Council of Ireland
214. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware of concerns raised by Irish teachers returning from teaching overseas regarding the Teaching Council registration process; the...
- Special Educational Needs
215. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school’s (details supplied) SEN re-purposing grant was refused; if the school can re-apply given that there will be five SEN...
- Departmental Schemes
216. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the current status of an application by a school (details supplied) under the emergency works scheme; when decisions will be issued; and if she...
- School Facilities
217. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the current position regarding the application for funding under the summer works scheme in respect of a science laboratory project at a school...
- Special Educational Needs
219. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if there are plans to progress a special school for second-level age students in Cork. [54109/26]
- Departmental Data
220. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children eligible for a special school place aged 12 years or up availing of the Home Tuition programme in the 2025-2026 school...
- National Educational Psychological Service
221. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children that received a NEPS assessment in Cork in 2025; and the number on the waiting list. [54111/26]
- Education Schemes
222. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools that applied for DEIS Plus status; the schools that were not accepted; and whether she intends to extend the scheme...
- Special Educational Needs
223. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of SET hours allocated in Cork per student in the 2025-2026 school year; and the number for the 2026-2027 school year. [54113/26]
- Schools Building Projects
227. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update on a school (details supplied) and the need for a new school building. [54145/26]
- Departmental Data
228. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the funding provided through the ICT grant to Cork schools, or nationally, in each of the years 2019 to date in 2026, in tabular form. [54146/26]
- Youth Services
231. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the current level of funding provided for youth work services in 2026; if additional funding will be allocated in Budget 2027 to support the...
- Departmental Circulars
232. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department has considered the timing of the issuing of circulars to schools; and if efforts will be taken to avoid sending circulars at...
- Youth Services
233. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will ensure that additional funding is provided for youth services in 2027; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54240/26]
- Education Schemes
234. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on the City Connects Programme; if she plans to expand the scheme on a wider pilot basis; and if she will make a...
- Special Educational Needs
235. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications, places available and waiting lists for each of the 14 reading classes nationwide for each of the past five school...
- Department of Culture, Communications and Sport
- National Broadband Plan
239. To ask the Minister for Culture, Culture, Communications and Sport the number of premises in County Clare connected under the National Broadband Plan to date; the number remaining; the...
- Post Office Network
240. To ask the Minister for Culture, Culture, Communications and Sport the number of post offices operating in County Clare, and to provide corresponding figures for 2016. [53843/26]
- Telecommunications Services
241. To ask the Minister for Culture, Culture, Communications and Sport the number of mobile phone coverage blackspots identified in County Clare and to outline any plans to address them. [53844/26]
- Official Engagements
242. To ask the Minister for Culture, Culture, Communications and Sport the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with the Members of the European Commission; and if...
- Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government
- Grant Payments
243. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to review correspondence from a person (details supplied); if he will clarify if this grant is available; and if he will make...
- Wastewater Treatment
244. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to provide an update on his Department's efforts to address deficits in wastewater infrastructure in the villages of...
- Housing Policy
245. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government whether his Department has examined the potential for a nationally supported and professionally managed home sharing programme...
- Planning Issues
246. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the proposed changes to planning exemption regulations; the timeline for these changes to be implemented; and if he will make...
- Housing Policy
247. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he has considered legislation to allow social housing tenants whose joint tenant has been abusive to them and there is a...
- Housing Schemes
249. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he is aware of a practice of local authorities advising prospective applicants that they will not consider two-bedroom...
- Defective Building Materials
250. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the timeframe for a review of IS 465:2026 to be completed; when the technical reviews will commence; when those affected by...
- Building Regulations
251. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the specific timeline for the signing and enactment of the Building Standards Agency (Establishment) Order; the precise...
- Departmental Meetings
252. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with Members of the European Commission; and if he will...
- Housing Policy
253. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if a qualified child Increase payment from the Department of Social Protection is reckonable as income when assessing for...
- Housing Schemes
255. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the total annual cost of all home purchasing assistance schemes, including the help to buy scheme, Local Authority affordable...
- Departmental Schemes
256. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of allowances paid under the mortgage allowance scheme in each of the years 2015 to 2025 and to date in 2026,...
- Regulatory Bodies
259. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government for an update on the programme for Government commitment to establish a regulator for owners’ management companies; and...
- Legislative Measures
260. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when section 5 of the Electoral Act 2022 will be commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54025/26]
- Compulsory Purchase Orders
261. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the funding provided for CPO of properties; and the number of properties CPOed in each of the past five years, by local...
- Derelict Sites
262. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when he will publish data on the derelict sites levies collected in 2025. [54080/26]
- Departmental Data
263. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of issues identified by stock audits; the number of units for which issues were identified; and the estimated cost...
- Housing Policy
265. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government when the social housing passport will be introduced. [54088/26]
- Housing Provision
266. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the total number of affordable homes that have been built in Cork city in each of the past five years; the total amount...
- Departmental Data
268. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of funded cost rental units to be delivered in Cork in each of the next three years, in tabular form. [54149/26]
- Legislative Measures
272. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government for an update on legislative amendments to allow for the renaming of streets. [54178/26]
- Local Authorities
273. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of WTE vacant homes officers employed, by local authority, in tabular form. [54179/26]
- Departmental Staff
274. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of people employed in the vacant homes unit in his Department in each of the past five years, by grade. [54180/26]
- Departmental Expenditure
275. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the amount spent on private planning consultancy firms by his Department, to date in 2026. [54183/26]
- Departmental Staff
276. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of persons employed in planning roles in his Department. [54184/26]
- Departmental Data
277. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the amount allocated under URDF funding, by project; and the amount drawn down to date in 2026, in tabular form. [54185/26]
- Planning Issues
278. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied); if his Department is planning to amend the enforcement of the Spatial Planning and...
- Defective Building Materials
279. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government whether his Department has considered expanding the eligibility of the defective concrete block grant scheme to homes that are...
- Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
- Departmental Data
280. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the funding provided to MABS in each of the past five years. [54161/26]
- Social Welfare Benefits
281. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to carry out an urgent review in respect of means in relation to a carer's allowance application (details supplied); and if...
- European Union
282. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with Members of the European Commission; and if he...
- Domestic Violence
283. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the supports available through his Department for victims of domestic violence; the number of recipients of these supports in...
- Social Welfare Benefits
284. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated full-year cost of extending eligibility for the fuel allowance to all people with disabilities at the current...
- Social Welfare Rates
285. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the additional yearly cost of increasing weekly rates for carer’s allowance for all up to €350 per week per...
- Social Welfare Payments
286. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); if he will provide an update on the working family payment...
- State Pensions
288. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated first year and full year cost of lowering the retirement age to 65. [54017/26]
- Disability Issues
289. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of self-employed people who have a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54018/26]
- Social Welfare Schemes
290. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the average wait time for an urgent needs payment in Cork. [54169/26]
- Community Employment Schemes
293. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of people employed under a CE scheme in Cork currently and in each of the past five years, in tabular form. [54172/26]
- Departmental Correspondence
294. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to review correspondence from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54219/26]
- Department of Justice and Equality
- Immigration Support Services
295. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the average processing time for IRP renewals, by quarter, in each of the past three years and in 2026 to date; and if he will...
- Gambling Sector
296. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the consumer-protection measures that will apply where Irish consumers use unlicensed online gambling platforms that do not...
- Prison Service
298. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of prisoners under 21 years-of-age; the number in each institution; the number of such prisoners who are on...
- Probate Applications
299. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the average length of time taken, from application to the issuing of a grant, for grants of probate and grants of...
- International Protection
302. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will undertake a review of section 26 of the International Protection Act 2015 to determine whether amendments are...
- EU Meetings
306. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with Members of the European Commission; and if he will...
- Court Procedures
307. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will publish the advice that he has received in relation to the constitutionality of the ban of a use of counselling...
- Legislative Measures
308. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality for an update on the progression of the Inspection of Places of Detention Bill; if he will consider extending remit of the Bill...
- Citizenship Applications
309. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of occasions on which Irish citizenship has been revoked under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 since...
- Domestic Violence
317. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of domestic abuse refuge beds in Cork in each of the past five years, in tabular form. [54087/26]
- An Garda Síochána
318. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Gardaí currently working in each of the Garda stations in Cork, by rank, in tabular form. [54176/26]
- Legal Aid
319. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to provide a list of the names of solicitors that are included on the Criminal Legal Aid panel as of 10 July 2026; and if he...
- An Garda Síochána
322. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the average processing time for Garda vetting in Cork currently. [54193/26]
- Child Abuse
323. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to urgently address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54223/26]
- Fines Administration
324. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of speeding fines that have been issued at a location (details supplied) up to and including 30 June 2026; and if he...
- Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence
325. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of women who have died in violent circumstances in the State since January 2022, by year; the number of these cases...
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
- Fishing Industry
326. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on ongoing work to secure a national quota for bluefin tuna; and if he will make a statement on the matter....
- EU Meetings
327. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with the Members of the European Commission; and if he will...
- Grant Payments
328. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an outstanding payment for a person (details supplied) under the water EIP scheme; and if he will make a statement on...
- Agriculture Schemes
330. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of applications received under the fuel income support scheme, by county; the number approved, refused and awaiting...
- Control of Horses
338. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding provided to Cork City Council for the control of horses in each of the first six months in each of the past five years,...
- Department of Children, Disability and Equality
- Early Childhood Care and Education
339. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if assistance can be offered to a preschool (details supplied); the reason funding was ceased; if AIM level 7 funding will be...
- Disability Services
340. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to outline the number of people awaiting an initial appointment in each of the CDNTs in Cork, by waiting time in six monthly...
- Early Childhood Care and Education
343. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children currently on waiting lists for early learning and childcare places, including children under one, one to two...
- Childcare Services
346. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the impact of recent fee caps and affordability measures on childcare costs for parents; the estimated average saving per family;...
- Early Childhood Care and Education
349. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children with additional needs accessing early learning and childcare services in Cork city and county; the supports...
- Childcare Services
350. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of childcare services in Cork city and county currently operating at full capacity; the number with waiting lists; the...
- Disability Services
352. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of WTE physiotherapists posts filled at Kilkenny children's disability network team as of 30 June 2026; and if she will...
- Disabilities Assessments
356. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of County Clare children awaiting an assessment of need under the Disability Act 2005, broken down by waiting time. [53841/26]
- Childcare Services
357. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will provide an update on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53869/26]
- EU Meetings
358. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the range of topics covered and the outcome of her discussions in Cork with Members of the European Commission; and if she will make...
- Patient Safety
359. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will introduce a national safeguarding authority to ensure improved safeguarding duties, accountability mechanisms and...
- Childcare Services
360. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she is aware of the disparity whereby childcare providers operating on school grounds may be exempt from commercial rates, while...
- Child and Family Agency
364. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department is aware of delays in the opening of a new creche (details supplied) due to Tusla sign-off, given the current...
- Department of Health
- Law Reform Commission
365. To ask the Minister for Health when she will bring forward comprehensive safeguarding legislation, as recommended in the Law Reform Commission Report ‘A Regulatory Framework for Adult...
- Disability Diagnoses
366. To ask the Minister for Health if she will review the case of a person (details supplied); if she will provide an update on the referrals to speech therapy, physiotherapy, and autism...
- Health Service Executive
367. To ask the Minister for Health the number of HSE test purchase inspections carried out under the Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023, by county, in each of the...
- Medicinal Products
368. To ask the Minister for Health the steps being taken to address the shortage of bumetanide, which has been in short supply since early May 2026 with an expected return date of the end of the...
- Pharmacy Services
370. To ask the Minister for Health the number of community pharmacies participating in the common conditions service; the findings to date of the data collection exercise involving the 150 data...
- Vaccination Programme
371. To ask the Minister for Health the number of pneumococcal vaccinations administered under the community pharmacy pneumococcal vaccination service for eligible persons aged 65 years and over...
- Pharmacy Services
372. To ask the Minister for Health the number of community pharmacy contractors that have provided notice of participation in Phase 1 of the BowelScreen community pharmacy intervention; the...
- Health Services
374. To ask the Minister for Health the current operational status of the medically supervised injecting facility following the conclusion of its pilot phase in June 2026; when the final...
- Healthcare Policy
375. To ask the Minister for Health whether her Department has assessed the case for mandatory folic acid fortification of staple foods, in view of Ireland's rates of neural tube defects...
- Disabilities Assessments
376. To ask the Minister for Health the reason persons with dementia are not routinely assessed for disability services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53773/26]
- Health Services
377. To ask the Minister for Health her plans to improve care for those diagnosed with dementia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53774/26]
- Disabilities Assessments
378. To ask the Minister for Health to consider implementing dementia supports that are based on a disability assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53775/26]
- Healthcare Policy
379. To ask the Minister for Health whether her Department has assessed the potential role of professionally managed home sharing as a preventative support to help older people remain living...
- Medicinal Products
381. To ask the Minister for Health if she will provide an update on the HSE's consideration of Skyclarys for the treatment of Friedreich's ataxia; the reason the drug was not included on the...
- Hospital Services
382. To ask the Minister for Health if she will establish a national movement neurophysiology laboratory at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital to provide diagnostic and treatment support...
- Health Screening Programmes
388. To ask the Minister for Health if her Department and the HSE are aware of undue delays in a case (details supplied); the reason for the delay; the plans her Department and the HSE have to...
- Health and Safety
389. To ask the Minister for Health if the HSE or the relevant environmental health authorities have carried out an assessment of potential public health risks arising from the condition of a...
- Protected Disclosures
390. To ask the Minister for Health in cases in which correspondence addressed to the Minister is considered capable of constituting a protected disclosure, but the Department states that the...
- Departmental Strategies
391. To ask the Minister for Health when the next national cancer strategy will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53828/26]
- Health Services Staff
392. To ask the Minister for Health the progress in recruiting staff outside this State for employment in the HSE to provide a range of healthcare services; and if she will make a statement on...
- Ambulance Service
394. To ask the Minister for Health the average ambulance response times for emergency call-outs in County Clare during each of the past three years, broken down by call category; and the...
- Hospital Waiting Lists
396. To ask the Minister for Health the number of patients waiting longer than 6, 12 and 24 months for outpatient appointments at University Hospital Limerick who are resident in County Clare,...
- Nursing Homes
397. To ask the Minister for Health the number of nursing home beds in County Clare, broken down by public and private providers. [53840/26]
- EU Meetings
398. To ask the Minister for Health the range of topics covered and the outcome of her discussions in Cork with the Members of the European Commission; and if she will make a statement on the...
- Health Services
399. To ask the Minister for Health whether her Department has undertaken any assessment of the experience and outcomes of patients with complex childhood-onset conditions following their...
- Medicinal Products
400. To ask the Minister for Health to confirm whether nirsevimab, the RSV vaccine, will be made available by the HSE for newborn babies from September 2026; and if she will make a statement on...
- Obesity Levels
401. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated cost placed on the cost of obesity in Ireland annually; the way in which it is measured; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53944/26]
- Medical Aids and Appliances
402. To ask the Minister for Health if, in view of the absence of an Irish health technology assessment on the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors for persons with type 2 diabetes,...
- Budget 2027
404. To ask the Minister for Health to support a pre-budget submission (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53975/26]
- Medical Cards
405. To ask the Minister for Health if she will review the case of the persons (details supplied); the reasons they were awarded GP visit cards rather than full medical cards; and if she will...
- Budget 2027
406. To ask the Minister for Health if she will give detailed consideration to nudget 2027 proposals by an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54016/26]
- Mental Health Services
407. To ask the Minister for Health if there are publicly funded health facilities in the State currently equipped, staffed and trained to provide inpatient trauma-stabilisation and specialist...
- Disability Services
410. To ask the Minister for Health the timeframe for additional permanent respite beds to become available in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54057/26]
- Substance Misuse
411. To ask the Minister for Health the actions undertaken to support women entering recovery from addiction journeys. [54084/26]
- Addiction Treatment Services
413. To ask the Minister for Health the number of beds, by CHO for women seeking treatment for addiction. [54086/26]
- Health Services Waiting Lists
414. To ask the Minister for Health the number of people awaiting an appointment by specialty in primary care in Cork in six monthly intervals, in tabular form. [54136/26]
- Primary Care Centres
415. To ask the Minister for Health the amount spent on primary care centres in Mayfield, Ballyvolane and Blarney to date; and when these will be delivered. [54137/26]
- Health Services Staff
417. To ask the Minister for Health the number of full-time carers in Cork over the age of 65. [54140/26]
- Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
418. To ask the Minister for Health the funding provided to CKCH for childrens and adults respite respectively in each of the years 2019 to date, in tabular form. [54142/26]
- Health Services Waiting Lists
419. To ask the Minister for Health the total number of people on the waiting list an ophthalmology appointment in Cork; the average waiting time for appointment, in tabular form; and if she will...
- Hospital Staff
420. To ask the Minister for Health the number of medical posts in the emergency department at Naas General Hospital that are currently vacant; and if she will make a statement on the matter....
- Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
425. To ask the Minister for Health the reason the vascular medicine service at St James’s Hospital has been allowed to close; the reason no replacement consultant has been funded to...
- Health Services
426. To ask the Minister for Health the reason patients previously under consultant care in the vascular unit of St. James’s Hospital are not being returned to those consultants; and if...
- Hospital Services
429. To ask the Minister for Health the actions that will be taken to ensure public patients receive safe and timely consultant review in the vascular unit of St. James’s Hospital; and if...
- Health Services
431. To ask the Minister for Health the level of investment currently being made by her Department and the HSE in the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of polyendocrine metabolic...
- Departmental Correspondence
432. To ask the Minister for Health to urgently address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54221/26]
- Health Services Staff
433. To ask the Minister for Health if she has investigated if public-only consultants in laboratories in other public hospitals are engaged in private work on site (details supplied); if other...
- An Garda Síochána
434. To ask the Minister for Health the average processing time for Garda vetting in Cork currently. [54259/26]
- Department of Education and Skills
- Education and Training Boards
435. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills for an update in relation to the developments relating to staff cuts and cancellation of English classes in GRETB; and if he will make a...
- EU Presidency
436. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with Members of the European Commission; and if he will make a statement...
- Public Sector Pensions
437. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 293 of 7 July 2026, the reason researchers in technological universities are prevented from accessing the...
- Further and Higher Education
438. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students expected to enrol in Cork universities in September. [54165/26]
- Student Accommodation
439. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of purpose built student accommodation units available in Cork city in September. [54166/26]
- Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht
- Dormant Accounts Fund
440. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the sums which remain in dormant accounts funding, if the fund is due to cease to exist, the plans for replacement; and if he will...
- Men's Sheds
441. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht for an update on funding for men's sheds (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53949/26]
- Departmental Schemes
442. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when town centres first applications will reopen; the amount of funding provided, by town under the scheme; and his views on...
- EU Presidency
444. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with Members of the European Commission; and if he will...
- Departmental Schemes
445. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht for a list of the projects approved and funding allocated under LEADER in Dublin for Lucan north and Castleknock since 2020. [54019/26]
- Irish Language
446. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to review and give consideration to funding in Budget 2027 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter....
