Parliamentary questions

Hospital Facilities

Éamon Ó Cuív

1749. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the progress made to date with the development of the new emergency department and women’s and children’s block at University Hospital Galway, Newcastle Road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42922/22]

Hospital Facilities

Éamon Ó Cuív

1750. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the progress made to date with the development of a comprehensive cancer care facility at University Hospital Galway which will enable all cancer services to be located within one block as a hospital within a hospital and which has been escalated in the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42923/22]

Forbairt Calaí agus Céanna

Éamon Ó Cuív

2112. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén uair a chuirfear tús leis an obair ar an gconradh dreideála ag calafort Ros’ a Mhíl; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [42567/22]

Rural Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

2171. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when applications for the town and village renewal scheme 2022 will be approved; the steps in the process; the maximum amount of funding for any one project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42225/22]

Rural Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

2172. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department has an application on hand (details supplied) under the town and village renewal scheme 2022; when a decision will be made on it; the number of steps in the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42226/22]

Rural Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

2173. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of rural schemes, other than LEADER, that her Department has introduced for the development of infrastructure in rural areas outside of towns and villages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42227/22]

Community Development Projects

Éamon Ó Cuív

2174. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when decisions will be made under the Community Centres Investment Fund; the total amount of funding available for this; the total number of applications received; the amount of the fund directed towards energy generation and energy efficiency at community centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42229/22]

Community Development Projects

Éamon Ó Cuív

2175. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when a decision will be made on an application for funding under the Community Centres Investment Fund (details supplied);; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42230/22]

Community Development Projects

Éamon Ó Cuív

2176. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she intends introducing a new scheme for the development of new community centres where there is a clear community need for same and where there are projects available that have advanced planning done on them; if there will be a requirement of co-funding from the local authority for such a scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42231/22]

Rural Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

2177. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when decisions will be made on applications under the present round of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund; the number of applications received; the amount of funding available in 2022 for approval; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42233/22]

Rural Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

2178. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when her Department received an application under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund for 2022 (details supplied); when a decision will be made on this application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42234/22]

Forbairt Calaí agus Céanna

Éamon Ó Cuív

2186. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail cén dul chun cinn atá déanta le bliain anuas ar fhorbairt Chéibh an Chalaidh Mhóir in Inis Meáin; cén t-údar go bhfuil an oiread moille le cur chun cinn an togra seo [42623/22]

Community Development Projects

Éamon Ó Cuív

2187. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when a decision will be made on an application under the community centres refurbishment fund 2022 (details supplied);; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42631/22]

Water Supply

Éamon Ó Cuív

2188. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she intends re-instating the group water scheme top-up scheme available under CLÁR from its inception to 2011 to ensure that all houses in the State have access to water at an affordable cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42747/22]

Water Supply

Éamon Ó Cuív

2189. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of group water schemes that availed of the group water scheme top-up scheme under the Clár programme during the lifetime of the scheme; the number of houses connected under the scheme; the total cost of the scheme; if the scheme represented value for money in her view; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42748/22]

Community Development Projects

Éamon Ó Cuív

2192. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when it is intended to seek new expressions of interest for the Community Services Programme in view of the number of suitable possible projects available for the scheme; if it is intended to ensure that all community centres that received State capital funding will have the benefit of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42876/22]

Forbairt na Gaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

600. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén tacaíocht atá á tabhairt i bhfoirm deontas reatha d’Amharclann Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe; an bhfuil i gceist í a mhéadú ar aon dul leis an maoiniú atá ar fáil ón gComhairle Ealaíon don amharclann náisiúnta Bhéarla; cén fáth go bhfuil amharclann na Gaeilge ag fáil cistíocht i bhfad níos lú ná í á chur san áireamh gurb í an Ghaeilge an Teanga Náisiúnta; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [41579/22]

Wastewater Treatment

Éamon Ó Cuív

747. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the discussions that he or his officials have had with the Minister for Rural and Community Development or her officials in relation to the need to provide sewerage services on the Aran Islands, Galway and the possibility of the two Departments making a special allocation of finance for this; the result of these discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41285/22]

Disability Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

2027. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when comprehensive services will be available to autistic children from their local children’s disability network team nationally; the shortfall in staff in each CDNT at present and the grades and specialties involved; the steps that are being taken to rectify this issue; the reason that full early intervention is not being provided given that it is recognised to be vital in terms of long-term outcomes for children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41804/22]

Forbairt Calaí agus Céanna

Éamon Ó Cuív

2142. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén dul chun cinn atá déanta ó mhí Feabhra 2022 ar fhorbairt an chéibh domhan mhara i Ros a Mhíl; cén uair a bhfuil súil obair a thosnú ar an suíomh, dreigeáil san áireamh [41286/22]

Fishing Industry

Éamon Ó Cuív

36. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a new decommissioning scheme for fishing vessels will be announced; the conditions that will apply to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38514/22]

Agriculture Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

57. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the new acres agri-environmental scheme will be announced; the special conditions that will apply on designated land in terms of co-operation between farmers; if this scheme will apply to commonage land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38515/22]

Social Welfare Eligibility

Éamon Ó Cuív

98. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection the reasoning behind the method of assessing capital under the various means tested schemes; if she intends on reforming this to ensure a more equitable system of assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38517/22]

Sports Events

Éamon Ó Cuív

238. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 185 of 23 June 2022, if he will follow up with the National Transport Authority; the reason that a detailed response was not issued which he referred to it for a response within ten days; if he will ensure in the future that such replies issue within the ten-day timeframe mentioned in the reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39047/22]

Housing Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

283. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance if he will change the 70% borrowing rule in relation to the minimum eligible amount of borrowing for the help-to-buy scheme to exclude the value of the site in assessing the gross value of the house for the purpose of the scheme and instead base it on a minimum of 70% of the actual construction cost of the house being borrowed in the case of single houses built on land gifted by a parent or close relative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39044/22]

Flood Risk Management

Éamon Ó Cuív

330. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Minister of State at his Department or the Office of Public Works have yet convened a meeting with the Department of Transport and Mayo County Council in relation to funding the South Mayo flood relief scheme that is urgently needed; if not, when this meeting will be convened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39040/22]

Departmental Policies

Éamon Ó Cuív

362. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if persons whose houses were repossessed and sold are eligible to apply for local authority loans to purchase a new house; if not, if he intends to change the rules to afford these persons a second chance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39024/22]

Legislative Process

Éamon Ó Cuív

363. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when it is hoped that the review by his Department of the amendments made in Seanad Éireann to the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2016 will be completed in order that he can bring a memorandum to Government seeking approval to have the Bill restored to the Order Paper of Dáil Éireann; the reason for the delay with this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39030/22]

School Transport

Éamon Ó Cuív

467. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education the arrangements that have been made to compensate school bus service providers for the unprecedented increase in the price of fuel for buses; the discussions that have taken place with representative organisations of these service providers in relation to this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38808/22]

Departmental Policies

Éamon Ó Cuív

485. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education if it is intended to provide funding for special ongoing day programmes for children going to special primary schools that would cover a structured programme of school-based activities during the school holidays each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39026/22]

Special Educational Needs

Éamon Ó Cuív

489. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education if she will change the criteria that reasonable accommodations of certificate examinations apply for the appointment of readers for leaving Certificate examination students to allow readers to include language modifiers for Leaving certificate candidates whose disability has a very substantial and long-term effect resulting in very persistent and significant difficulties in accessing and processing information and whose role would be to clarify the carrier language in the examination paper when requested to do so by the examination candidate and who would be prohibited from explaining technical terms or subject-specific terms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39041/22]

Social Welfare Eligibility

Éamon Ó Cuív

516. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department has examined and costed the proposals in relation to means testing made by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development and the Islands in 2021; if the changes proposed will be included in the consideration by her Department for budget 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34171/22]

Social Welfare Eligibility

Éamon Ó Cuív

517. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department has examined the effect of means testing as a barrier to persons either engaging in self-employment or employment or increasing their income from both; if so, the results of this examination; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34172/22]

Social Welfare Appeals

Éamon Ó Cuív

539. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection if it is proposed to limit the right of an appellant to the independent social welfare appeals office to seek and obtain an oral hearing; if appeals officers have to seek permission from senior management before granting an oral hearing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39037/22]

Social Welfare Appeals

Éamon Ó Cuív

540. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection if the chief appeals officer of the social welfare appeals office has also been given responsibility for the decisions advisory body of the Department itself; the reason for this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39038/22]

Social Welfare Eligibility

Éamon Ó Cuív

541. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection if she intends on removing the cap on total credited contributions for home caring periods and the age cap on foster children for eligibility for caring contributions by foster parents given the major and necessary contribution they make to society and to vulnerable persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39043/22]

Third Level Costs

Éamon Ó Cuív

615. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the income and fee supports that are available to persons who are undertaking university doctorates; the plans to improve these supports given the need to encourage more persons to pursue higher-level fourth level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38821/22]

Prison Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

652. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice if it is intended to publish all prison chaplain reports that were not published to date and were submitted to the governor of each prison and to the Director General of the Irish Prison Service under prison rules (details supplied);; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39023/22]

Prison Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

653. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when she received the report of the Inspector of Prisons on the Dóchas Centre (women’s prison); when it will be published; the actions taken by her as a result of the recommendations in the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39035/22]

An Garda Síochána

Éamon Ó Cuív

654. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 299 of 12 May 2022, if she has yet received the information she sought from An Garda Síochána given the fact that two months have elapsed since the question was asked; if she will follow up on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39046/22]

Budget 2023

Éamon Ó Cuív

675. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health whether it is intended to announce an accessible budget for disability in order that persons with disabilities and their families can understand the number of existing and new residential supports, day places and respite supports that are provided in the forthcoming Budget and the relationship between these supports and the capacity review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39042/22]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

685. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if the pandemic bonus payment to front line workers of €1,000 was paid to all primary health care workers, including primary care workers working with the Travelling community; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38817/22]

Health Services Staff

Éamon Ó Cuív

686. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of district medical officers on salary from the HSE in the State; the location of each; the increase in salary for these doctors in the past ten years; the basis on which their salary is set; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38824/22]

Health Service Executive

Éamon Ó Cuív

710. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason that pensioners who used to work for the HSE and received their salaries on a fortnightly basis receive their pension on a monthly basis in arrears; if he intends on instructing the HSE to pay these pensions at the same frequency as they were paid their salaries while working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39028/22]

Health Services Staff

Éamon Ó Cuív

711. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if workers who work for a contractor providing catering services in a hospital (details supplied) and work alongside HSE catering staff will be paid the €1,000 pandemic bonus payment similar to directly employed HSE catering staff; if not, the reason, given the equal contribution both sets of workers made and the risks they took; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39029/22]

Medicinal Products

Éamon Ó Cuív

713. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when children between six and 11 years of age will be given access to a drug for cystic fibrosis (details supplied); the reason for the delay in doing this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39036/22]

Health Service Executive

Éamon Ó Cuív

714. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1446, 1447 and 1448 of 14 June 2022, if he will follow up with the HSE as to the reason that detailed responses were not issued; if he will seek an explanation as to the reason that detailed replies did not issue in relation to these questions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39048/22]

Animal Diseases

Éamon Ó Cuív

884. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the assistance available to farmers whose herds are locked up due to bovine tuberculosis being found in their herd; if it is intended to improve this assistance given the increase in the cost of maintaining stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39025/22]

Gníomhaireachtaí Rannacha

Éamon Ó Cuív

885. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara an dtógfaidh sé ceist le Bord Iascaigh Mhara faoi cén fáth nár sheol siad freagra chugam nuair a d’iarr sé orthu amhlaidh a dhéanamh i dtaca le ceist pharlaiminte a chuir mé ar an 21/6/2022 (sonraí tugtha); an gcuirfidh sé ina luí orthu an tábhacht a bhaineann le ceisteanna den sórt seo a fhreagairt go pras; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [39045/22]

Island Communities

Éamon Ó Cuív

909. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the present maximum adult islander fare charged on subsidised island ferry services; the increase or decrease in this in the past five years; the number of islands that have subsidised and non-subsidised ferry services operated by different operators on the same routes to islands; the names of the islands that have such services; if she intends on decreasing the islander fares charged to travel to and from the islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39027/22]

Heritage Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

229. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to increase the thatching grant in line with the actual cost of re-thatching houses given the small number of vernacular older thatched cottages that are still in existence and their historic importance; if he plans to remove the condition of the scheme that the house has to be the primary dwelling of the owner to receive the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38193/22]

Heritage Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

230. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the estimated number of older vernacular thatched houses still in existence; the amount paid out in thatching grants in 2021 under the thatching grant scheme; the number of beneficiaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38194/22]

Medical Cards

Éamon Ó Cuív

148. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of increasing the medical card income guidelines for all those under 70 years of age to the rate that pertains at present to general practitioner cards and abolishing the general practitioner card for those under 70 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37493/22]

Forestry Sector

Éamon Ó Cuív

1142. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made in relation to a felling licence application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway, given the initial application has been lodged with his Department since 2018; if he can assure the Deputy a decision will issue without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38053/22]

Grant Payments

Éamon Ó Cuív

40. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current levels of qualifying income for third level SUSI grants and fees; the average household income in the State at the moment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36660/22]

Third Level Education

Éamon Ó Cuív

52. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the purposes for which the extra funding for third level education recently announced by him will be used; the amount of this extra funding that will be available in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36659/22]

Children in Care

Éamon Ó Cuív

133. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the rate of payment per week to foster parents for the care of foster children both from Tusla and from private agencies; the increase in this rate since 2008; the rate of household inflation since 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36661/22]

Disability Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

314. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when it is intended to publish the Action Plan for the Disability Capacity Review; the reason for the delay with this; if funding will be provided in this year's budget to implement this plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36662/22]

Visa Applications

Éamon Ó Cuív

177. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when a decision will be made in relation to an application for a visa submitted by a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in making a decision on the application especially given the very urgent need for care workers in the nursing home in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36378/22]

Visa Applications

Éamon Ó Cuív

178. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when a decision will be made in relation to an application for a visa submitted by a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in making a decision on the application especially given the very urgent need for care workers in the nursing home in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36379/22]

Visa Applications

Éamon Ó Cuív

179. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when a decision will be made in relation to an application for a visa submitted by a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in making a decision on the application especially given the very urgent need for care workers in the nursing home in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36380/22]

Visa Applications

Éamon Ó Cuív

180. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when a decision will be made in relation to an application for a visa submitted by a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in making a decision on the application especially given the very urgent need for care workers in the nursing home in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36381/22]

Visa Applications

Éamon Ó Cuív

181. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when a decision will be made in relation to an application for a visa submitted by a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in making a decision on the application especially given the very urgent need for care workers in the nursing home in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36382/22]

Visa Applications

Éamon Ó Cuív

182. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when a decision will be made in relation to an application for a visa submitted by a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in making a decision on the application especially given the very urgent need for care workers in the nursing home in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36383/22]

Northern Ireland

Éamon Ó Cuív

45. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the consideration she has given to the most recent report of the independent reporting committee that was set up under the Fresh Start Agreement to monitor progress on tackling paramilitary activity in Northern Ireland; the actions, if any, she intends taking based on the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35993/22]

Northern Ireland

Éamon Ó Cuív

527. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the consideration that she has given to the most recent report of the independent reporting committee which was set up under the Fresh Start Agreement to monitor progress on tackling paramilitary activity in Northern Ireland; the actions, if any, that she intends on taking based on the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35932/22]

Northern Ireland

Éamon Ó Cuív

528. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice the ongoing contact that she or her Department has with the Northern Ireland Justice Department in relation to matters of North-South interest; when she last met the Minister for Justice in that jurisdiction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35933/22]

Irish Language

Éamon Ó Cuív

25. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education the special language supports in Irish and English that are being given to children from Ukraine who are attending Gaeltacht schools that are part of the implementation of the Polasaí Oideachas Gaeltachta; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34170/22]

School Funding

Éamon Ó Cuív

72. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education if she intends to provide capital funding under the devolved scheme to upgrade primary schools that were built many years ago and were not substantially refurbished since to bring them up to modern standards, including providing en-suite toilets in each classroom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34140/22]

Sports Funding

Éamon Ó Cuív

140. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when payment of a capital sports grant will be made to a club (details supplied); the reason for the delay with this payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35121/22]

Housing Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

156. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends to announce changes to the household income eligibility for local authority housing before 15 July 2022 given the urgent need to do so; when these eligibility thresholds were last set; the reason for the delay in changing them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35159/22]

Brexit Supports

Éamon Ó Cuív

324. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason fishers who could not achieve the 30 days at sea over the specified period in 2021 due to the closure of the hook and line mackerel fishery in June 2021 a few days after it started are excluded from applying for the Brexit compensation grant; if the scheme will be amended in order that the days of closure of the fishery will be counted as eligible days for the purpose of the scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35151/22]

Cúrsaí Gaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

36. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil i gceist aici coiste a bhunú ar a mbeidh ionadaíocht leathan ag earnáil na gColáistí Gaeilge, ar coiste é a dhéanfadh moltaí faoin gcaoi is fearr na coláistí a chur in oiriúint don saol comhaimseartha agus todhchaí na gColáistí a chinntiú ar mhaithe leis an nGaeilge sa tír ar fad, leis an nGaeilge sa Ghaeltacht agus le geilleagar na Gaeltachta. [34725/22]

Foreign Conflicts

Éamon Ó Cuív

112. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence if he has received a copy of the review of operations following reports of alleged atrocities committed by the Mali Armed Forces; if so, if any involvement of Irish military was found and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33619/22]

Fire Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

283. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if an application has been received from Galway County Council Fire Service for funding to buy a high-pressure, large-volume pump that would be suitable for work in major flood situations as happen reasonably frequently in the area of operation of the authority; if it was received; if so, the date it was received; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34483/22]

Visa Applications

Éamon Ó Cuív

733. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when a decision will be made in relation to an application for a visa in respect of a non-national (details supplied); the reason for the delay in making a decision on this application; the need for the visa to issue urgently to enable the applicant who has secured employment in Ireland, to take up this position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34499/22]

Visa Applications

Éamon Ó Cuív

738. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when a decision will be made in relation to an application for a visa in respect of a non-national (details supplied); the reason for the delay in making a decision on this application; the need for the visa to issue urgently to enable the applicant who has secured employment in Ireland, to take up this position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34619/22]

Hospital Facilities

Éamon Ó Cuív

867. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made to date in the development of an emergency department and women’s and children’s block in University Hospital Galway; when the business case was submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; when a decision will be made on same; the progress to date with the Strategic Assessment Report for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34219/22]

Sports Events

Éamon Ó Cuív

185. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to develop a policy to ensure that as far as possible patrons of large sporting events will be able to travel to these events on public transport; the discussions that he has had with the sporting bodies and the National Transport Authority in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33436/22]

Sports Events

Éamon Ó Cuív

200. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the discussions that she has had with the sporting bodies and the Minister for Transport in relation to the need to ensure that large sporting events are held in the locations that minimise the distance that supporters have to travel to attend and that have good public transport links in place for them in order to reduce the carbon footprint of such events and minimise the cost for patrons attending these events at a time of a climate and cost of living crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33435/22]

Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla

Éamon Ó Cuív

201. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil an Coiste Comhairleach um Sheirbhísí Gaeilge bunaithe mar a shonraítear é in Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), 2021, ó tharla go bhfuil an tAcht i bhfeidhm le sé mhí anuas agus go sonraítear san Acht go mbunófar a leithéid laistigh de shé mhí den Acht a bheith rite. [33437/22]

Traveller Accommodation

Éamon Ó Cuív

226. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the caravan loan scheme for Traveller families was extended nationwide; if the local authorities have been informed of the terms and conditions of the scheme; if it is intended to publish them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33438/22]

Traveller Accommodation

Éamon Ó Cuív

227. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when Traveller families will be able to avail of the caravan loan scheme on a nationwide basis; the maximum amount available for each mobile home or caravan under the scheme; if local authorities will be fully re-imbursed for the cost of the scheme; if the scheme will be confined to new caravans only; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33439/22]

Departmental Funding

Éamon Ó Cuív

351. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education if it is intended to provide capital funding for the upgrade of older primary schools that were not significantly upgraded over the years and are substandard by modern standards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33447/22]

Alcohol Pricing

Éamon Ó Cuív

437. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when it is intended to introduce regulations under section 12 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018; if the regulations in relation to labels will require them to carry a warning in both official languages of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33441/22]

Agriculture Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

456. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when applications will be accepted under the emergency fodder scheme; the areas of the country covered by the scheme; if areas are excluded; the reason for this; if he intends on introducing compensatory measures in the areas excluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33442/22]

Agriculture Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

457. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if hay saved on traditional hay meadow is eligible for assistance under the emergency fodder scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33443/22]

Agriculture Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

458. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is intended to introduce a scheme tin 2022 to incentivise farmers to grow catch crops such as kale and rapeseed as fodder in order to reduce the dependence on imported feedstuffs and to secure further fodder for Irish farmers this coming winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33444/22]

Island Communities

Éamon Ó Cuív

465. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she has made a final decision on whether there will be a reduction of 20% and 50% for students and children to the fares that islanders pay for subsidised ferry and air services to the islands, similar to the fare reduction introduced on mainland bus and rail services; the reason for the delay in making this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33440/22]

Rural Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

466. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the new LEADER programme will be announced and the terms and conditions for the programme published; if non-local community development committee groups will be eligible to apply to run the scheme in all areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33445/22]

Rural Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

467. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if, due to the exclusion of the offshore islands, there will be two lots under the new LEADER programme in Galway, one covering the east of the county and one covering Connemara; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33446/22]

Tax Code

Éamon Ó Cuív

180. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the rate of tax being paid by financial investors on the profit from rents in apartment blocks and other residential property; the rate of tax paid by persons on the profits from rents from apartment blocks and other residential property; the reason for the difference in these rates of tax; if a radical overhaul of this is being examined given the forthcoming budget and the need to have an equitable tax system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32765/22]

School Staff

Éamon Ó Cuív

584. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education the reason that the rule in relation to teachers on career breaks doing unlimited hours of substitution teaching in the coming school year has been changed; if it is intended to review this decision if there is a shortage of substitute teachers available during the coming school year; the maximum number of substitute hours that will be allowed during the coming year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32762/22]

Childcare Services

Éamon Ó Cuív

640. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps he has taken to reduce the cost of childcare in these inflationary times; the steps he has taken to control the increase in childcare costs in the summer months when the early childhood care and education programme is not running; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32795/22]

Scéimeanna Rannach

Éamon Ó Cuív

937. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cén uair a dhéanfar cinneadh faoi iarratas ó dhuine i mo Dháilcheantar (sonraí tugtha) faoin “Scéim um Choigeartú Múnla Gnó Iascaigh Chladaigh Brexit” [32784/22]

Housing Schemes

Éamon Ó Cuív

55. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance if he intends extending the help-to-buy scheme; if so, when he intends announcing same in order to let intending houses purchasers aware; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30330/22]

Tax Credits

Éamon Ó Cuív

67. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the increase in the personal tax credit and the employees tax credit since 2008; the rate of wage inflation in the intervening period; the amount that will be collected by the Revenue Commissioners in universal social charge in 2022; the Exchequer surplus recorded in 2008; the expected surplus in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30331/22]

Civil Service

Éamon Ó Cuív

128. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of general grade civil servants recruited to the civil service with a proven capability to do their work through English and through Irish since the recent enactment by the Houses of the Oireachtas of the amended Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla; if the civil servants with an ability to work in more than one of the official languages of the State or of the European Union are given an allowance for this capability in view of its importance for service provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30333/22]

Public Expenditure Policy

Éamon Ó Cuív

141. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the underspend against profile of gross voted expenditure at the end of May 2022; the percentage involved; the steps he intends taking to rectify this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30332/22]

Íocaíochtaí Deontas

Éamon Ó Cuív

235. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén dul chun cinn atá déanta le trí mhí ag measúnú iarratais (sonraí tugtha) ar dheontas le huasghrádú a dhéanamh ar fhoirgneamh atá tábhachtach do shaol na Gaeilge [31772/22]